New ground was broken in China on Sunday for Secret Hill Farms. The winner of the 2011 Dongchuang Cup was “High Above” who came from behind for victory in the 1800 meter event held in Wuhan.

The five year old son of Amalfi was sold by Magic Millions in 2009 and is the first horse from Secret Hill Farms to race in China.

The Dongchuang Cup was part of a two day meeting held in Wuhan and it was significant that key industry representatives from Australia, England, Ireland, France, USA and Germany were in attendance. The Australian team was well represented at the event and Australian horses won four of the five thoroughbred races contested.

Secret Hill general manager Lyle Plumb, who has recently returned from a long stint in China, attended the festivities and was busy promoting the benefits of buying Australian horses for this emerging market. The potential of emerging new stud farms which require both horses and expertise, means that there are unprecedented opportunities in the future for Australian breeders.

The Wuhan event was part of a horse festival that included a mini Expo, social activities and the International Jockey challenge which was won by the local jockey L H Chende on Sculptor, and owned by Lucky Orient Group.

Magic Millions sales director David Chester was part of a record crowd at Wuhan and he reported an eye catching performance from Gold Coast graduate Namaste in the 1000 metre sprint race on the day.

Namaste came from well back in the field to just get beaten at her third run in China and looks destined to be one of the leading sprinters in the country.