In a major development for the 2026 Flat racing season, one of the leading contenders for the QIPCO 2000 Guineas has undergone a significant change of ownership, part of a sweeping restructure within one of the sport's global powerhouses.
The 'January Transfer' of a Classic Hopeful
The high-profile three-year-old Gewan, who rocketed to prominence by winning the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes last season, will no longer race under the famous Yulong Investments banner. Instead, the colt, who is the current 12-1 second favourite for the first Classic of the season, will now carry the silks of Forz Europe.
This move is not an isolated sale but part of a comprehensive transition. All horses previously racing for Yulong Investments in Britain, France, and Ireland have been formally transferred to the new operation. This includes another top-class juvenile, Royal Fixation, the winner of the Lowther Stakes who has joined the stable of trainer Karl Burke.
A New Chapter for the Ace Stud Empire
The shift follows the acquisition of the prestigious Dullingham Park Stud in Newmarket by Yulong in March, which was subsequently rebranded as Ace Stud. The stud is now home to stallions such as Shaquille and Soldier's Call.
Forz Europe will operate as the official racing arm for Ace Stud, which is owned by Harris Li. Li is the son-in-law of Chinese billionaire Yuesheng Zhang, the founder of the Yulong Investments empire. From 1st January 2026, all Ace Stud runners will compete in a new set of colours: white with green and white checks on the arms and a green cap.
Paul Curran, Bloodstock & Racing Manager for Ace Stud, expressed excitement for the future. "Launching our Ace Stud racing silks at the beginning of the new year marks an exciting future for Harris Li and his vision for Ace Stud," he said.
Prospects for the Forz Europe Squad
Curran highlighted the strength of the team moving under the new banner. "We have some top-class runners to look forward to next year, including the 2026 three-year-olds: Gr.1 Dewhurst Stakes winner and Classic prospect Gewan, Gr.2 Lowther-winning & Gr.1 Cheveley Park-placed Royal Fixation and Gr.1 performer Evolutionist," he commented.
The restructure allows the Yulong business, which has a massive focus in Australia, to streamline its European operations under the direct management of Ace Stud. This consolidation creates a clear and distinct identity for its UK-based racing and breeding ambitions as the new season gets underway.
All eyes will now be on the 2000 Guineas at Newmarket to see if Gewan can justify his lofty reputation and provide Forz Europe with a spectacular first Classic victory in its new colours.
