Dear members, partners, sponsors and colleagues,
There is no escaping the challenges all businesses are currently facing in this very fluid Covid-19 world. Our group is no different. Considering this uncertainty, as well as the requirements to pivot and adapt at short notice, the achievements realized across the TAK Group of Companies in 2021 are very heartening. Results hard earned during these challenging times are the foundation that will allow our corporations to continue to grow and succeed when better times arrive.
A special mention must be made of China Horse Club when reviewing this year. More established than the Pearl of the Caribbean affiliated Desert Star Group (DSG), Homestead Success Incorporated (HSI) and Royal Saint Lucia Turf Club (RSLTC), and allowed to operate in key markets where these peers and our hotels have not, China Horse Club has delivered excellence throughout the year. In time, we believe that younger companies within our group will achieve equally meaningful results.
Homestead Success Inc is the newest of the companies within our family. In its first full-year of operation it has established itself as a reputable information portal for people looking for citizenship solutions. It also continues to grow a network of international partners to promote Saint Lucia’s Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP) as well as its partner, the Pearl of the Caribbean.
Notable achievements in 2021:
- Partnerships: Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region; South-East Asia; China; Europe and LATA(Mexico). Is in detailed discussions with agencies active in India, Pakistan, Russia, Southeast Asia and the United Kingdom;
- Reach: Unique viewers from 102 countries on HSI’s website and other digital platforms;
- Promotion: Successfully promoted programs to Chinese audience at the 2021 Shenzhen Global Summit of Exit & Entry Industry Convention;
- Efficiency: Successfully proceed applications at a record 54 days;
- Selected as the exclusive promoter for the world’s first ‘CIP by Education’
(Desert Star Group, Teo A. Khing Design Consultants, Royal Saint Lucia Turf Club):
It is no secret that the impacts of the pandemic have been felt more acutely in some regions than others. The last two years in Saint Lucia have been challenging. Steps correctly taken by government to try to combat the economic and social damage of the pandemic have limited what is possible to be achieved. But progress has certainly been made.
Following on from Alpina Saint Lucia Hotel and Alpina Saint Lucia Square being formalized as Approved CIP Projects in 2020, it was encouraging to see the following progressive steps taken in the first half of the year.
- 18th January 2021: Tender Closing (Alpina Square – Site A)
- 27th January 2021: DCA Approval of Alpina Square – Site A)
- 19th March 2021: Tender Closing (Road to hilltop – Site A)
- 26th April 2021: Royal Crescentia (St. Lucia) Limited granted exception from Alien Landholding License
- 10th May 2021: Agreement signed for the sale of the Alpina Hotel plot
In concert with the above, it is exciting to publicly advise for the first time of the progress Teo A. Khing Design Consultants has made for the planning for the first phase of the Pearl of the Caribbean (POTC) Lagoon – a central feature of Site A. POTC Lagoon is the first luxury lagoon retreat of its kind in the southern Caribbean. This single all-inclusive project is set on neighbouring complementary sites and is a jewel within the Equine Lagoon site (Site A).
The introduction of POTC Lagoon syncs with the planned construction of the neighbouring Alpina Saint Lucia Hotel. This CIP approved development will be an integrated hotel in the heart of the Pearl of the Caribbean. Collectively, these new facilities have clear synergies with the upgrading of the nearby Hewanorra International Airport and the planned cruise ship home port just to the airport’s south. They will provide enhanced entertainment and accommodation solutions, in the process, helping invigorate the local economy and stimulating long term job creation. Stay tuned for more exciting updates on these projects.
With the exception of the Club’s breakout 2018, which was defined by Justify and his undefeated U.S. Triple Crown opus and a staggering 12 G1 wins worldwide, China Horse Club has just completed its most exceptional calendar year ever. The numbers tell the story – 19 stakes wins, six individual G1 winners and new stallion prospects, a raft of ‘firsts’ as well as exceptional sales results in Australia, Britain and the U.S. And of course, all shared with wonderful partners.
When planning for the creation of the China Horse Club almost a decade ago, it would have been beyond audacious to dream of years like 2021. The body of work has demonstrated a consistent excellence in both racing and breeding across varied markets. A year like this is due reward for belief, investment, creativity and discipline and, importantly, it will help propel the Club into the new year with added verve. No journey is easy. There is every reason to pause on this occasion and take pride in these achievements.
Off the back of such heady results, it is exceedingly exciting to see the continued evolution of China Horse Club. A new partnership with Singapore based Ghandarvi Racing brings with it appealing possibilities.
In 2021, Ghandarvi Racing and China Horse Club have partnered in a promising colt in Britain as well as a portfolio of 12 yearling colts and fillies in the U.S. The shared goals, complimentary attributes and progressive outlooks of Ghandarvi Racing and China Horse Club make for an exciting future.
It is equally rewarding to see established members and new members buy into this U.S. yearling portfolio under the China Horse Club banner. Partnerships are the foundation of our Club. There is no result more rewarding than shared success. And when looking at this next generation in the U.S. and Australia as well as established stars in Life Is Good, Americanrevolution, In The Congo, Wild Ruler, Captivant, Stay Inside and Artorius there is every reason to believe the China Horse Club will continue on its positive trajectory in 2022.
In concert with the growing presence of China Horse Club in Australia, Gumuny Holdings has expanded its footprint in the NSW Southern Highlands this year with the purchasing of premium land parcel for AUD6 million. Located adjacent to Southern Highlands Winery, already part of the portfolio of Gumuny Holdings, this 100 acre property will allow for the expansion of commercial thoroughbred operations alongside The Chase. The Chase has quickly established itself a spelling farm of choice for many of the elite stock from leading Sydney stables. The growing commercial equine portfolio under Gumuny is not by accident and complements China Horse Club in every way.
The reopening of the Alpina Mountain Resort (www.the-alpina.com) and the Alpina Lodge ahead of the 2021/2022 ski season is a positive driver for the year ahead. Operations were paused as the pandemic tightened its grip across Europe in 2020. The resumption of trading and the groundswell of interest from the domestic and international markets is rewarding to see.
Prior to Covid-19, both the Alpina Mountain Resort and Alpina Lodge had demonstrated season after season their undoubted appeal to returning clientele and to new customers. Service remains the cornerstone of both properties. Both are blessed by proximity, with the Alpina Mountain Resort backing directly onto ski fields and chairlifts.
There are few more rewarding locations anywhere that Tschiertschen (Switzerland), especially in winter. Our new management team, headed by Ramona and Andrea, welcome any enquiries you may have (welcome@the-alpina.com).
FINAL THOUGHTS:
As we turn our gaze to 2022, we cannot lose focus or slacken our intent. The uncertainty that has plagued the last two years remains, but there is much to draw strength from. The emergence of HSI. The resilience of the Pearl of the Caribbean under the management of DSH. The blossoming of China Horse Club as a true jewel in the Sport of Kings. Success during testing times is often a precursor to achievement. But achievement is never given. It must be worked for.
On behalf of all within our group I wish to thank all the partners, clients, members and staff for their continued support and energy throughout 2021. It is also a time to remember and thank again all former staff that have worked for our companies over nearly three decades. Their efforts to help us to reach this point are not forgotten. We also wish all struck down by Covid-19 speedy recoveries.
May the Festive Season be rewarding to you and to your families and may 2022 bring with it great positivity. We look forward to continuing to help you achieve your goals and realizing our own by doing so.
