Created by OTI to streamline the importation of quality European stock to Australia, with the help of agent Stuart Boman, Eurolink enjoyed it’s first success overnight when 3yo filly, Tournelle, produced an effortless performance to win at her first race start. She follows Lennox and Hampden, who were both placed as two-year-old’s and who both look to have exciting futures.
The concept of Eurolink is to acquire and educate young stock in Europe, leave them with the European trainer for their two and three-year-old careers, before shipping them to their Australian trainers.
A unique feature of the initiative is the link between the European and Australian trainers, established when each horse was first acquired. Tournelle, trained by George Boughey, will ultimately relocate to Sam and Anthony Freedman; Lennox from Harry Eustace to Annabel Neesham; Hampden from Tom Ward to John O’Shea; and in France, Pont Neuf, currently trained by Tim Donworth, will move to Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr. To enhance the relationship, the European trainers will continue to financially benefit from race wins in Australia.
On the back of the success of the first group of horses, Eurolink ‘23 has now been formed. Joe Pride and Ciaron Maher have been added as Australian trainers, while Joseph O’Brien (Ireland) and Fabrice Chappet (France) join Eurolink in Europe.
OTI sees Eurolink as an important method of accessing European stock in both a cost-effective way and in a manner that ensures a seamless process in the career development of the horse. Within that process, it provides owners with the excitement of being involved in the European racing scene (at Royal Ascot, Chantilly, Longchamp, etc) during the horse’s early years.
On the success of the initial experience, Eurolink is poised to be an important part of OTI’s acquisition processes for owners into the future.
