Australian private equity firm Crescent Capital has acquired a significant stake in International Racehorse Transport (IRT), a global equine logistics company founded over 50 years ago by the late Quentin Wallace. The deal involved buying out the Wallace family’s share, with IRT’s current leadership team, including managing director Chris Burke, retaining ownership alongside Crescent. The investment aims to support IRT’s continued growth and service expansion in the thoroughbred and standardbred horse transport market, which is particularly growing in the US and Europe.

IRT, established in 1972, has become a market leader with offices worldwide and a legacy of innovation in equine airfreight, including pioneering the shuttle stallion business. The company handles not only horse transport but also quarantine logistics and has served prestigious clients such as the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Despite competition in Australasia, IRT remains a key player in the international equine transport industry, continuing the vision and impact of its founder.