Jockey Michael Cahill enjoys change of pace on quick trip to China

WHEN Michael Cahill embarked on a career as a jockey, he never thought it would take him to visit the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan in Inner Mongolia, China.

Michael Cahill will return to Brisbane on Thursday from his trip to Inner Mongolia. Picture: Tara Croser

WHEN Michael Cahill embarked on a career as a jockey, he never thought it would take him to visit the Mausoleum of Genghis Khan in Inner Mongolia, China.

While other Brisbane jockeys have been booting home winners at Eagle Farm, Cahill has taken the road less travelled to ride for the China Horse Club in Ordos.

Cahill rode at the international race meeting there last weekend, part of an equine and cultural festival that is becoming a key plank of racing’s plans to push into mainland China.

Racing has always been keen to move into China but previous attempts have been stymied, primarily because gambling has been banned on the mainland since the Communist takeover in 1949.

Times appear to be changing and the Government has flagged the possibility of legalising some forms of betting, meaning the Mongolian meeting could be the forerunner of a bold racing expansion.

Cahill will return to Brisbane on Thursday and ride at Doomben on Saturday after enjoying the race riding and sightseeing experience in Inner Mongolia.

“It has been a great experience riding on the sand track here,” Cahill said, from Inner Mongolia. “There is a grandstand which seats about 27,000 people and there were about 24,000 people watching the races, so they certainly love their racing.

“I also got the chance to do some sightseeing and see the Genghis Khan Mausoleum, which is something I will always remember.”

Originally published as Jockey Michael Cahill enjoys change of pace on quick trip to China