The Sydney spring carnival is set to have a strong international flavour.
Light Infantry, one of the leading fancies for the inaugural King Charles III Stakes, is among a handful of international horses to touch down in Sydney over the weekend in preparation for spring carnival assignments.
Also arriving on the shipment was the Joseph O’Brien-trained Buckeroo, another looking to target the $5 million Everest day mile, along with Golden Eagle hopefuls New Endeavour, Zoology, Age Of Kings, Galeron and Coin Toss.
A multiple Group 1 placegetter in Europe, Light Infantry will join the stable of leading Australian trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, as will his travelling companions Zoology and Nails Murphy.
Australian Turf Club head of racing and wagering James Ross said it was a coup for the club to get horses the ilk of Light Infantry to Australia for the spring.
“To have horses of the quality of Light Infantry and Buckeroo aiming for the King Charles III Stakes is a significant endorsement of the race and prizemoney on offer from Racing NSW and the ATC,” Ross said.
“It’s also pleasing to again see a number of the horses who are expected to remain with our leading trainers to continue their racing careers here beyond spring.”
It is anticipated the UK arrivals will shortly be joined by the Keiji Yoshimura-trained Obamburumai, who is set to become the first Japanese-prepared horse to compete during the Sydney spring.
He is being aimed towards the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill on November 4 with superstar Japanese jockey Yutaka Take secured for the ride.
