Eurolink was formed last year to build on the success that OTI was enjoying with European youngsters – especially those bred for middle-distances and beyond. With there being little argument that the Europeans are superior over longer distances, Eurolink’s objective is to make the process of acquiring horses for Australia more cost effective and streamlined.
Two years ago, 3yo colt Otterman Emperor, following three lead up wins, took out the Group 3 Gordon Stakes at Goodwood. Six weeks ago, 3yo colt Docklands won the Britannia Stakes at Royal Ascot. He’ll now head to a Group 3 at Goodwood in early August. Intermingled among these two quality colts are wins by Banderas, Devore, Lorne, Ragosina and Tigrais (G3 winner in France). These youngsters, purchased before the formation of Eurolink, aided the argument for a more wholistic approach to the acquisition and management of these talented youngsters.
Currently OTI has four two-year-olds under the Eurolink banner. They are Lennox with Harry Eustace, Tournelle with George Boughey, Hampden with Tom Ward and Pont Neuf with Tim Donworth. Each is progressing well under the arrangement that the horses will remain with their European trainers for their three-year-old season before transferring to their Australian trainers. The European trainers will continue to benefit with a stakes royalty paid for wins by their horse once in Australia.
Outside of the Eurolink arrangement, another 12 horses are poised to progress through their two and three-year-old careers before being assessed for transfer to Australia. Good performances will add further strength to the Eurolink strategy and assist in developing a ‘total career approach’ to the management of our stock.
The approach of acquiring younger stock, be it through the Eurolink model or separately, is proving more cost effective than the purchase of expensive aged horses. While the latter have produced good results, the value proposition for such horses has reduced significantly over the past three years with more buyers, especially from the Middle East, entering the market. It’s a time when the combination of skilled yearling assessments and patience can be very beneficial.
If you would like to learn more about Eurolink or the horses involved please contact us at oti@oti.com.au.