ZHANG Yueshang’s decision to get involved in racing and breeding has been a godsend for both sectors, and his choice of BBA Ireland’s Michael Donohoe to be his anchor was a wise one. Saturday’s Juddmonte Irish Oaks success was a magic moment for the team, and well-deserved on many fronts.

On August 19th, 2012, Yulong Baoju won the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund 2yo Maiden at Dundalk on her debut. The daughter of Acclamation was the first thoroughbred purchase by Mr Zhang, and she made the perfect start to his new role as a racehorse owner. She was ridden that day by Fran Berry, and later she added three more victories, under Pat Smullen, Johnny Murtagh and Fergal Lynch, including wins at Naas and the Curragh.