EQUINE INTERNATIONAL AIRFREIGHT
IN-FLIGHT NOVEMBER 2017
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Welcome to the November 2017 issue of Equine International Airfreight (EIAF) News. It’s been another tremendous year for EIAF, marked over the last 12 months with the opening of our UK quarantine facility and our partnership alliance with Equestrian Australia, while 2018 will again see us trying to expand our operations further and continue to serve our loyal clients. In this issue of EIAF News you will find coverage of the World Cup Polo in Sydney, the Magic Millions 2YOs in Training Sale, a Staff Profile on one of our experienced flying grooms, shipments from the UK and Dubai, along with some ‘nuggets’ on star performers like Virgil, Algebra and Solo Feliz. We hope you enjoy this issue and on behalf of all the team at EIAF, would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and safe Christmas. We’ll be back early in 2018 with coverage of the Gold Coast Magic Millions - for which EIAF is the preferred carrier - but in the meantime, visit www.magicmillions.com.au to check out the January sale, featuring six days of sales, a $10 million raceday, polo, and lots of parties! - CAMERON CROUCHER, EIAF Managing Director
OFF THE TRACK STAR RETURNS Andrew Hoy’s Champion Eventer Algebra has has returned home to Australia. Flown in style by EIAF from the UK, Algebra is enjoying retirement parties all over the country, culminating in the Melbourne Cup parade in the heart of the city. (picture) Still loving the crowds and the attention, the 19-year-old Australian Thoroughbred, was bred at the renowned Meringo thoroughbred stud. In his early years Natalie Blundell, took Algebra from “Zero to Hero”, campaigning for the Australian WEG team. Natalie competed Algebra at 4*, the highest level in eventing, completing an incredible 27 CCI/CIC 3* and 6 CCI4* competitions. Ready to step down from International competition, Algebra was based at Andrew Hoy’s UK yard when Natalie returned to Australia. However, Algebra made it clear that retirement was not on the cards, still showing plenty of spirit when on the gallops and out cross country. Andrew Hoy is the most successful Australian Equestrian athlete and has represented Australia in seven Olympic Games, winning three consecutive Team Gold Medals and one Individual Silver Medal. Andrew and Algebra just clicked, so they decided to “give it a go” back in the competition arena and incredibly, they won two major CCI3* Events – Montelibretti near Rome in Italy and Haras du Pin in France. Continued next page
. . . a r b e g l A e champion a tru
OFF TRACK STAR RETURNS ... a true champion Algebra’s owners John Glenn and his wife Julia McLean are based near Yass in NSW and have been long standing supporters of the sport of Eventing in Australia. The grand campaigner will now be based at John and Julia’s beautiful property, and no doubt spoiled rotten during a long and happy retirement. “My team and I will miss you,” Andrew Hoy points out. “Not seeing your glowing little face over the stable door in the morning, excited about what the day may bring … but we couldn’t wish for a better place for you than to return home. To me, you are, have been and always will be a true Champion, little man. I will miss you.”
OLYMPIAN VIRGIL TOUCHES DOWN
EIAF has ensured Shane Rose’s eventing star, Virgil touched down safe and sound on Australian soil after flying in from the UK. Virgil, the 4* Eventing Champion, winner of the Blair Castle UK CIC 3* Event Rider Masters 2017, representing Australia in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics and a regular competitor at the FEI World Equestrian Games, enjoyed a comfortable long-haul trip after being served by first class grooms that attended to his every need. And by all reports, he was a pleasure to have on board. “Virgil was an absolute model horse for transportation,” EIAF’s managing director, Cameron Croucher, points out. “He loaded onto the aircraft in London without fuss and settled in comfortably, eating and drinking regularly on the long flight to Australia. “Once landed in Melbourne, he walked out of his air stable and was checked by DAWR Quarantine Officers before being loaded onto a truck to Mickleham. His behaviour and demeanour throughout the journey matched the class of horse he is.” An Australian reserve at the 2016 Olympics, Virgil was precious cargo and owners Shane Rose Eventing and Michelle Hasibar are pleased to have their champion back home safely. Virgil has returned to his Australian home, Bimbadeen Park in NSW, after completing quarantine at the Mickleham arrival facility in Melbourne.
ALBERTO FINDS GOLD
Gerry Harvey’s Magic Millions staged another highly successful thoroughbred auction in October with the average of its Gold Coast 2YOs in Training sale increasing by a massive 20% on last year’s figures. The two day sale grossed over $10 million at an average of nearly $60,000 with two colts topping the sale at $280,000 each. As is the case with many Australian sales, the international interest was substantial with 24 of the horses being purchased for Hong Kong, Singapore snapped up 19 and Thailand weighed in with eight buys. Other centres who figured prominently were China, Macau, Malaysia, New Zealand, South Africa, South Korea, the USA and the Philippines. As the official carrier for Magic Millions, EIAF has winged a number of the sale graduates to their new homes including the Uncle Mo colt from Tennessee Babe, who is pictured here with his proud new owner, Alberto Alvina. We’re happy to say that EIAF recently re-united Alberto and his Uncle Mo in Manila and wish him every success.
CUP DAY - WHAT A FLIGHT!
Spare a thought for the dedicated workers at EIAF … on Melbourne Cup day, while nearly 100,000 people flocked to Flemington and millions watched on TV, our crew was busily working on preparing a large planeload of horses bound for Dubai on board Melbourne Cup Sponsor Emirates Airlines. It’s a huge task but we again worked in tandem with the professional crew from Emirates and everything went smoothly: from Oz to the UAE. It’s a helluva day for horse lovers to loading horses, but if it’s any consolation, none of us backed the winner anyway!
ARGENTINA ... BEST IN THE WORLD As the XI FIP World Polo Championships in Richmond, Sydney comes to an end, the event will be remembered as one of the best World Championships in the history of the tournament. Argentina emerged victorious from a nail-biting final match with Chile, following solid victories over Australia and Spain. In the final, it was evident that both teams had studied their opponents carefully to ensure the best tactics, and as the game grew in intensity, by the fifth chukker, it was tied at 5-5. The final chukker was a battle as both teams struggled to score, until Chile suddenly stole a late goal. However, Argentina was determined to keep on fighting, with Lucio Fernandez Ocampo, scoring a goal to tie the game again. Although Chile had more scoring opportunities than Argentina, it was Ocampo, later awarded Most Valuable Player, who capitalised, to score the golden goal to defeat Chile 8-7 in overtime. Argentina, undefeated for the tournament, celebrated their fifth World Championship title, proving once more, they are the gold standard. The Sydney Polo Club and the tournament organisers delivered a world-class event, leaving no detail ignored, and And if you haven’t satisfied your Polo fix after the World showing that Australia is a destination where you can find Cup (can you have too much polo?) there is always the the best polo in the world. Magic Millions Polo event at the Gold Coast on 7 January. Unfortunately, Australia finished outside of the top four, This really is a fantastic spectacle with terrific competidespite some spirited displays during the tournament. tion, along with a few comical games, plus appearances by some high profile horse industry professionals. It all takes Starting with an exciting first match defeat of Spain, they place at Dog Jennings Park, The Spit MAIN BEACH ... challenged the United States, only going down in a close loss, tickets are on sale now: www.magicmillionspolo.com.au before facing the eventual tournament winners, Argentina.
MAGIC MILLIONS POLO
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ALL BREEDS INCLUDING THOROUGHBREDS, WARMBLOODS, POLO, GYPSY COB AND MORE For further information please contact Equine International Airfreight on +61 2 8817 0300
or call Cameron Croucher on +61 417 293 747
www.eiaf.com.au
EIAF STAFF PROFILE
HARRY ADAMS How many years of experience do you have flying horses? I have been involved in flying horses for over 18 years.
What is one significant change you have seen in the processes of flying horses internationally during that time? There has been a big improvement in the freighter aircrafts used and the flight times are now shorter. Also the use of mobile phones … it keeps you in contact with clients and the company from all over the world . What is the most unusual destination you have flown horses to and why? Myanmar! We flew into an airport on an Emirates cargo plane. On landing we had to unload the horses in their air stables, via a crane on to a flat top truck. Then we had to travel with them for 200 kilometers to their final destination as they did not have experienced horse handlers available. Our job was to make sure they were delivered safely and in good health. Besides working with horses as a flying groom, do you have any other interest with horses? I have trained and ridden racehorses for many years at Coffs Harbour in NSW. I also race and own a few pacers. I’ve been involved with horses all my life. Love ‘em. What are some of the other international horse transport companies you have worked with? I have been a flying groom for a number of years with Instones, IRT, Crispin Bennett & Chris Calthorpe, while for the past few years I’ve been closely involved with Equine International Airfreight. Why do you like working with the team at EIAF? Easy … everyone is very professional in what they do, they’re approachable and, most importantly, the horses ALWAYS come first. What do you believe to be the most important role of the flying groom? Making sure the horses are well cared for and comfortable at all times and that they arrive at their final destination safely and in good health. Also, it’s imperative to keep in contact with the office at all times so they can effectively communicate with owners. What is your favorite airline when it comes to flying horses? Emirates Airline. They are always on time and the crew are friendly and make our flights pleasant.
DAVID CHESTER APPOINTED EIAF DIRECTOR EIAF is proud to announce that David Chester, one of the most respected figures in the Australian thoroughbred industry, has been appointed to the EIAF board. David steps up following Vin Cox’s retirement from the board as Vin is taking up a position as the boss at Darley Australia. David brings a lifetime of experience with horses, not to mention connections throughout just about every corner of the globe. One the major figures behind Magic Millions’ continued growth over recent decades, David’s profile - in Asia particularly - is tremendous and his experience will be hugely beneficial to EIAF, particularly in our role as preferred airfreight partner of Magic Millions Sales. “I am truly excited about joining the board of EIAF,” David enthused. “To be able to offer our overseas clients the opportunity to attend and buy at the Magic Millions Sales and then have our airfreight division take care of international travel requirements … well, it’s an important step in our mission to provide clients with a one stop shop.
David Chester (far right) in China with Daney Xu (RIFA Mustung), Cameron Croucher (EIAF Managing Director) and leading Chinese owner/breeder, Mr Zhang from Yulong
DRESSAGE GOLD GOES SOLO Fellow EIAF passenger, Solo Feliz and his owner and rider, Daniella Dierks were recently awarded a GOLD medal to recognise exceptional performance in the Small Tour Section by the Equestrian Australia Dressage Committee (EADC). The presentation ceremony was held at the Martin Collins 2017 Australian Dressage Championships at Boneo Park on the Mornington Peninsula. The EADC’s initiative for rewarding consistent, outstanding performances is now in its fifth year, while this year, 13 well-deserved combinations were awarded for their high-level performances in the dressage arena. “How exciting for our sport to have 13 Gold Medal winners across the levels - it shows the consistency of training underpinning the natural talent of these beautiful horses,” Prue Spurrett, chair of the EADC, enthused. “Congratulations to all of the riders, owners and trainers involved, and our very best wishes for their progression.” To cap it all off, Solo Feliz and Daniella Dierks, enjoyed a very successful competition over four gruelling days of FEI level competition. Taking out his three classes brilliantly, Solo Feliz won the FEI Prix St George with 72.395%, the FEI Intermediate 1 with 72.369% and the FEI Intermediate Freestyle, with 74.475%, to be announced FEI Small Tour Champion! “It was the first time Team Dierks had ventured to Boneo and would like to say thank you to Fiona Selby for hosting the event at her beautiful Equestrian Centre and the whole team that made it run so smoothly behind the scenes,” Prue adds. “Every day there was a very helpful and happy vibe! As to leading sponsor, Martin Collins Australia ... your surfaces were incredible to ride on! And thank you to Solo – I love that horse.”
eiaf’s everest with redzel
October saw the inaugural running of the $10 million “The Everest” at Royal Randwick - the richest horse race in Australia (and third richest race in the world behind the Pegasus World Cup in North America and the Dubai World Cup). Going down in the history books as the first winner of the Everest was the Peter and Paul Snowden trained, Redzel, who had been syndicated out to some very grateful owners by Triple Crown Syndications after he was purchased as a yearling for $120,000 at the Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale. That was a very astute purchase as Redzel has now won nearly $7.8 million in prizemoney! (Redzel’s most recent success was the Group One Darley Classic at Flemington on the final day of the Melbourne Cup carnival). But, why is there a connection with EIAF? Well, Redzel was born and raised at Eliza Park (now Sun Stud) in Victoria at the time when EIAF’s Managing Director, Cameron Croucher, plus our Flight Co-Ordinators, Shauna Nolan and Sue Ellis all worked at Eliza Park. So, Cameron, Shauna and Sue all have an interest in this wonderful horse’s continued success and add substantially to Redzel’s cheer squad every time he goes around. For the pedigree buffs, Redzel is by Champion Sire, Snitzel, from the Group winning mare, Millrich, who has produced seven winners in total, including another Group winner in Danerich, which was also bred at Eliza Park.
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johnstone claims 3 day event
New Zealander, Clarke Johnstone, showcased his incredible talents under pressure when he rode Balmoral Sensation to victory in the Australian International 3 Day Event at Victoria Park in November. Johnstone needed a clear showjumping round to triumph in the 4* competition after South Australia Megan Jones, the penultimate rider into the ring, staked her claim for glory with a faultless round on Kirby Park Impress. And Johnstone delivered with a stunning ride to maintain the lead after the dressage on Friday and cross country the following day. “There was a lot of pressure … Megan jumped super well, so it was high stakes,” Clarke revealed. “I had to focus on what I could control and ride as well as I could. He is a good jumper and did not let me down.” The performance has all but guaranteed Johnstone and Balmoral Sensation (who were third in the 2015 event) selection for the 2018 World Equestrian Games in the US in September. “Hopefully it gets me selection, but I don’t get to choose the team, unfortunately,” Clarke adds. “I’ve had a quiet 12 months since Rio (Olympics) as it was a big campaign to get him there, and it took quite a bit out of him. I’ve quietly built him up for the 4* here in Adelaide,” Clarke summed up. Meagan Jones’ hopes of victory were revived on Sunday morning when she successfully appealed against a penalty imposed after the cross country. The penalty had dropped her from second to 12th and all but out of contention. Olympian Stuart Tinney finished third on War Hawk, edging out Andrew Cooper on Tasman Park Ovation. NSW rider Emma Mason is confident Warrego Marco Polo can rise to 4* level after claiming the 2* title following a strong showjumping performance. Fifth after the dressage, Mason went into the final day in second spot following the cross country. Overnight leader Chelsea Priestley finished second on Skansen Purist with Matthew Gaske third on Thymes Too. Emma, who finished third in the 4* in 2011 and was short-listed for selection for the 2012 London Olympics, has been riding Warrego Marco Polo only since June and describes him as quite small and cheeky. “He is a super horse, and every day I ride him I feel lucky,” Emma reveals. “He is strong in all three phases. “I feel I’m still getting to know him … he was amazing all weekend. He is a clever horse and I feel he can perform at 4*, but you never know until they do it.” There were big names of equestrian on the podium after the 3* competition: Dresssage leader, Christine Bates triumphed on Adelaide Hill with Shane Rose second on Swiper and Andrew Cooper third on Lagoes Choice.
VALE GILL ROLTON The equestrian world is deeply saddened by the passing of Gill Rolton (OAM) in November at the age of 61. Eventually succumbing to endometrial cancer, Gill showed her usual courage and waged a long and brave battle right to the very end. A Show and Dressage rider and coach until her early 20s, Gill began Eventing and Jumping at the age of 21 and started competing successfully at international level in 1984. Gill became the nation’s first female Equestrian Olympic medallist when she won gold at Barcelona in 1992 and Atlanta in 1996 as a member of the Australian Eventing team. At both Olympics, Gill rode Peppermint Grove (Freddie), a horse she’d purchased as a gangly, barely broken in fouryear-old. She brought him up through the grades to reach Olympic level. A history-making rider, Gill had the honour of being one of the eight flag-bearers at the Opening Ceremony of the 2000 Summer Olympics in Sydney. Gill was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 2002 and received an OAM for services to sport in 1992. Gill also recently received her home town of Adelaide’s highest honour and was handed the keys to the city. Gill Rolton was an inspiration and role model to many sportsmen and women throughout the world and she leaves a huge legacy in Equestrian sport through her enormous contribution as a rider and administrator. - Equestrian Australia
UK TO AUSTRALIA ... eiaf takes flight 2017 has been landmark year for Equine International Airfreight and for our many clients from all over the globe. After establishing our quarantine facility at Newmarket - in the heart of England’s horse country - EIAF transported its first group of horses from the United Kingdom to Australia in October. The flight included 15 horses, comprising of thoroughbreds, eventers, gypsy cobs and show jumpers. Welcome to Australia our 4 legged friends!
BE SOCIAL! We hope you’re enjoyed this issue of the EIAF Newsletter and look forward to presenting you with another edition in early 2018. EIAF also welcomes your contributions - particularly photos - and you can email those through to shauna@eiaf.com.au Make sure you also check out our Facebook page : https://www.facebook.com/equineinternationalairfreight/ which is updated regularly with news and events from around the globe. And visit our website - www.eiaf.com.au - to watch a video on international horse movements. Happy riding!