Horseracing News Update: Overseas Talent Bolstering Stable Stocks for Longer Races
The influx of quality middle-distance and staying horses from overseas is becoming an increasingly important focus for the major training operations in the Australian horseracing scene. While the annual replenishing of stock at the yearling sales remains a vital part of the industry, sourcing talent from Europe and New Zealand is proving to be a valuable strategy.
“You’re getting to that point now where if you’re wanting to be competitive in that part of the industry, that’s where it’s at at present,” says Bott.
Of the 27 horses paid up for the 1800m races at Randwick on Saturday, 13 started their careers abroad before finding their way to Australia, and another 4 were bred internationally but have raced exclusively here. This trend reflects the growing presence of overseas raiders in the bread-and-butter races, not just the longer distance features.
Tulloch Lodge’s Overseas Talent
Tulloch Lodge, the training partnership of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, will be represented in both the James Squire Handicap (1800m) and the Toyota Forklifts Handicap (1800m) this weekend. The stable’s runners include the former New Zealander I’mintown and the recent addition Bear On The Loose, who made a victorious debut in Australia last month.
Bott emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between European and Australian-bred horses, particularly when it comes to the staying races.
I’mintown and Bear On The Loose
I’mintown, who was Group 3 placed in New Zealand before joining Tulloch Lodge, has shown promise in his two runs this preparation without recording a win. The horse will benefit from a two-kilogram claim by apprentice Amy McLucas, reducing his impost to 60kg.
As for Bear On The Loose, Bott notes that a positive start is generally a good sign for former European horses, as they tend to improve at their second preparations due to the time it takes to acclimatize. “He was excellent on his Australian debut, and it’s not easy for those Europeans having their first run over here, it usually takes a bit of time to adapt,” Bott said.
With the Tulloch Lodge pair attracting strong market support, the presence of overseas-sourced talent in the upcoming Randwick races is sure to pique the interest of horseracing enthusiasts. As the industry continues to evolve, the strategic acquisition of middle-distance and staying horses from abroad appears to be a crucial component of remaining competitive in these coveted races.
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