Yulong Investments will cease to race horses in Europe from January 1, with those previously competing under Yuesheng Zhang’s banner transferring into new ownership ahead of the 2026 season.
High-profile performers including Dewhurst Stakes winner Gewan, along with Group 1-placed pair Royal Fixation and Evolutionist, will race under the name Forz Europe from the start of next year.
The horses will also appear in new racing colours, with Forz Europe to race in white silks featuring green and white checked sleeves and a green cap — effectively the inverse of Zhang’s familiar green-and-white Yulong Investments colours.
Chinese billionaire Zhang has been a major force in Australian racing for more than a decade, famously racing stars such as dual Cox Plate winner Via Sistina, while significantly expanding his European footprint through both bloodstock and property acquisitions.
In recent years, Zhang purchased Willingham House Stud and Dullingham Park Stud near Newmarket, with the latter subsequently rebranded as Ace Stud. In December, Ace Stud relocated its broodmare band to part of Shadwell’s historic Nunnery Stud after leasing the foaling unit from the late Hamdan Al Maktoum’s operation.
Zhang has also made headlines in the sales ring, securing Tattersalls December Mares Sale-topper Barnavara for £5.04 million. The Group 1 winner is set to head to Australia to continue her racing career.
While Zhang is stepping back from racing in Europe under the Yulong Investments name, the European bloodstock and racing interests will continue under Ace Stud, which is managed by his son-in-law Harrison Li. Both Ace Stud and Forz Europe are controlled by Zhang’s 33-year-old daughter, Yuefang Zhang, who is the sole shareholder of each entity.
Speaking to racingpost.com, Ace Stud bloodstock and racing manager Paul Curran said the transition marked an important next chapter.
“Launching our Ace Stud racing silks at the beginning of the new year marks an exciting future for Harrison Li and his vision for Ace Stud,” Curran said.
“We have some top-class runners to look forward to next year, including Classic prospect Gewan, Royal Fixation and Evolutionist. We can’t wait to see what the 2026 season has in store.”
