Yulong secures Written Tycoon in significant coup

20th April, 2021

Champion stallion Written Tycoon will headline Yulong Stud's Victorian-based stallion roster for the 2021 season in a huge coup for the emerging thoroughbred powerhouse.

Written Tycoon moved from Woodside Park to Arrowfield Stud in 2020, but a decision from shareholder Woodside Park to step away from its stallion holdings saw a change in the ownership structure. That allowed Yulong to swoop and acquire the established Group 1 producer to stand alongside its young stallions Yulong Prince (SAF), Alabama Express and Grunt (NZ) in 2021.

While Yulong, which is owned by Chinese businessman Yuesheng Zhang, has been a significant investor in the Australian industry in the past five years in terms of bloodstock, racing and infrastructure, the decision to acquire one of Australia's hottest and in-demand stallions takes that commitment to another level.

“Written Tycoon is one of Australia’s best stallions, it is an absolute privilege to welcome him back to Victoria, and have him join our roster at Yulong Stud,” Yulong’s Chief Operating Officer, Sam Fairgray, said.

“We are greatly appreciative to Sheriff Iskander for entrusting us with Written Tycoon in the twilight of a truly extraordinary career, where the best is yet to come.”

Written Tycoon has gone from strength to strength, particularly in the past five years since his first star and Group 1 winner Capitalist hit the track. Having initially stood or $8250 (inc GST) in his first season in 2007, he is now one of the most in-demand stallions in the country, having produced 42 stakes winners, including 11 Group 1 winners.

His currency is indicated by the fact that he is positioned to challenge the lead in the race to become Australia's Champion Sire in 2020/21, closing in behind current leader Not A Single Doubt with only $50,000 splitting the duo. His 12 stakes winners this season are highlighted by Group 1-winning trio, Pippie, Ole Kirk (two) and Odeum.

The presence of a stallion who is becoming such a strong influence in terms of producing his own stallion sons, such as Capitalist, Rich Enuff, Winning Rupert, Written By and Ole Kirk, is also significant for Yulong, which has built an enviable broodmare band to support him and the other stallions going forward.

“Yulong is a young farm with major ambitions which have been backed up by major investment in infrastructure and bloodstock,” said Fairgray. “It’s a great outcome for Victorian breeders to have Written Tycoon back in the State and further indicates Mr Zhang’s commitment to the Australian industry.

“Acquiring an elite, proven stallion like Written Tycoon will give our quality young broodmare band every opportunity for success.”

Yulong Stud began its stallion operation with multiple Group 1 winner Grunt (NZ) in 2019 and he was joined by the G1 CF Orr S.- winning son of Redoute's Choice, Alabama Express, last year. G1 Cantala S. winner Yulong Prince has already been announced as part of the roster in 2021, with Yulong-owned G1 Blue Diamond S. winner Tagaloa also slated for a breeding career once his racing career is completed.

A 2021 service fee for Written Tycoon is set to be announced in the coming weeks with a substantial increase on his 2020 fee of $77,000 (inc GST) in his one season at Arrowfield.

Arrowfield Stud Chairman, John Messara, wished Yulong all the best with the stallion.

“We were delighted to stand Written Tycoon during his progeny’s best-ever season, we’re very pleased to have Arrowfield mares in foal to him and we wish him the best for his stud career in Victoria,” he said.

The news comes off the back of Yulong-homebred Hungry Heart (Frankel {GB}) claiming her second Group 1 in the Australian Oaks at Randwick on Saturday for trainer Chris Waller.