Our inaugural Eurolink initiative, launched in November 2022, has garnered positive results for its partners so far. It is achieving its goals, and all four horses are destined to come to Australia at the end of 2024.
On the back of that success, our Eurolink ’23 partnership has commenced, consisting of an exciting group of youngsters. Included in this partnership are three quality two-year-old colts/geldings and a three-year-old filly. Again, it is planned for all four to come to Australia at the end of their respective three-year-old seasons.
The four horses involved in Eurolink ’23 have developed as well as we could have hoped through the early part of 2024, and a summary of each’s progress follows:
Awtaad x Tahneed (2yo gelding) – Harry Eustace/Ciaron Maher
The gelding was educated at the back end of 2023 before undertaking a refresher course in Newmarket in December. He then headed into Harry Eustace’s main yard in the second week of January. Naturally, the first two months of the season have been focused on education, but he’s shown a good appetite for work and has been very straightforward. All indicators are pointing towards a 2yo debut around September/October time.
New Bay x Mt Of Beautitudes (2yo colt) – Fabrice Chappet/Ben, JD & Will Hayes
The colt was educated by renowned French breaker Philip Baratte in November/December. Philip was most pleased with the colt’s attitude and action, stating “I very much like him as he is a lovely horse physically and moves really nicely on the track.” Having now spent the first two months of the year at Fabrice Chappet’s Chantilly base, John Hammond paid a visit to the colt and passed on his delight. The colt is working through his quiet winter canters well and Fabrice thinks we could see him race earlier than anticipated, potentially around August.
Saxon Warrior x Saadatt (2yo colt) – Harry & Roger Charlton/Tom Charlton at John O’Shea stable
The colt commenced his education in November with the Charlton’s and has continued through since, now out cantering on the grass when the ground is suitable. He’s been more forward than expected for a May foal, but has a good mind and Harry has mentioned on numerous occasions that he has that bit of class you like to see in their early work. He’ll continue to fill his big frame through this year, but we’d hope to see him race as a late 2yo.
Baroness Von Aesch (3yo filly) – Joseph O’Brien/Joe Pride
The filly has continued her faultless progression towards a race start. Having enjoyed a break over November, she’s picked up through the winter months and her work has now intensified. In mid-February, she travelled away to the Curragh for a piece of work where Joseph said “We were pleased with her. Declan felt she moved well, travelled well, and finished out nicely. She was fresh in herself but behaved well, so we’ll see how she comes out of it before potentially heading back to the Curragh in 2-3 weeks’ time for a stronger piece.” This should have her poised to debut in April.
We look forward to continue to follow our European youngsters through the early stages of their racing careers.
