News

So You Think sold to Coolmore Stud

3rd Nov 2010

Sydney Morning Herald - Andrew Eddy - Wednesday, 30 November 2010

Australia's champion racehorse So You Think is unlikely to race in this country again following confirmation that global racing and breeding giant Coolmore Stud has purchased a majority share of the four-year-old.

It was still unclear as to what deal the Irish stud has cut with So You Think's owner Dato Tan Chin Nam, but it appears the deal will value the High Chaparral stallion at about $60 million.

Tom Magnier, the racing and business manager of Coolmore Australia, said that there remained some details to thrash out with the horse's owners but he said that it was likely So You Think would soon be flown to Coolmore's Ballydoyle headquarters in Ireland where he will be prepared for a racing preparation by Coolmore's No. 1 trainer Aidan O'Brien.

But Magnier, who is the son of Coolmore co-founder John, said it remained a possibility that So You Think would return to Australia to race next spring.

He confirmed that the horse was certain to return to Coolmore's Hunter Valley property in Australia each year as a shuttle stallion once his racing days are finished.

It is understood that Dato Tan Chin Nam has requested that he remain in the ownership of the horse the Malaysian millionaire has named as the best he's ever raced.

So You Think is certain to be named the Australian Horse Of The Year despite the fact there are almost nine months of the season remaining following five incredible wins in succession in Melbourne this spring before his gallant third in last Tuesday's Melbourne Cup.

So You Think has raced 12 times and recorded eight wins, including two Cox Plates, for prizemoney of more than $5.7 million.