He is named after a Romantic poet, but Gordon Lord Byron’s trip to Australia is strictly business.
The Irish sprinter has arrived in Sydney for the autumn carnival, hoping to continue an international campaign that took him to Dubai and Hong Kong last year.
And for owner Morgan Cahalan, the horse’s global ambitions have proven infectious.
“I’ve never been anywhere before I got this horse – my passport, I could have cashed it in,” he said.
“I just didn’t travel, I didn’t have a reason to go.”
“(But) when you’re up at this level and to go to Australia, it is something special.”
First on the itinerary is $1 million George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
Cahalan hopes the runner’s Australian racecourse debut will deliver his third black-type win.
“A lot depends on the pace of the races,” he said.
“If they’re run at a good fast pace on a level track he can win over six and seven furlongs.”
If he runs well, Gordon Lord Byron will then aim for a start in the Doncaster Mile or the TJ Smith Stakes on April 12.
The six-year-old has won two Group One races – the Prix de la Foret at Longchamp and the Haydock Sprint Cup.
A County Tipperary local, Cahalan’s also hopeful the globe-trotting gelding will be able to cover the return fare.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him winning some prize money,” he said.
