A Group 1 winner in South Africa, Yulong Prince (SAF) is now a Group 1 winner in Australia after luck finally went his way in Saturday’s $1,500,000 Group 1 Kennedy Cantala Stakes (1600m) at Flemington.
It was the fourth win in the race for trainer Chris Waller while it was a first Group 1 in Australia for Yulong owner Yuesheng Zhang who has poured a fortune in to bloodstock around the world in recent times.
Damian lane timed his run to perfection on Yulong Prince (SAF) who held the challenge of the fast-finishing Cascadian (GB) (New Approach) by a half-neck with Rock (Pierro) a half-length back in third.
"He didn't step that great, so from there I did need some tempo, and with the nice tracking, he really let rip off that tempo," Lane told racing.com.
"I got to the front quite early, too. I could hear (Damien Oliver aboard Cascadian) Ollie's yelling. His very distinctive voice was coming from behind.
"Normally once you hear it he gets you but it was good that he (Yulong Prince) knuckled down and fought it out for the win. I got a rare one up on him there.
“I'm thrilled to get that win for Chris Waller and the team. Jo Taylor, who works with the horses here, I do a bit of work with the team. It's good to get these up."
Waller’s Melbourne representative Jo Taylor said she was thrilled for Zhang.
"It's a Group 1 for Yulong and Mr Zhang and it's just fantastic to get that on the board," she said.
"Mr Zhang is investing so much money in racing. He is a big supporter of ours, not just us, but racing in Australia. They are deserving of these big results.
"You can't say enough about Chris Waller and the way he manages these horses and their careers. He is certainly a cut above the rest."
The only previous win by Yulong Prince (SAF) in Australia came in the Listed Cup Day Plate at Flemington almost 12 months ago.
Yulong Prince’s sire Gimmethegreenlight is an Australian-bred son of More Than Ready (USA).
Winner of the Group 1 Kenilworth Queen's Plate Gimmethegreenlight is a half-brother to Group 1 ATC Coolmore Classic winner Ofcourseican.
Bred by David Bentata, Gimmethegreenlight was a $155,000 Magic Millions Weanling purchase from the Vinery Stud draft for Hassen Adams on the advice of bloodstock agent James Bester.
He was champion first season sire in 2015-2016 and is currently second on the general sires list.
The dam of Yulong Prince, the Diktat mare Congestion Charge, is a three-quarter-sister to Group III Royal Ascot Queen's Vase Stakes winner Endorsement who is the dam of multiple Group III winner and multiple Group 1 placed More’s Wells (Sadler’s Wells).
