OTI Racing boasts a rich connection with Ireland, with some of our most successful gallopers hailing from the emerald isle! In celebration of St Patrick’s Day, we’re looking back at a few of our favourite Irish-bred thoroughbreds!
True Self
Residing in Carlow under the care of renowned Irish trainer Willie Mullins, True Self is a globe-trotting star. Born in 2013 by Irish sire, Oscar, the eight-year-old has two Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes victories to her name. She won the race in 2019 and 2020 after narrowly missing out on the Melbourne Cup field in both years. More recently, she took out the $1M Neom Turf Cup at The Saudi Cup meeting in dominant style with Hollie Doyle aboard. We’re looking forward to seeing True Self return to Melbourne for the 2021 Spring Carnival later this year!
What a ride @HollieDoyle1! True Self wins the Neom Turf Cup for Willie Mullins at @thesaudicup 🌟 pic.twitter.com/8LGPbI982K
— At The Races (@AtTheRaces) February 20, 2021
Bauer
A striking grey gelding, Irish-bred Bauer is by American sire Halling, out of British mare Dali’s Grey. Trained by Luca Cumani in Newmarket, Bauer travelled to Melbourne in 2008, taking out the Group 3 Geelong Cup. A fortnight later, he finished 2nd in the Group 1 Melbourne Cup in an excruciating photo finish with mere millimetres between him and the winner Viewed. Bauer returned to Melbourne three years later, where he finished third in the Geelong Cup and fourth in the Group 3 Queen Elizabeth Stakes. The late Graham Salisbury, best known for his partnership with Subzero, took care of Bauer in retirement and trained him as a clerk of the course.
Tom Melbourne
Fan-favourite Tom Melbourne captured the hearts of many punters during his career. Winning six of his 51 starts, his most momentous victories included the Listed Albury Gold Cup in 2016 and Listed Carrington Stakes in 2019. However, it was Tom’s reoccurring bridesmaid status that saw him rise to fandom. He notched 14 2nd placings during his career, including in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap, Group 1 Cantala Stakes and nine other Group level races. Tom was retired last year and now spends his days at the Living Legends farm, where fans can visit him, give him a pat and feed him a carrot or two!
A desperately unlucky TOM MELBOURNE finished 2nd in the Group 1 Epsom Hcp @royalrandwick https://t.co/QgbsgYLFRn
— OTI Racing (@OTIRacing) September 30, 2017
Grey Lion
Recognised for his stunning grey features, Grey Lion is another well-loved Irish-bred OTI galloper. The son of Galileo commenced his career in France before transferring to Matt Cumani’s Ballarat stables in 2016. In his first run on Australian soil, he placed 2nd in the Group 3 Geelong Cup, gaining entry into that year’s edition of the Melbourne Cup, where he finished mid-field. A move up north to New South Wales in 2019 saw the striking grey find winning form under the care of Matthew Smith. In 2019 he was victorious in the Group 3 JRA Plate, Listed Lord Mayor’s Cup and in 2020 he triumphed in the Listed Queensland Cup. The veteran galloper is set to resume racing later this month!
Le Juge
By British sire Dansili, out of American mare, Mambo Light, Le Juge was initially purchased by OTI in France and raced under André Fabre’s care. He proved another successful Irish import when relocating to Chris Waller’s stables in 2017. Le Juge’s greatest feat was back-to-back triumphs in the Group 3 Chairman’s Handicap in 2019 and 2020. He was retired in early 2021 and is now living out his days as a pony in Goulburn, as part of our Equine Welfare Program.
OTI wishes our connections a happy St Patrick’s Day, and we look forward to continuing our longstanding association with Ireland in the future!
