The Meydan Group, developers of the world’s biggest racing complex in Dubai, has now turned its attention to China. The group has announced a 10-year plan to build a 'horse city,' with a spectacularly designed track, international equestrian college, horse breeding centre, auction base

, animal feed factory, and luxury hotel.

The company says it has been invited to develop the complex by the Chinese government, newly interested in becoming a major international racing power. China, which legalized horse racing only two years ago, hopes to emulate the success of Dubai, which in 18 years went from no racing to hosting the world’s richest horse race, the $10 million Dubai World Cup.

Work is scheduled to begin next month on the 660-acre equestrian college, stud farm and feed factory, with completion expected by the end of next year, with the first 1,000 students to be enrolled in 2012.

A second 'horse city' with a stud farm breeding 1,000 horses a year is planned for the mainland city of Wuhan, which sent representatives to Kentucky last year to gain expertise. A 3,600-bed hotel is planned there by the Orient Lucky Horse Corporation, which expects to sell 700 horses at its new auction centre.

In still another indication of the rise of gambling in the Pacific Rim, Las Vegas entrepreneur Steve Wynn said he is considering moving the headquarters of his huge Wynn Resorts gaming empire from Las Vegas to Macau, calling that country the future resort capital of world gaming.

Wynn announced that he is building a third hotel in the region, where his first property produced half of Wynn Resorts’ income last year.

For more on China's major horse racing plans, click here.

(Harness Tracks of America)