International raiders arrive at quarantine in Newmarket

- Freddy Cook

OTI’s international raiders have arrived in Newmarket this week ahead of a fortnight in quarantine.

Four OTI horses departed their European stables and embarked on the first leg of their journey to Melbourne. The horses will spend two weeks in Newmarket under the care of Ed Peate, who has previously worked with OTI’s horses in quarantine.

Melbourne Cup hopeful San Huberto heads up OTI’s brigade of foreign raiders. The Group 2 Vicomtesse Vigier winner completed his final piece of work on Monday morning, before departing Fabrice Chappet’s Chantilly stables.

Once he arrives in Melbourne, the four-year-old will remain at Werribee under the temporary care of Matt Cumani. “He’s a promising young stayer,” OTI’s General Manager Shayne Driscoll commented.

“We’re really looking forward to him touching down in Australia and have high hopes of him for the spring. The Melbourne Cup is his primary focus” he added.

True Self also arrived at Newmarket on Tuesday, after making the trip from Willie Mullins’ stables in Carlow, Ireland. She’s familiar with the quarantine process, having travelled to Australia last year when she won the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

“Forgetting her run in the Ebor where she missed the start by 10 lengths, Willie thinks she’ll be competitive once she gets to Melbourne”, Driscoll said.

Mr Satchmo has settled into his new surroundings at Newmarket well, after arriving from Antoine de Watrigant’s Mont-de-Marsan stable last week. He has a one-way ticket booked and will join Chris Waller’s stable permanently once he is in Australia.

“We feel that he will enjoy the relocation and will thrive under the care of Chris Waller. Our racing partners, who include his original owners in France, are hoping that we are yet to see the very best of him,” Driscoll stated.

Sound of Cannons also joins OTI’s quarantine squad. The Nathanial gelding is a recent acquisition, with his English owners retaining an interest in the horse. Following his quarantine, he will stay in Melbourne for the spring before heading north to John O’Shea’s Randwick stables later in the year.

“He was such an exciting acquisition, and we think in a new environment, and under the care of John, he will grow into his own,” Driscoll commented.

We look forward to sharing more news of our international spring raiders with you in the coming months.