Yulong bolsters New Zealand roster with promising three-year-old filly

Yulong Investments has added Autumn Glory (NZ) to its New Zealand three-year-old filly roster, purchasing the Ocean Park filly outright from Monovale Holdings and leaving her in the care of trainers Roger James and Robert Wellwood ahead of the Gr.1 Al Basti Equiworld Dubai New Zealand Oaks (2400m) at Ellerslie on Saturday.

Autumn Glory arrives in Yulong green and white having won two of three starts. She opened her account with a maiden victory at Ruakaka in January and last week outclassed male rivals to take the Gr.2 Waikato Guineas (2000m) at Te Rapa, a performance that underlined her staying credentials. Connections described her as a late bloomer and pointed to rising work and race fitness after the Te Rapa win. Trainers James and Wellwood reported she “is feeling well and looks great in the coat.”

The training team recounted Autumn Glory’s quick jump from maiden company into black-type racing: “She won a maiden and then we threw her straight into black-type racing, because we thought she was well above average, but unfortunately, we struck a bottomless track at Taranaki at her second start. To the filly’s credit, she came through that trip and hard run well, and we had the confidence to line her up again in the Waikato Guineas. We went into that race with confidence and her work had gone to a different level, and she raced and won accordingly.”

Monovale’s Joe Smithies confirmed the transaction and outlined the rationale behind the sale, saying: “Yulong has purchased her outright, and she will stay with Roger and Robert for the Oaks, who have done a terrific job.” Smithies added the sale supports the family’s breeding operation: “We've got to stick to our core business model, which is breeding horses for the yearling sales. Racing for us is probably a by-product of what we do, but having said that, we really do enjoy racing horses, particularly nice fillies like Autumn Glory.”

Yulong’s move follows earlier purchases in New Zealand and consolidates a focus on top three-year-old fillies aimed at Classic assignments. The Australian-based racing and breeding operation owned by Zhang Yuesheng already has its green and white silks carried by Ohope Wins and Well Written, a pattern noted by multiple outlets. Ohope Wins, bred by Gartshore Bloodstock and trained by Lance O’Sullivan and Andrew Scott at Matamata, captured the Gr.2 Sir Patrick Hogan Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie on New Year’s Day and has been pushed into favouritism in futures markets for the New Zealand Oaks and the Gr.1 Trackside New Zealand Derby (2400m). Lance O’Sullivan welcomed Yulong’s involvement: “It is good to see them (Yulong) wanting to be a part of the racing down here as well and not just Australia.” He added, “Going forward we are hoping that they take a real interest in us here in New Zealand because it is going to give a lot of people great opportunities and the good thing is that we know our horses are very capable of holding their own at the highest level.” O’Sullivan has indicated Ohope Wins will remain with his team for at least the next six weeks.

Breednet has also linked Well Written to Yulong colours, describing her as a Group One winner and noting she is set to contest the TAB Karaka Millions 3YO (1600m) at Ellerslie. Trainer Roger James framed Yulong’s expansion as a vote of confidence in New Zealand racing: “It’s a privilege to have international owners of their magnitude in the stable, and it’s great to see them becoming involved in New Zealand in a bigger way.” He added, “Our aim is the New Zealand Oaks and what happens after that will be discussed after the race, but it is a Group One and that is what we are focussed on.”

Yulong’s latest acquisition both strengthens its short-term Classic hand and signals continued international investment in New Zealand’s three-year-old ranks, with Autumn Glory the immediate headline prospect for the 2400m Oaks at Ellerslie.