Another seven race horses were transported to Conghua Racecourse from Hong Kong on Sept 3, the second batch of horses sent by the Hong Kong Jockey Club to the Guangzhou racecourse since it officially opened on Aug 28.

The day also marked first-time implementation of a new regulation model for cross-border race horse transport by Guangzhou Customs.

From now on, all the transported horses will enjoy the "one-time approval, multiple round trips" service and the speedy on-site customs clearance service which takes just a few seconds. By the end of this year, the number of horses stationed at the Conghua Racecourse is expected to reach 200 to 300.

Another seven race horses arrive at Conghua Racecourse from Hong Kong on Sept 3. [Photo/Guangzhou Daily]

According to staff of Guangzhou Customs, electronic identity cards have been implanted under the skin of the horses' necks which will enable real-time tracking of the horses. 

"Behind the fast customs clearance is actually a series of regulatory innovations and process reforms," said Yang Huacheng, head of the Guangzhou Customs' special watchdog for Conghua Racecourse. He added the "one-time approval, multiple round trips" service will meet the needs of frequent cross-border round-trips for Hong Kong race horses, and allow them to more conveniently participate in races.

A staff member from Guangzhou Customs and a vet examine the physical condition of the horses. [Photo/Guangzhou Daily]

Guangzhou Customs will continue to strengthen cooperation with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of Hong Kong in monitoring of equine animal diseases and seek unification of disease surveillance. To that end, the two cities will carry out unified testing projects, use the same sampling standards and testing methods, and recognize each other's monitoring results.

The vehicle goes through a sterilization process after transporting the horses. [Photo/Guangzhou Daily]