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American turf champion Carl Spackler has been sold to Yuesheng Zhang's Yulong Investments and will represent Australia at Royal Ascot under trainer Ciaron Maher before targeting the Cox Plate later this year.
The 5YO has established himself as one of America's premier turf milers, capturing three Group One victories including his most recent success in the Gr.1 Maker's Mark Mile at Keeneland in April. His previous Group One triumphs came in the Gr.1 Turf Mile in October and the Gr.1 Fourstardave Handicap in August, all achieved under the guidance of trainer Chad Brown.
Zhang's Yulong Investments banner continues expanding its global influence following notable acquisitions including Lucky Vega, winner of the Gr.1 Phoenix, and Australian superstar Via Sistina, who has captured eight Group One races since joining the stable in March 2024.
Bob Edwards, whose Five Racing Thoroughbreds campaigned Carl Spackler in America, explained the reasoning behind the sale. "We've had a lot of luck with him, not sure how commercially he'd be received as a stallion prospect in the States. The timing worked out."
The gelding will now carry the distinctive green and white silks associated with Zhang's racing operation as he embarks on an ambitious international campaign.
Royal Ascot's Gr.1 Queen Anne on opening day represents Carl Spackler's immediate objective, where he faces Britain and Ireland's leading milers including Rosallion, Dancing Gemini, Lead Artist, Notable Speech, and Porta Fortuna.
The contest would mark a significant milestone if successful, as no horse trained outside Europe has captured the Group One prize since Tepin struck for American trainer Mark Casse in 2016.
A supplementary entry fee of US$71,783 must be paid by June 11 to secure participation in the US$960,000 contest after initial entries closed in April.
Maher expressed his enthusiasm about training such a high-calibre performer for the global stage. "I feel very privileged and honoured to be given the opportunity to train a horse of this calibre for Mr Zhang and Yulong," the trainer stated.
"The team and I are incredibly excited to race a genuine world-class horse and three-time Group One winner on the world's biggest stage and represent Australian racing in the Queen Anne Stakes."
The trainer outlined the longer-term objectives beyond the Royal meeting. "We're equally as excited to have him travel to Australia after Ascot with the Cox Plate as the ultimate target, where we hope to continue Yulong's success in the race."
International expansion remains a priority for Maher's operation. "International success is something that eludes us and the whole world seems to become that little bit smaller all the time. Whether that's just a mindset, I don't know, but a lot of the time it is. We have a number of horses in work in Newmarket, whether it's in partnership with a trainer there or other arrangements. It's always tough to do, but it's interesting – maybe one day we could have a satellite base there."
Nick Smith, Ascot's director of racing, welcomed the international dimension Carl Spackler brings to the meeting. "This presents a really exciting and unique US-Australia angle. Chad has developed Carl Spackler into arguably the best turf miler in the US, and Ciaron is one of Australia's elite trainers."
Smith continued, "Carl Spackler's participation in the Queen Anne will add a fascinating new dimension to the rematch between the Lockinge horses, and he joins what is shaping up to be a strong international challenge. We're tremendously grateful to Mr Zhang for sending Carl Spackler here for the royal meeting."
The overseas contingent promises to be substantial, with expectations of six to ten American runners including Wesley Ward's promising Outfielder, who impressed on debut at Churchill Downs. Japanese Group One winner Santono Reve adds further international flavour to the meeting.
Australian representation may extend beyond Carl Spackler, with Asfoora potentially defending her Gr.1 King Charles III title after her 2024 triumph. Her victory followed Nature Strip's success in the same race during 2022, highlighting Australia's recent sprint division strength at the Royal meeting.
The acquisition represents Zhang's continued investment in international racing talent as Yulong Investments establishes itself as a major player across multiple racing jurisdictions.