One of China's latest moves in reform and opening-up is the initiative to make all of its southernmost Hainan Province a free-trade port. The government said it will allow horse racing and new types of sports lotteries there to attract tourism and investment. This new policy on Hainan has triggered speculation on how far the country can go in its future reforms.

Many people are adamant about racing's key role in Hainan's opening-up. Many are pressing ahead with ambitious schemes. Chen Zhifeng, the founder of Xinjiang-based Ye Ma Trading Group, said as the policy of horse race is in effect, he will do all he can to make the industry grow. He now has the world's largest stable of Akhal-tekes, known as "blood-sweating" horses for their color.

Hainan's economy is growing slowly, and its real estate industry has been cooling. Horse racing could give tourism a huge boost. Despite the tropical weather, Chen says horse racing is suitable for the province, aside from only three summer months. Betting on horses is banned on the mainland. But as China continues to open up, many people are pushing for liberalization, hoping for a change someday.

Many say the guidelines need to be clarified, and that's why Hainan's horse industry is standing still. "As long as China loosens the reins for racing, the entire country's economy will be stimulated. The equine economy will develop fast. I hope horse racing can become the most powerful engine of Hainan's free-trade port, leading China's economy to achieve leapfrog development in the future," said Chen Zhifeng. 

Despite uncertainties on Hainan's horse race, Cheng Zhifeng is optimistic about the outlook for horse-race betting. He believes breaking through the barriers in people's minds, the idea of being constrained by capitalism or society, will only be a matter of time.

(Cover: Horse training at the Ye Ma Trading Group in Xinjiang. /Ye Ma Group Photo)