The article highlights the strategic rise of Zhang Yuesheng and his Yulong operation in Australian thoroughbred racing, tracing back to key bloodstock purchases made by Irish agent Michael Donohue at the 2016 Keeneland sale. Among these was Draconic Treasure, a modest racehorse who became a valuable broodmare, producing Memsie Stakes winner Treasurethe Moment, a rising star with potential Cox Plate ambitions. Donohue reflects on Zhang’s calculated and visionary approach to building a global racing powerhouse, starting from early investments and evolving into a dominant force in the industry.

Additionally, the piece spotlights Kingstar Farm as a fertile source of quality broodmares, with owner Matthew Sandblom’s sales producing notable progeny like Group 1 winner Griff and stakes winner Raging Force. The article also features candid insights from former Racing Queensland CEO Jason Scott, who stresses the importance of racing maintaining its social license through improved horse welfare and revenue management. Scott warns of the industry’s precarious future if it fails to adapt, drawing parallels with challenges faced by greyhound racing in Tasmania.