Two former racehorses visited Liverpool's Chinatown to celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Horse on February 17. Kemboy and Nora The Xplorer posed for pictures and met passers-by under the city's iconic Chinese arch. The event was organized by Great British Racing to highlight the qualities of British thoroughbreds.
On February 17, 2026, two retired thoroughbred racehorses, Kemboy and Nora The Xplorer, took part in a public event in Liverpool's Chinatown, Europe's oldest. The horses met passers-by and posed for photographs under the 44-foot-tall Chinese arch on Nelson Street, the largest of its kind outside mainland China.
The visit marked the official start of the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac, which occurs every 12 years. A spokesperson for Great British Racing, the organization behind the event, emphasized the symbolic connection. "In Chinese tradition, the horse symbolises strength, speed, freedom and success, all of which are qualities that resonate powerfully with the British thoroughbred, one of the most admired and accomplished equine athletes in the world," she said. She added, "Elegant yet powerful, spirited yet disciplined, these horses embody the very characteristics honoured during this special year."
To commemorate the year, Great British Racing pledged to provide 8,000 young people with opportunities to interact with thoroughbreds in 2026. This includes National Racehorse Week from August 22 to 31, during which free visits to studs, training yards, and rehoming centers are available. Around 100 events will occur nationwide, allowing participants to meet trainers, jockeys, farriers, physiotherapists, and yard staff. Horses will also attend community events in cities to engage children.
The spokesperson described the horses as "ideal ambassadors for British sport," noting they unite heritage and modern excellence while inspiring national pride. Horseracing, she said, is Britain's second biggest spectator sport.
Amy Bannister-Bell, owner of Nora The Xplorer, called the opportunity "fantastic." "Thoroughbreds are incredible athletes and they’re also very empathetic and gentle animals," she said. "It’s brilliant so many young people will have the chance to meet them this year."
