Australian Bloodstock To Invest Into South African Racing

Australian bloodstock to invest into south Africa racing

Australian Bloodstock Announces Strategic Expansion into South African Racing

Sydney, Australia – 9th January 2026

Australian Bloodstock, Australia’s biggest and most successful racehorse syndication company, has today announced a major strategic initiative to commence targeted investment into South African racing, leveraging extensive data analysis, proven international performance, and favourable global market conditions.

“South Africa has long been a rich source of talented racehorses, which also go on to become outstanding breeding prospects,” said Luke Murrell, Co-Director of Australian Bloodstock. “Our edge has always been our world-class data libraries and capabilities- , we are ready to capitalise on that opportunity. This is a carefully planned expansion, not a speculative move — it’s backed by five years of data collection and analysis. Having built some of the best databases covering Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Germany, Italy, France, and Ireland, South Africa represents the final frontier of major racing jurisdictions where we can help lower risk using this cutting-edge information.”

A Data-Driven Global Strategy

Over the past five years, Australian Bloodstock has built a proprietary racing database from the ground up, incorporating sectional times, overall race metrics, and historical performance across all major South African tracks.

“The database allows us to align South African racing data with Australian benchmarks,” said Murrell. “We can now objectively identify horses capable of competing at stakes and Group level in Australia, reducing risk while targeting real value. Globally, it has always been a challenge to buy the right horses, but with favourable trading conditions such as the exchange rate, and with recent relaxations on horse movements from South Africa, now is the time to use this information alongside our experience and knowledge to target world-class horses.”

Proven Global Performance from South Africa

South African racing has consistently produced horses capable of excelling internationally — in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Dubai, Europe, and the United States.

“Some of the finest South African-bred horses have proven themselves on the world stage,” Murrell explained. “We’re talking about horses like:”

Yulong Prince – Winner of the 2020 Group 1 Cantala Stakes in Australia
Najem Suhail – Consistent Australian stakes-level sprinter and Listed winner
Dane Julia – New Zealand Group 1 winner and dual Australian Listed winner
Do You Remember – Placed in the Group 2 Zipping Classic
Emblem of Liberty – Competitive at Australian Group level
Shea Shea – Winner of the Group 1 Al Quoz Sprint in Dubai
Variety Club – Group 1 winner in Dubai and Hong Kong
Isivunguvungu – Group 1 winner in South Africa and international stakes winner in the United States
Beach Bomb – South African Group 1 winner and U.S. graded stakes performer

“These horses are proof that South Africa consistently produces elite performers,” said Murrell. “Our mission is to bring horses with similar potential to Australia, giving our owners access to international-class talent. And if the right horse appears, we will certainly consider campaigning them internationally.”

Targeting Fillies for Australian Campaigns

As part of the strategy, Australian Bloodstock will focus on acquiring fillies from South Africa that display the pedigree, sectional speed, and physical scope suited to Australian racing. While colts and geldings will also be considered, there is no doubt that fillies and mares offer exceptional value for owners and, from an investment perspective, help to lower overall risk.

“Fillies offer the perfect combination of racing potential and long-term value for owners,” Murrell said. “By targeting them from South Africa, we can provide horses capable of Group-level campaigns as well as future breeding opportunities.”

Compelling Economic Advantage

The current exchange rate — approximately one Australian dollar to eleven South African rand — provides significant purchasing power for Australian investors.

“From a value perspective, this is one of the most compelling international markets available,” said Murrell. “We can acquire high-quality horses at competitive prices, giving our owners maximum opportunity to achieve success on Australian soil.”

“We’ve also seen that post-racing career, global buyers are increasingly interested in South African bloodlines, which have repeatedly proven themselves both at sales and on the racetrack. Some notable recent broodmares include:”

Notable South African Bred Mares & Broodmare Influencers

Alexandra Rose (SAF)

South African-bred mare influential as a broodmare internationally
Dam of Oleksandra, a Group 1 winner in the United States

Secret Heart (SAF)

Grade 1 placed performer in South Africa
Produced Pluck, Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) winner and successful sire

Irridescence (SAF)

Triple Grade 1 winning mare
Offspring include Hopper, a stakes winner in the U.S.

Under Your Spell (SAF)

Champion race mare with multiple Group wins
Sold internationally as a broodmare, demonstrating South African mares’ global appeal

National Colour (SAF)

Champion South African sprinter and broodmare
Female line produced Celestial Legend, dual Group 1 winner in Australia (Doncaster Hcp & Randwick Guineas)

Secret of Victoria & Spring Lilac (SAF)

Mares from the same family producing multiple graded stakes winners in South Africa and Hong Kong, including Snowdance and Snow Pilot

Via Africa (SAF)

Produced stakes winners overseas, including In The Congo (Group 1 winner, now at stud with Newgate)
Also dam of undefeated Group 1 filly Autumn Glow, trained by Chris Waller

Targeting Group-Quality Outcomes

Australian Bloodstock’s South African strategy focuses on horses that:

Display Group-level sectional and performance profiles
Suit Australian race shape and tempo
Possess the constitution and scope for Australian campaigns
Offer clear pathways to stakes and Group racing opportunities

“This is about precision and performance,” Murrell concluded. “We’re using the best data, international insight, and years of syndication experience to target winners. South Africa is an exciting next chapter for Australian Bloodstock and our owners.”

Further announcements, including specific acquisitions and ownership opportunities, will be made in the coming months.

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Luke Murrell

January 9, 2026

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By Laurence Schuberth • August 28, 2025

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