In a move being dubbed a 'January transfer' within the sport, one of the leading contenders for this year's Classics has switched to race for a new operation following a significant reshuffle of a global racing powerhouse.
Major European Horses Change Ownership
All horses previously running under the Yulong Investments banner in Britain, France, and Ireland have been formally transferred to race for Forz Europe. This includes the high-profile three-year-old Gewan, who rocketed to prominence by winning the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes last season. That victory established him as the 12-1 second favourite for the 2026 2,000 Guineas, making this ownership change a major talking point ahead of the new flat season.
The restructuring stems from the business activities of Chinese billionaire Yuesheng Zhang, who built Yulong Investments into a colossal global racing and bloodstock empire. A key part of this empire is now Ace Stud in Newmarket, which was created after Yulong purchased the historic Dullingham Park Stud in March, acquiring stallions like Shaquille and Soldier's Call in the process.
Forz Europe Launches with Top-Class Talent
Forz Europe will operate as the official racing arm for Ace Stud, which is owned by Harris Li, the son-in-law of Yuesheng Zhang. The operation unveiled its new racing silks on 1st January 2026: 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.
Curran highlighted the strength of the team's three-year-old squad for the coming season, which boasts significant talent:
- Gewan: The Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes winner and a prime Classic prospect.
- Royal Fixation: A Group 2 Lowther Stakes winner who was also placed in the Cheveley Park Stakes (Gr.1). This filly has been bought by Ace Stud and will be trained by Karl Burke.
- Evolutionist: Another proven Group 1 performer.
Global Empire with Australian Focus
While this shift affects the European string, Yulong's vast business remains heavily concentrated in Australia. There, the operation is home to a champion mare, a dual Cox Plate winner, who has secured an impressive 12 Group 1 victories and is considered the best horse in the country.
The transfer of Gewan and his stablemates to Forz Europe signals a new chapter for these talented horses and reshapes the ownership landscape of European flat racing as the 2026 season gets underway.
