Chinese residents only began owning horses in 1926, after they were admitted to membership of the Jockey Club. In 1929 Ho Kom-Tong became the first Chinese owner to win the Hong Kong Derby. By 1934 it was estimated that 60% of all horses had Chinese owners. Among the most enthusiastic was Li Lan-Sang, who had the largest stable. Among the racing fraternity he was known simply as Mr Lan.

Both his brothers Li Tse-Fong and Li Siu Pang were also keen racing men. Li Lan-Sang made a practice of personally feeding fresh grass to all his horses each morning. The passion is evidently in the genes, since his son, the late Alan Li Fook-Sum, was Chairman of the Hong Kong Jockey Club from 1998 to 2002.