Yulong name removed from Zhang’s team of European racehorses

The European racing and breeding interests of Zhang Yuesheng have figured in a major shift amid ongoing speculation about his involvement in the Australian thoroughbred industry.

Horses that have raced under Zhang’s Yulong Investments banner across Europe have been transferred to a new ownership brand, effective from January 1.

They will also be seen in a new set of silks – white with green and white checked sleeves, and green cap.

The colours will be registered to Forz Europe, the racing spinoff of Ace Stud that was known as Dullingham Park before Zhang acquired the famous Newmarket farm almost a year ago.

In a minor departure from the livery carried to victory in Australia by Yulong-owned stars such as champion mare Via Sistina, the silks will be the inverse of Zhang’s familiar green and white Yulong Investments colours.

A statement from Ace Stud said that Forz Europe would now operate as the racing arm for Ace Stud.

The farm, which stands Shaquille and Soldier’s Call, is managed by Zhang’s son-in-law Harris Li.

Ace Stud and Forz Europe are controlled by Zhang’s daughter, Yuefang Zhang.

“As part of this transition, all horses that have previously raced under the ownership of Yulong Investments in Europe have been formally transferred to Ace Stud,” a statement said.

“This appointment marks a significant new chapter for Ace Stud, with a strong and proven team of horses set to compete at the highest level in the seasons ahead.”

Paul Curran, the bloodstock and racing manager for Ace Stud, said he expected it to make an immediate impact during the 2026 British Flat season.

Horses to race in the rebranded silks include last season’s Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes winner Gewan, Group 1-placegetter and Group 2 winner Royal Fixation and the promising Night Of Thunder filly Evolutionist.

“Launching our Ace Stud racing silks at the beginning of the new year marks an exciting future for Harris Li and his vision for Ace Stud,” Curran said.

“We have some top-class runners to look forward to (in the new year) … we can’t wait to see what the 2026 season has in store for Ace Stud.”

Expectations are high that Gewan, also by Night Of Thunder, can parlay his Dewhurst triumph in a Classic-winning season.

The colt, trained by Andrew Balding, is one of the favourites for the 2,000 Guineas at Newmarket on May 2.

In December, Zhang added to his UK broodmare band when buying a half-sister to the 2025 four-time Group 1 winner Calandagan.

Zhang also bought sales-topper Barnavara for £5.04 million ($A10.1 million) at the same Tattersalls December Mares Sale.

Like Via Sistina, the Group 1 winner is set to head to Australia to continue her racing career.

A reconfiguration of Zhang’s operations in Britain comes on the doorstep of the first yearling sale in Australasia for 2026.

Yulong Investments has 69 entries catalogued for the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale but whether Zhang makes an appearance remains to be seen.

He was conspicuous by his absence during spring carnivals in Sydney and Melbourne last year, missing Via Sistina’s second Cox Plate triumph that prompted conjecture about a long-term commitment to Australian racing.

At the time, Jun Zhang, Zhang’s son-in-law who has been running Yulong since the departure of Vin Cox, dismissed the alarmism in a widely circulated text message to industry media.

He said his father-in-law had been busy in his home country of China with other business interests but expected him to return to Australia in time for the Magic Millions sale, starting on January 13.

Zhang has been Australian racing’s biggest investor for more than a decade and has steadily increased his presence in Europe in recent years through property deals and high-profile bloodstock purchases.