One of China's most successful pigeon racers is turning his attention to a much larger athlete with Chengke Sun buying a Tavistock colt at the NZ Weanling Sale.

Sun paid $100,000 for his first thoroughbred investment which could be considered cheap given he had previously outlaid $400,000 for a competition bird.

Pigeon racing is one of the fastest growing sports in China among the republic's newly rich and Sun is ranked in the top 20 racers.

"I am here for the week and really enjoying my time here," Sun told NZ Racing Desk through an interpreter.

"I love my pigeon racing and think I could find the same love for horse racing. I hope this horse could be my next high-flyer."