The Blueprint 2007

MARCH 2007MARCH 2007

Chairmans ReportMany economies around the world are in an unprecedented time of high employment, stock market booms and rising mineral prices – and most of the horse industry seems to be along for the ride. With record yearling sales, international racing doing its part to revive the racing industry worldwide, a peak in equestrian, endurance, polo and all sorts of other equine activities… the result is an industry that has probably never had such a sound base and one is inevitably left tentatively asking: Can it get any better than this?

After all, this boom has occurred during a period when the environment in which IRT’s sector of the horse industry has been plagued with security issues and rising fuel prices, increasing costs substantially since the turn of the century. But if you’ll pardon the pun, the horse industry appears to have taken it all in its stride. Somehow competition in racing, equestrian, polo and endurance disciplines continues to spread internationally.

World economy moves into a gallopLegend Switches Hemispheres Without Moving a MuscleRedoute’s Choice (pictured) is now a stallion with extensive and impressively talented offspring right around the world. In total, 174 winners from a pool of 247 starters, which have collectively earned more than US$20 million.

So it’s easy to understand why part owner and Arrowfield Stud proprietor John Messara reports “several approaches to shuttle the stallion” for breeding in the northern hemisphere and to appreciate his reluctance “due to insurance considerations.”

With all this in mind, instead of sending Redoute’s Choice to service mares across the globe, IRT recently completed the unusual task of importing over 20 mares to Australia, to be bred to northern hemisphere time. Messara is keen to continue this practice, setting up a new precedent for international breeding practices – one that could potentially keep IRT very busy indeed.Photo by Arrowfield Stud.

Redoute’s ChoiceFor IRT I am proud to say that this has meant a record number of horses moved globally in 2006, following on from ten years of continuous growth. We have to go back to 1995 to find the last year when the number of horses flown diminished.

It would be foolhardy to say things will continue on a steady upward curve, but if you listen to the business commentators the current financial boom may have a fair way to go. Economic activity in China and India for instance, is unlikely to lessen in the next ten years or so.

So we at IRT are obviously pleased to see the industry so healthy and proud to support it, but we also recognise the need for us to continually rise to its new challenges. This year we’ll do that with (amongst other things) improved IT systems, additional staff and more office space. Regardless of the economic environment we always aim to not just maintain, but also improve our services to you.

Quentin Wallace

In January 2006, IRT imported yet another horse for an owner we’ve had the pleasure of working with for over twenty years, Sheikh Hamdan. On this occasion the horse was Tawqeet and its sights were set on the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival.

In the past IRT has shipped (amongst others) three big winners to Australia for Sheikh Hamdan, including: 1986 Melbourne Cup Winner At Talaq, 1993 Caulfield Cup Winner Fraar and 1995 Melbourne Cup Winner Jeune.

All have had one other thing in common with Tawqeet, they were also trained from Lindsay Park by the Hayes Family.

Well, Tawqeet didn’t disappoint, winning The Metroplitan Handicap (Gr1) in Sydney

and then going on to win the 2006 BMW Caulfield Cup. It’s a great selection of horses Tawqeet has joined the ranks of and IRT are pleased to have been involved in another Sheikh Hamdan and Hayes Family’s success.

Two tickets to paradiseMost years we are proud to report on IRT’s involvement in Australia’s Spring Racing Carnival and in particular, the famous Emirates Melbourne Cup. But this year feels particularly special, with the surprise first and second place finish of Japanese horses, Delta Blues and Pop Rock (respectively), both having been flown into and out of Australia with IRT’s involvement.

Northern Hemisphere trained horses had only succeeded at the Cup twice before, Vintage Crop in 1993 and Media Puzzle in 2002, both under the keen eye of Irish great Dermot Weld. Other than that the race had long been considered too tough to travel to and most saw it as suited to local greats and perhaps some European long-distance runners.

As such, the one-two finish did not go unnoticed by those in charge of the International Cataloguing Standards, who

not long after the race (and in light of other recent Japanese successes) raised Japan to a Part 1 Country.

For the 146th running of the Emirates Melbourne Cup this stunning result was a welcome breath of fresh air and the way Delta Blues went about it was unusual too – starting a length clear and never looking back. Carrying the second top weight of 56kg this was no mean feat, a deserved winner indeed.

IRT flew the pair for SPIX, the shipping agent of Shadai Corporation and were pleased to see a long-sought success for part-owner of Delta Blues Katsumi Yoshida, who has spent many years involved in Australian racing. Furthermore, IRT is proud to have been involved in another piece of racing history and looks forward to seeing what future champions we may have the honour of transporting in years to come, wherever they might hail from.

The Little Horse that DidIf the Japanese one-two finish at the 2006 Melbourne Cup was an unusual result for the old race, then Australia’s Takeover Target certainly provided a more typical “Aussie underdog” story for Down Under racing fans to talk about last year.

As if torn from an early draft of the Seabiscuit film script, the character that is owner and former taxi driver Joe Janiak and his little-horse-that-could dominated the Australian mainstream media (and that of most the world) after victory before Her Majesty the Queen at Royal Ascot in the G2 King’s Stand Stakes. The win secured Takeover Target victory in the Global Sprint Challenge, having also won the first leg, the Lightening Stakes at Flemington in Australia’s autumn.

A self-confessed hobby trainer, Janiak bought Takeover Target at a dispersal sale for just A$1,350 when no one else was interested and before the gelding had even raced once. Not that the British Royal Family members

in attendance would have known when he got ahead 300m into the 1000m Kings Stand Stakes and stayed there, beating a field that included two other Australian IRT flyers Falkirk and Glamour Puss, which both finished well.

IRT were pleased to play their part in this great tale, shipping the horse to the UK from Australia. “It’s a hard trip over here,” commented Janiak from the UK, “but I think it knocked me around more than the horse.” We’ll take that as a compliment.

August 20 – September 3 2006The 5th World Equestrian Games (WEG) were held last August in the unofficial horse hub of Germany, Aachen. It was King Charlemagne’s famous horse that, according to legend, uncovered a hot spring whilst pawing at the ground in Aachen, making it the site of the King’s favourite palace and a popular resort town.

The legend lives on and besides the spas, Aachen is today well know for hosting the CHIO (Concours Hippique International Officiel), the biggest equestrian event in Germany, some would even say in the whole of the world.

Melbourne Cup

Takeover Target

World Equestrian Games – Aachen

Home honours, but what about Starcraft? The honours continued for Takeover Target upon his return home, when he was named IRT International Performer of the Year 2006 at Victoria Racing’s Horse of the Year Awards. Although all agreed that he was a worthy winner, many wondered why Starcraft’s excellent international performances of the year hadn’t been able to see it over the line ahead of the Ascot underdog hero? Indeed Starcraft did turn in massive wins at the G1 Prix de Moulin and G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes, however being conditioned by a UK based trainer (and not an Australian) automatically made the champion ineligible for the prize.

Security at the world’s busiest international airport – LHRTight Security Means a Tight ScheduleIf you feel like security measures for a passenger flight at your average airport have become rather protracted and tedious in recent years, then you may wish to spare a thought for the IRT UK staff who operate out of the world’s busiest – and possibly most security-conscious – international airport, London Heathrow.

Aside from the usual requirements for quarantine and veterinary inspections to ensure that each horse is fit to fly, here’s a brief rundown on the current procedure just to get the horses on their way:

At least one week from departure IRT must supply the air carrier with full details of each groom who will fly with the horse/s. At least two days prior to departure IRT must supply details of the trucks, drivers, grooms and any other support staff that will accompany the horses to the airport. On the day of the flight from Heathrow grooms must report to the carrier and receive a safety briefing, before they can be issued with their boarding pass. They then pass through normal passenger security and immigration channels, before being taken to the cargo area. Meanwhile any tack and equipment not needed during the flight is x-rayed and stowed away in the plane’s belly for the duration of the flight.

Immediately prior to loading the horses into their stalls for the flight, each stall and any equipment that will go in it is also x-rayed. Then security officials maintain a visual check on all items (such as water, hay and wood shavings) as the stalls are prepared. One by one the horses are carefully loaded into prepared stalls, the stalls are weighed to confirm the load plan, stallions and colts are loaded at the front, fillies and mares at the rear, health certificates are completed, checked, signed and stamped.

Then the horses and grooms are finally on their way… provided there’s none of the other usual airport delays, but we don’t need to go into that.

Photos courtesy of EFA.

Tawqeet continues a great partnership

The 2006 WEG was the most successful for Australia since the inception of WEG in Stockholm in 1990. With two Eventing medals, two teams qualifying for the Beijing Olympics and a rider in the final-four of the show jumping for the first time. Of the 61 nations competing, Australia finished equal 5th on the medal tally.

IRT were once again asked by the Equestrian Federation of Australia (EFA) to undertake transport of the Australian-based horses to Europe. Some combinations chose to go over early (to undertake some private training prior to the selection camps) and all in all IRT shipped around a dozen Australian-based horses to Europe and back. Congratulations to all who competed.

2 IRT Blueprint March 2007 IRT Blueprint March 2007 3

In January 2006, IRT imported yet another horse for an owner we’ve had the pleasure of working with for over twenty years, Sheikh Hamdan. On this occasion the horse was Tawqeet and its sights were set on the Victorian Spring Racing Carnival.

In the past IRT has shipped (amongst others) three big winners to Australia for Sheikh Hamdan, including: 1986 Melbourne Cup Winner At Talaq, 1993 Caulfield Cup Winner Fraar and 1995 Melbourne Cup Winner Jeune.

All have had one other thing in common with Tawqeet, they were also trained from Lindsay Park by the Hayes Family.

Well, Tawqeet didn’t disappoint, winning The Metroplitan Handicap (Gr1) in Sydney

and then going on to win the 2006 BMW Caulfield Cup. It’s a great selection of horses Tawqeet has joined the ranks of and IRT are pleased to have been involved in another Sheikh Hamdan and Hayes Family’s success.

Two tickets to paradiseMost years we are proud to report on IRT’s involvement in Australia’s Spring Racing Carnival and in particular, the famous Emirates Melbourne Cup. But this year feels particularly special, with the surprise first and second place finish of Japanese horses, Delta Blues and Pop Rock (respectively), both having been flown into and out of Australia with IRT’s involvement.

Northern Hemisphere trained horses had only succeeded at the Cup twice before, Vintage Crop in 1993 and Media Puzzle in 2002, both under the keen eye of Irish great Dermot Weld. Other than that the race had long been considered too tough to travel to and most saw it as suited to local greats and perhaps some European long-distance runners.

As such, the one-two finish did not go unnoticed by those in charge of the International Cataloguing Standards, who

not long after the race (and in light of other recent Japanese successes) raised Japan to a Part 1 Country.

For the 146th running of the Emirates Melbourne Cup this stunning result was a welcome breath of fresh air and the way Delta Blues went about it was unusual too – starting a length clear and never looking back. Carrying the second top weight of 56kg this was no mean feat, a deserved winner indeed.

IRT flew the pair for SPIX, the shipping agent of Shadai Corporation and were pleased to see a long-sought success for part-owner of Delta Blues Katsumi Yoshida, who has spent many years involved in Australian racing. Furthermore, IRT is proud to have been involved in another piece of racing history and looks forward to seeing what future champions we may have the honour of transporting in years to come, wherever they might hail from.

The Little Horse that DidIf the Japanese one-two finish at the 2006 Melbourne Cup was an unusual result for the old race, then Australia’s Takeover Target certainly provided a more typical “Aussie underdog” story for Down Under racing fans to talk about last year.

As if torn from an early draft of the Seabiscuit film script, the character that is owner and former taxi driver Joe Janiak and his little-horse-that-could dominated the Australian mainstream media (and that of most the world) after victory before Her Majesty the Queen at Royal Ascot in the G2 King’s Stand Stakes. The win secured Takeover Target victory in the Global Sprint Challenge, having also won the first leg, the Lightening Stakes at Flemington in Australia’s autumn.

A self-confessed hobby trainer, Janiak bought Takeover Target at a dispersal sale for just A$1,350 when no one else was interested and before the gelding had even raced once. Not that the British Royal Family members

in attendance would have known when he got ahead 300m into the 1000m Kings Stand Stakes and stayed there, beating a field that included two other Australian IRT flyers Falkirk and Glamour Puss, which both finished well.

IRT were pleased to play their part in this great tale, shipping the horse to the UK from Australia. “It’s a hard trip over here,” commented Janiak from the UK, “but I think it knocked me around more than the horse.” We’ll take that as a compliment.

August 20 – September 3 2006The 5th World Equestrian Games (WEG) were held last August in the unofficial horse hub of Germany, Aachen. It was King Charlemagne’s famous horse that, according to legend, uncovered a hot spring whilst pawing at the ground in Aachen, making it the site of the King’s favourite palace and a popular resort town.

The legend lives on and besides the spas, Aachen is today well know for hosting the CHIO (Concours Hippique International Officiel), the biggest equestrian event in Germany, some would even say in the whole of the world.

Melbourne Cup

Takeover Target

World Equestrian Games – Aachen

Home honours, but what about Starcraft? The honours continued for Takeover Target upon his return home, when he was named IRT International Performer of the Year 2006 at Victoria Racing’s Horse of the Year Awards. Although all agreed that he was a worthy winner, many wondered why Starcraft’s excellent international performances of the year hadn’t been able to see it over the line ahead of the Ascot underdog hero? Indeed Starcraft did turn in massive wins at the G1 Prix de Moulin and G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes, however being conditioned by a UK based trainer (and not an Australian) automatically made the champion ineligible for the prize.

Security at the world’s busiest international airport – LHRTight Security Means a Tight ScheduleIf you feel like security measures for a passenger flight at your average airport have become rather protracted and tedious in recent years, then you may wish to spare a thought for the IRT UK staff who operate out of the world’s busiest – and possibly most security-conscious – international airport, London Heathrow.

Aside from the usual requirements for quarantine and veterinary inspections to ensure that each horse is fit to fly, here’s a brief rundown on the current procedure just to get the horses on their way:

At least one week from departure IRT must supply the air carrier with full details of each groom who will fly with the horse/s. At least two days prior to departure IRT must supply details of the trucks, drivers, grooms and any other support staff that will accompany the horses to the airport. On the day of the flight from Heathrow grooms must report to the carrier and receive a safety briefing, before they can be issued with their boarding pass. They then pass through normal passenger security and immigration channels, before being taken to the cargo area. Meanwhile any tack and equipment not needed during the flight is x-rayed and stowed away in the plane’s belly for the duration of the flight.

Immediately prior to loading the horses into their stalls for the flight, each stall and any equipment that will go in it is also x-rayed. Then security officials maintain a visual check on all items (such as water, hay and wood shavings) as the stalls are prepared. One by one the horses are carefully loaded into prepared stalls, the stalls are weighed to confirm the load plan, stallions and colts are loaded at the front, fillies and mares at the rear, health certificates are completed, checked, signed and stamped.

Then the horses and grooms are finally on their way… provided there’s none of the other usual airport delays, but we don’t need to go into that.

Photos courtesy of EFA.

Tawqeet continues a great partnership

The 2006 WEG was the most successful for Australia since the inception of WEG in Stockholm in 1990. With two Eventing medals, two teams qualifying for the Beijing Olympics and a rider in the final-four of the show jumping for the first time. Of the 61 nations competing, Australia finished equal 5th on the medal tally.

IRT were once again asked by the Equestrian Federation of Australia (EFA) to undertake transport of the Australian-based horses to Europe. Some combinations chose to go over early (to undertake some private training prior to the selection camps) and all in all IRT shipped around a dozen Australian-based horses to Europe and back. Congratulations to all who competed.


Nicole Rides Onward and UpwardTowards the end of 2006 IRT were contacted about shipping an Equestrian horse to Australia from Europe, for an Australian rider who had bought it whilst competing overseas. The kind of request that the company receives almost daily, but staff at the Melbourne office soon realised that the owner’s story was unlike most they come across.

The rider was Nicole Kullen and her journey to represent Australia at the First International Combined Festival of Dressage CPD14**** International Para Equestrian Competition in Belgium – where she bought the horse – is certainly an inspiring one.

In August 1996 Nicole contracted Menin-gococcal Meningitis Septicemia, which after six months in a coma resulted in her losing both lower legs, suffering limited movement and strength in her arms and with no function in both hands and wrists. By 2000 internal organ damage had resulted in Nicole also relying on a dialysis machine for kidney function. Before the literally crippling affects of Meningitis, Nicole had been a keen rider and ultimately it has

Nicole Kullen

Photo supplied by Nicole Kullen.

Putting the ‘Ship’ back into Horse Shipping.It is commonly said around the IRT offices that we don’t “ship” horses, we “fly” them, with the days of ships being the most accessible mode of transport long gone.

That is unless you need to transport horses to somewhere without suitable air access, which is precisely what IRT UK recently faced, forcing them to turn back the clock. By all recollection their shipment of 3 horses to the tiny island of Mustique in the West Indies by boat, was the first IRT had endeavoured upon for around 25 years. Such an unusual venture it was for the UK team that they called upon the Caribbean holiday experience of groom Bob Mackley, to get their heads around the task.

Nadia CoghlanAussie Success Forged in GermanyMany Victorian dressage enthusiasts will remember Nadia Coghlan, the talented

young rider who trained with Mary Hanna for a time and then at just 21yrs of age in 2003, IRT flew her to Germany with her horse Northern Campion (AKA Cam, by Northern Congress from Amour Miss) with a view to training with the world’s best instructors.

For the past three years Nadia has been training with Kristy Oatley and Karen Rehbein in Germany. Then in September 2006, after a lot of hard work by Nadia and her supportive parents, Carol and Leigh, it was time to test the results of their plan. IRT flew Nadia home, along with Cam and a new addition to Team Coghlan, Carlyle.

The trip home obviously did no harm to the horses and rider as, soon after arrival in October 2006, Nadia and Cam won the Hamilton Island Grand Prix with 64.66% and picked up the Grand Prix CDI-W, making Nadia the 2006 Australian Dressage Champion.

In addition, Nadia’s youngster Carlyle (by Canonicus) took no time to settle into his new homeland, taking the Reserve Champion’s ribbon in the medium test at the same event. IRT wish the Coghlan’s continued success in Australia and abroad.

Sea shipment UK to Mustique

In the end the horses – being transported for the Mustique Equestrian Centre – travelled to Portsmouth for loading onto the Geest Line ship the Santa Lucia (out of Monrovia), a vessel more akin to a cargo of bananas than horses. Once the stalls were loaded with enough supplies for the two week journey and horses had been checked over by the DEFRA vet, the stalls were craned onto the ship. IRT staff then made sure the horses were settled, before they set sail for St Vincent.

A ferry trip from St Vincent to Mustique ended this unusual journey. A quick roll in the sun-drenched grass and the horses were fit and happy, with a great story to tell their new companions.

New Homeland Far From the HighlandsWell known Highland Pony breeder and judge Scott McGregor recently made the long trek from his native Scotland to the more temperate climes of country Australia, and he asked IRT to move all his highly successful Ballinton Stud Highland Ponies with him, to a new home at Jolley Farm in Tonimbuk, Victoria.

This was no small move for Scott, whose involvement with this native British breed goes back to the establishment of the stud by his father Hugh in the 1950s. The largest of Britain’s nine native breeds, the Highland Pony is popular for trekking or general riding and Hugh McGregor bought his first 36 ponies to supply the shoot of a Disney film version about the life of notorious old Scot Rob Roy. They proved popular after hours, with many requests by crew to go riding.

Hugh saw an opportunity and opened a trekking centre, leading to the foundation of the Dene Stud.

Hugh’s death in the 1980s left the stud in Scott’s hands and he has kept its multi-award winning success story well and truly on track.

Scott is sure to be sorely missed in Scotland, but is already proving quite the popular figure on the Australian judging circuit. All at IRT wish him and the ponies well in their new home.

Scott McGregor

Photo by Kate Stephen, Royal Highland Association.

Never Too Old for a Tough TrotterWhen owner and trainer Stu Hunter dragged himself through the bog one Tasmanian morning to take a look at a horse that had been around the traps a few times, he probably wasn’t too optimistic about what he might find. What he found was Flashing Red, which IRT flew to New Zealand last year to compete in the New Zealand Cup as a nine-year-old. “When I trialed him,” recalls Hunter, “he did whatever I asked him to do, and I thought a horse who could do that in those conditions might be tough, so we bought him.”

Tough he was, with driver Anthony Butt in the seat watching a few runners pass him

at the 600 mark of the Cup, Flashing Red drew them all in to claim his 35th win in 147 career starts. Not only was it the first win by an Australian horse in the event since My Lightening Blue 19 years ago, the Aussies pulled off a one-two finish courtesy of Cobbity Classic’s gutsy run.

But Flashing Red wasn’t finished with New Zealand racing’s silverware just yet. IRT New Zealand flew him home to Australia in November only to bring him back three months later, and in March 2007 he won the NZ$400,000 Trillian Trust Auckland Cup. IRT have now returned him to Australia and the Kiwis must be hoping this old Pacer will stay on the other side of the Tasman a little longer this time.

Flashing Red

Katharine Olsen & The LusitanoLusitano’s Add to Australia’s Multicultural Horse PopulationIntroducing a new horse breed to Australia obviously presents its challenges, but for Katharine Olsen of Iberian Horse Breeders in NSW, it has also been an exhilarating experience.

The Lusitano breed originated in Portugal and perceiving a domination of warmbloods in the dressage arena here in Australia, Katharine saw the Lusitano as “an extremely agile and intelligent” alternative. “In addition to their easy trainability and great ability to collect,” says Katharine, “their most important asset is an excellent, amiable temperament.”

In 2003 IRT helped make Katharine Olsen’s dream of bringing Lusitanos to Australia a reality, by transporting the great Portugese-bred stallion Irreal from America. He was soon followed by several broodmares from Portugal. “I chose IRT as carrier because of its impeccable horse care and ease of communication,” Katharine kindly noted.

Later, IRT coped with the lengthy intricacies of the multiple quarantines between Brazil and Australia, to bring two talented Lusitano dressage stallions and two broodmares to their new home in Australia.

IRT are proud to say that now Katharine’s dream has been realised and the stallions compete successfully. In addition, twenty foals have been born so far and IRT have already turned the whole process around, by carrying two youngsters to their new American home.

been riding that has helped her through the setbacks. As she herself says, “my love and passion for my horses keeps me going, even when the pain builds up.”

For the past six years Nicole has been regularly competing in Dressage competitions with the EFA (Equestrian Federation of Australia) for able-bodied riders and the RDAA (Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia) for riders with a disability. Picking up titles such as 2005 RDAA Australian National Dressage Champion for Grade 2A, 2005 Equestrian Federation of Australia NSW RDA Rider of the Year and is now part of the Australian Para Equestrian Dressage Paralympic Preparation Squad, with an eye to represent Australia at the Beijing Paralympics.

We wish Nicole all the best on her new horse Nomination and sincerely hope that she reaches her dream of riding for Australia in Beijing and that IRT can continue to help her. To find out more about Nicole, or how you may be able to get behind her push for Beijing in 2008, please visit www.nicolekullen.com.

Visit our websitewww.irt.comfor the latest news.


Nicole Rides Onward and UpwardTowards the end of 2006 IRT were contacted about shipping an Equestrian horse to Australia from Europe, for an Australian rider who had bought it whilst competing overseas. The kind of request that the company receives almost daily, but staff at the Melbourne office soon realised that the owner’s story was unlike most they come across.

The rider was Nicole Kullen and her journey to represent Australia at the First International Combined Festival of Dressage CPD14**** International Para Equestrian Competition in Belgium – where she bought the horse – is certainly an inspiring one.

In August 1996 Nicole contracted Menin-gococcal Meningitis Septicemia, which after six months in a coma resulted in her losing both lower legs, suffering limited movement and strength in her arms and with no function in both hands and wrists. By 2000 internal organ damage had resulted in Nicole also relying on a dialysis machine for kidney function. Before the literally crippling affects of Meningitis, Nicole had been a keen rider and ultimately it has

Nicole Kullen

Photo supplied by Nicole Kullen.

Putting the ‘Ship’ back into Horse Shipping.It is commonly said around the IRT offices that we don’t “ship” horses, we “fly” them, with the days of ships being the most accessible mode of transport long gone.

That is unless you need to transport horses to somewhere without suitable air access, which is precisely what IRT UK recently faced, forcing them to turn back the clock. By all recollection their shipment of 3 horses to the tiny island of Mustique in the West Indies by boat, was the first IRT had endeavoured upon for around 25 years. Such an unusual venture it was for the UK team that they called upon the Caribbean holiday experience of groom Bob Mackley, to get their heads around the task.

Nadia CoghlanAussie Success Forged in GermanyMany Victorian dressage enthusiasts will remember Nadia Coghlan, the talented

young rider who trained with Mary Hanna for a time and then at just 21yrs of age in 2003, IRT flew her to Germany with her horse Northern Campion (AKA Cam, by Northern Congress from Amour Miss) with a view to training with the world’s best instructors.

For the past three years Nadia has been training with Kristy Oatley and Karen Rehbein in Germany. Then in September 2006, after a lot of hard work by Nadia and her supportive parents, Carol and Leigh, it was time to test the results of their plan. IRT flew Nadia home, along with Cam and a new addition to Team Coghlan, Carlyle.

The trip home obviously did no harm to the horses and rider as, soon after arrival in October 2006, Nadia and Cam won the Hamilton Island Grand Prix with 64.66% and picked up the Grand Prix CDI-W, making Nadia the 2006 Australian Dressage Champion.

In addition, Nadia’s youngster Carlyle (by Canonicus) took no time to settle into his new homeland, taking the Reserve Champion’s ribbon in the medium test at the same event. IRT wish the Coghlan’s continued success in Australia and abroad.

Sea shipment UK to Mustique

In the end the horses – being transported for the Mustique Equestrian Centre – travelled to Portsmouth for loading onto the Geest Line ship the Santa Lucia (out of Monrovia), a vessel more akin to a cargo of bananas than horses. Once the stalls were loaded with enough supplies for the two week journey and horses had been checked over by the DEFRA vet, the stalls were craned onto the ship. IRT staff then made sure the horses were settled, before they set sail for St Vincent.

A ferry trip from St Vincent to Mustique ended this unusual journey. A quick roll in the sun-drenched grass and the horses were fit and happy, with a great story to tell their new companions.

New Homeland Far From the HighlandsWell known Highland Pony breeder and judge Scott McGregor recently made the long trek from his native Scotland to the more temperate climes of country Australia, and he asked IRT to move all his highly successful Ballinton Stud Highland Ponies with him, to a new home at Jolley Farm in Tonimbuk, Victoria.

This was no small move for Scott, whose involvement with this native British breed goes back to the establishment of the stud by his father Hugh in the 1950s. The largest of Britain’s nine native breeds, the Highland Pony is popular for trekking or general riding and Hugh McGregor bought his first 36 ponies to supply the shoot of a Disney film version about the life of notorious old Scot Rob Roy. They proved popular after hours, with many requests by crew to go riding.

Hugh saw an opportunity and opened a trekking centre, leading to the foundation of the Dene Stud.

Hugh’s death in the 1980s left the stud in Scott’s hands and he has kept its multi-award winning success story well and truly on track.

Scott is sure to be sorely missed in Scotland, but is already proving quite the popular figure on the Australian judging circuit. All at IRT wish him and the ponies well in their new home.

Scott McGregor

Photo by Kate Stephen, Royal Highland Association.

Never Too Old for a Tough TrotterWhen owner and trainer Stu Hunter dragged himself through the bog one Tasmanian morning to take a look at a horse that had been around the traps a few times, he probably wasn’t too optimistic about what he might find. What he found was Flashing Red, which IRT flew to New Zealand last year to compete in the New Zealand Cup as a nine-year-old. “When I trialed him,” recalls Hunter, “he did whatever I asked him to do, and I thought a horse who could do that in those conditions might be tough, so we bought him.”

Tough he was, with driver Anthony Butt in the seat watching a few runners pass him

at the 600 mark of the Cup, Flashing Red drew them all in to claim his 35th win in 147 career starts. Not only was it the first win by an Australian horse in the event since My Lightening Blue 19 years ago, the Aussies pulled off a one-two finish courtesy of Cobbity Classic’s gutsy run.

But Flashing Red wasn’t finished with New Zealand racing’s silverware just yet. IRT New Zealand flew him home to Australia in November only to bring him back three months later, and in March 2007 he won the NZ$400,000 Trillian Trust Auckland Cup. IRT have now returned him to Australia and the Kiwis must be hoping this old Pacer will stay on the other side of the Tasman a little longer this time.

Flashing Red

Katharine Olsen & The LusitanoLusitano’s Add to Australia’s Multicultural Horse PopulationIntroducing a new horse breed to Australia obviously presents its challenges, but for Katharine Olsen of Iberian Horse Breeders in NSW, it has also been an exhilarating experience.

The Lusitano breed originated in Portugal and perceiving a domination of warmbloods in the dressage arena here in Australia, Katharine saw the Lusitano as “an extremely agile and intelligent” alternative. “In addition to their easy trainability and great ability to collect,” says Katharine, “their most important asset is an excellent, amiable temperament.”

In 2003 IRT helped make Katharine Olsen’s dream of bringing Lusitanos to Australia a reality, by transporting the great Portugese-bred stallion Irreal from America. He was soon followed by several broodmares from Portugal. “I chose IRT as carrier because of its impeccable horse care and ease of communication,” Katharine kindly noted.

Later, IRT coped with the lengthy intricacies of the multiple quarantines between Brazil and Australia, to bring two talented Lusitano dressage stallions and two broodmares to their new home in Australia.

IRT are proud to say that now Katharine’s dream has been realised and the stallions compete successfully. In addition, twenty foals have been born so far and IRT have already turned the whole process around, by carrying two youngsters to their new American home.

been riding that has helped her through the setbacks. As she herself says, “my love and passion for my horses keeps me going, even when the pain builds up.”

For the past six years Nicole has been regularly competing in Dressage competitions with the EFA (Equestrian Federation of Australia) for able-bodied riders and the RDAA (Riding for the Disabled Association of Australia) for riders with a disability. Picking up titles such as 2005 RDAA Australian National Dressage Champion for Grade 2A, 2005 Equestrian Federation of Australia NSW RDA Rider of the Year and is now part of the Australian Para Equestrian Dressage Paralympic Preparation Squad, with an eye to represent Australia at the Beijing Paralympics.

We wish Nicole all the best on her new horse Nomination and sincerely hope that she reaches her dream of riding for Australia in Beijing and that IRT can continue to help her. To find out more about Nicole, or how you may be able to get behind her push for Beijing in 2008, please visit www.nicolekullen.com.

Visit our websitewww.irt.comfor the latest news.


Honor In WarRushed into BattleWhen a group of investors, including 3-time NFL Superbowl Linebacker William Wolford, purchased Honor In War to compete in Melbourne’s Spring Carnival last year, the clock was ticking to get it across the globe in time.

Honor In War needed to complete a 14-day quarantine in the US, without interrupting his training schedule, to become just the second American horse ever to embark on a Spring Carnival Campaign. The first US raider being Rosedale, owned by oil merchant and wannabe silver magnate Nelson Bunker Hunt and shipped Down Under by IRT in the 1980s.

The task at hand for IRT was finding Honor In War a training facility, where he could remain at least 100 yards from any other horse at all times. Much to IRT’s relief and gratitude Mr Duchossois of Arlington Racecourse came to the rescue, offering up their backstretch, just days after the end of their 2006 meet.

So it was that Honor In War managed to prepare for battle throughout the quarantine period and take off from Chicago O’Hare with IRT as scheduled.

Packer to UK with poniesEllerston Back for UK GoldAfter an absence of 6 years from the UK’s high goal season, Ellerston Polo Team – founded by late Aussie business mogul Kerry Packer – returned to English polo under the patronage of his son James Packer.

IRT flew many of their ponies to the UK, only for Ellerston to come within a whisker of polo’s most coveted prize, the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup. Played in blazing sunshine on the famous Cowdray Lawns at Lord Cowdrays historic 17,000-acre estate in West Sussex, Ellerston knocked out 2005 winners Dubai in the semi finals. With huge support from the home crowd they were considered favourites for an almost all-IRT final, rivals Black Bears playing on many ponies also flown from their Australian polo centre by IRT.

In a nail biting game, scores were leveled to 8-8 in the final chukka by 2 superb goals from Guy Schwarzenbach, son of the Black Bear’s patron Urs Schwarzenbach. But in time, Black Bears’ Javier Novillo Astrada sealed the match and the Black Bears camp could send out its victory roar.

DubaiDubai pioneers make fast work of itVictorian trainer Tony Noonan went out on a limb early this year, by becoming the first Australian to send horses to Dubai for races other than its famous World Cup. 5-year-old gelding Benedetti and 7-year-old gelding Smart And Mighty both made the trip with IRT, but only after a chance meeting at a country racetrack.

Taking in the form at the Ballarat Races before Christmas, Noonan dropped by the IRT Melbourne staff party and shared a drink with Quentin Wallace and Chris Burke. Tony mentioned that he planned to take the two horses to Dubai soon, only to be told by Quentin and Chris that he’d better hurry up with the horses’ equine influenza vaccinations (a time-consuming requirement for shipment to Dubai). As shipping agent for the Dubai Racing Club from Australia and New Zealand (through an association with Janah Management) the IRT office was able to arrange all the pre-export requirements and get the horses on their way.

It was worth the trouble, Noonan’s pioneering foray into Dubai racing returned two wins in 24 hours when Benedetti won the US$110,000 Green Desert Stakes and Smart And Mighty took honours in the US$120,000 Shadwell Estate Trophy the very next day, both run at Nad Al Sheba.

“I haven’t stopped smiling, “ said Tony. “This has just been incredible! I won’t be able to get a seat on the plane next year, there will be so many Aussies coming over.”

He may be right, as Benedetti went on to win the US$120,000 Ya Hala Cup later in February, putting Noonan at an amazing three wins from three starts. We wish him all the best in the up-coming Dubai World Cup and look forward to booking more “seats” for his stable in years to come.

EmpyrealSunshine Coast Brings Kiwi LuckSome would say the weather on Australia’s Sunshine Coast would be reason enough for New Zealand trainer Peter McKenzie to keep visiting, but it’s his success rate at the Listed Kawana Bowls n’ Recreation Caloundra City Cup there that had tongues wagging in the race game earlier this year.

Peter’s horse Empyreal took out the Cup by a long-neck, after a whirlwind finish – making it two in a row for horse and trainer. Not a bad effort, especially considering McKenzie already had a Cup in the trophy cabinet from 1991, when Procyon ran best in the sun. IRT hopes to be able to keep flying Peter’s horses over the Tasman and that his good fortune in Australia continues.

A Champion’s DiaryJayne Craike is NZ’s top Paralympian and in October last year IRT NZ flew her horse Showfields Crusader (AKA Cruise) to Melbourne for the Australian Dressage Championships. The following are excerpts from Jayne’s personal diary of events:

10th October Cruise took to flying like a pro, with expert handling from the crew at IRT he arrived relaxed and totally himself at Melbourne airport. Jacqui Winspear coach and manager, was there to meet him at Werribbee National Equestrian Centre. I on the other hand had been delayed from a 7.15am flight to 4.30pm lifting my stress levels just a little… I spent the time waiting at the airport going over my tests and planning the next day. Jacqui met me at the airport and updated me on the plans for the next few days and we talked about tomorrow’s training session.

11th October Sunny skies and windy hot conditions, Cruise and I had a short training session in the morning… We had a dinner to attend at the opening ceremony, which was very elegant and well organized. It was great to meet up with some old Aussie rivals and friends.

12th October The warm up competition. Hot and windy once again... Our focus was to stay relaxed in the test so we spent time watching other classes and taking our time to get ready. Cruise was great and knew his job. Lots of applause at the end of the test. The marks came up 71.07%... 10% above the rest of the class. Tired but happy at the end of a very successful day.

Jayne Craike & Showfields Crusader (NZ)

BentleyLong Trip Suits NZ Endurance ChampDavid Marshall’s season-ending injury in 2006 resulted in a new challenge, managing the campaign of New Zealand endurance horse Bentley at the 2006 World GCC Endurance Horse Ride – Junior Cup 120km, in Doha Qatar.

It meant a long journey for the Purebred Arabian from Christchurch, but one that the fit competitor was more than equal to. A two-day layover in Amsterdam during winter (between flights with IRT) was made easier by the use of an indoor arena, which provided training as well as comfortable stabling – an important feature for a horse that Marshall says “ likes to sleep flat and often.”

The long journey was worth it though and the training paid off, as Bentley did indeed take home the Cup.

IRT MiamiIRT USA is pleased to announce that a new office will open in April 2007, in Miami. Experienced horse industry member Judy Doyle will head up operations from the sunny city, nicely rounding out the IRT USA network, which already boasts offices in the West (LA) and Mid-West (Chicago).

Taming of the Two in Central ParkAbout five years ago, while Australian expatriate Frances Hingston was living in Manhattan, she followed reports that were headlining the local news about two wild dogs living together in Central Park. The dogs would not allow anyone to get near them and the City of New York authorities couldn’t catch the pair, despite monumental efforts.

In somewhat of a (dare we say) Crocodile Dundee-style fashion Frances tracked the animals in Central Park for two years, slowly gaining their trust and eventually taking them home to her apartment. The dogs lived with her for two further years in New York.

By this stage Frances had obviously formed quite an attachment to the dogs, and no

doubt they to her. So when she decided to move back to Australia, she didn’t want to leave them behind, but also didn’t want her dear pets traveling in the belly of a regular passenger plane.

It was at this stage that the IRT Chicago office was contacted and happily arranged for Frances to travel with Babe and Bubby throughout the entire journey to Australia, in September of 2006.

Frances was very appreciative of IRT’s, and in particular Simon Glennie’s, compassionate and thoughtful treatment of the somewhat unusual transport, going as far as to describe her journey as like “being in the French resistance – continuously handed off to someone who took care of her until passing her to the next person.”

Babe & Buddy

Photo courtesy of Cowdray Park.

Flag Is Up Farm – Monty & Pat RobertsThe Horse Flight WhispererIRT has boarded horses with Monty Robert’s flagship Farm in Solvang, California since the 1980s. Monty has since gone on to international fame through his ‘Horse Whisperer’ techniques both in his teaching, books and the subsequent movie.

IRT is pleased to have recently extended their relationship with Flag Is Up, through the construction of a purpose-built Quarantine facility, approved for Australian exports.

Simon Glennie reports that “Australia has the most stringent import quarantine protocols of any country IRT USA ships horses to, so we are delighted Flag Is Up have been willing to accommodate these needs. Clients can now be assured their horses will receive the best of care from the ‘Whisperer’ and his charming wife Pat, who manages the facility and is also an accomplished sculptor of bronzes.

Benedetti. Photo courtesy Dubai Racing Club.

13th October The Championship test. I was a bit more nervous today being the championship test, but Cruise felt really good in his warm up. Everybody loved Cruise and quite a crowd came to watch his test (he is a bit of a showoff) three judges two of them Olympic level and I was aware of the silence as we entered the indoor arena. I think I rode every footfall and felt every wobble during the test which seemed to go on forever. The crowd was happy and we even got a few cheers as we walked out... 68.49%... We won! This time by 8% I was thrilled. Cruise was rewarded with “all-you-can-eat carrots”.

14th October The Musical Freestyle. I love riding musical freestyles and I know that Cruise does too. As we entered the arena there was more atmosphere with a bigger crowd and I could feel Cruise pick himself up as he heard his entry music. I really enjoyed the moment and although we made a few small mistakes… the test flowed and we started and stopped exactly where we should to the music. I was really happy and couldn’t have asked for more from the little horse on his first international trip. Once again first! on 71.13%. We won the Championship and received a beautiful sash and trophy. What a clever boy. Out to dinner that night and already Jacqui and I were talking about plans for the World Championships to be held in England July 2007, it’s amazing how success makes you look forward.

Jayne Craike m.n.z.m.

IRT congratulates Jayne, who has since booked with us to travel to the UK for the World Championships in July and then on to the Beijing next year.


Honor In WarRushed into BattleWhen a group of investors, including 3-time NFL Superbowl Linebacker William Wolford, purchased Honor In War to compete in Melbourne’s Spring Carnival last year, the clock was ticking to get it across the globe in time.

Honor In War needed to complete a 14-day quarantine in the US, without interrupting his training schedule, to become just the second American horse ever to embark on a Spring Carnival Campaign. The first US raider being Rosedale, owned by oil merchant and wannabe silver magnate Nelson Bunker Hunt and shipped Down Under by IRT in the 1980s.

The task at hand for IRT was finding Honor In War a training facility, where he could remain at least 100 yards from any other horse at all times. Much to IRT’s relief and gratitude Mr Duchossois of Arlington Racecourse came to the rescue, offering up their backstretch, just days after the end of their 2006 meet.

So it was that Honor In War managed to prepare for battle throughout the quarantine period and take off from Chicago O’Hare with IRT as scheduled.

Packer to UK with poniesEllerston Back for UK GoldAfter an absence of 6 years from the UK’s high goal season, Ellerston Polo Team – founded by late Aussie business mogul Kerry Packer – returned to English polo under the patronage of his son James Packer.

IRT flew many of their ponies to the UK, only for Ellerston to come within a whisker of polo’s most coveted prize, the Veuve Clicquot Gold Cup. Played in blazing sunshine on the famous Cowdray Lawns at Lord Cowdrays historic 17,000-acre estate in West Sussex, Ellerston knocked out 2005 winners Dubai in the semi finals. With huge support from the home crowd they were considered favourites for an almost all-IRT final, rivals Black Bears playing on many ponies also flown from their Australian polo centre by IRT.

In a nail biting game, scores were leveled to 8-8 in the final chukka by 2 superb goals from Guy Schwarzenbach, son of the Black Bear’s patron Urs Schwarzenbach. But in time, Black Bears’ Javier Novillo Astrada sealed the match and the Black Bears camp could send out its victory roar.

DubaiDubai pioneers make fast work of itVictorian trainer Tony Noonan went out on a limb early this year, by becoming the first Australian to send horses to Dubai for races other than its famous World Cup. 5-year-old gelding Benedetti and 7-year-old gelding Smart And Mighty both made the trip with IRT, but only after a chance meeting at a country racetrack.

Taking in the form at the Ballarat Races before Christmas, Noonan dropped by the IRT Melbourne staff party and shared a drink with Quentin Wallace and Chris Burke. Tony mentioned that he planned to take the two horses to Dubai soon, only to be told by Quentin and Chris that he’d better hurry up with the horses’ equine influenza vaccinations (a time-consuming requirement for shipment to Dubai). As shipping agent for the Dubai Racing Club from Australia and New Zealand (through an association with Janah Management) the IRT office was able to arrange all the pre-export requirements and get the horses on their way.

It was worth the trouble, Noonan’s pioneering foray into Dubai racing returned two wins in 24 hours when Benedetti won the US$110,000 Green Desert Stakes and Smart And Mighty took honours in the US$120,000 Shadwell Estate Trophy the very next day, both run at Nad Al Sheba.

“I haven’t stopped smiling, “ said Tony. “This has just been incredible! I won’t be able to get a seat on the plane next year, there will be so many Aussies coming over.”

He may be right, as Benedetti went on to win the US$120,000 Ya Hala Cup later in February, putting Noonan at an amazing three wins from three starts. We wish him all the best in the up-coming Dubai World Cup and look forward to booking more “seats” for his stable in years to come.

EmpyrealSunshine Coast Brings Kiwi LuckSome would say the weather on Australia’s Sunshine Coast would be reason enough for New Zealand trainer Peter McKenzie to keep visiting, but it’s his success rate at the Listed Kawana Bowls n’ Recreation Caloundra City Cup there that had tongues wagging in the race game earlier this year.

Peter’s horse Empyreal took out the Cup by a long-neck, after a whirlwind finish – making it two in a row for horse and trainer. Not a bad effort, especially considering McKenzie already had a Cup in the trophy cabinet from 1991, when Procyon ran best in the sun. IRT hopes to be able to keep flying Peter’s horses over the Tasman and that his good fortune in Australia continues.

A Champion’s DiaryJayne Craike is NZ’s top Paralympian and in October last year IRT NZ flew her horse Showfields Crusader (AKA Cruise) to Melbourne for the Australian Dressage Championships. The following are excerpts from Jayne’s personal diary of events:

10th October Cruise took to flying like a pro, with expert handling from the crew at IRT he arrived relaxed and totally himself at Melbourne airport. Jacqui Winspear coach and manager, was there to meet him at Werribbee National Equestrian Centre. I on the other hand had been delayed from a 7.15am flight to 4.30pm lifting my stress levels just a little… I spent the time waiting at the airport going over my tests and planning the next day. Jacqui met me at the airport and updated me on the plans for the next few days and we talked about tomorrow’s training session.

11th October Sunny skies and windy hot conditions, Cruise and I had a short training session in the morning… We had a dinner to attend at the opening ceremony, which was very elegant and well organized. It was great to meet up with some old Aussie rivals and friends.

12th October The warm up competition. Hot and windy once again... Our focus was to stay relaxed in the test so we spent time watching other classes and taking our time to get ready. Cruise was great and knew his job. Lots of applause at the end of the test. The marks came up 71.07%... 10% above the rest of the class. Tired but happy at the end of a very successful day.

Jayne Craike & Showfields Crusader (NZ)

BentleyLong Trip Suits NZ Endurance ChampDavid Marshall’s season-ending injury in 2006 resulted in a new challenge, managing the campaign of New Zealand endurance horse Bentley at the 2006 World GCC Endurance Horse Ride – Junior Cup 120km, in Doha Qatar.

It meant a long journey for the Purebred Arabian from Christchurch, but one that the fit competitor was more than equal to. A two-day layover in Amsterdam during winter (between flights with IRT) was made easier by the use of an indoor arena, which provided training as well as comfortable stabling – an important feature for a horse that Marshall says “ likes to sleep flat and often.”

The long journey was worth it though and the training paid off, as Bentley did indeed take home the Cup.

IRT MiamiIRT USA is pleased to announce that a new office will open in April 2007, in Miami. Experienced horse industry member Judy Doyle will head up operations from the sunny city, nicely rounding out the IRT USA network, which already boasts offices in the West (LA) and Mid-West (Chicago).

Taming of the Two in Central ParkAbout five years ago, while Australian expatriate Frances Hingston was living in Manhattan, she followed reports that were headlining the local news about two wild dogs living together in Central Park. The dogs would not allow anyone to get near them and the City of New York authorities couldn’t catch the pair, despite monumental efforts.

In somewhat of a (dare we say) Crocodile Dundee-style fashion Frances tracked the animals in Central Park for two years, slowly gaining their trust and eventually taking them home to her apartment. The dogs lived with her for two further years in New York.

By this stage Frances had obviously formed quite an attachment to the dogs, and no

doubt they to her. So when she decided to move back to Australia, she didn’t want to leave them behind, but also didn’t want her dear pets traveling in the belly of a regular passenger plane.

It was at this stage that the IRT Chicago office was contacted and happily arranged for Frances to travel with Babe and Bubby throughout the entire journey to Australia, in September of 2006.

Frances was very appreciative of IRT’s, and in particular Simon Glennie’s, compassionate and thoughtful treatment of the somewhat unusual transport, going as far as to describe her journey as like “being in the French resistance – continuously handed off to someone who took care of her until passing her to the next person.”

Babe & Buddy

Photo courtesy of Cowdray Park.

Flag Is Up Farm – Monty & Pat RobertsThe Horse Flight WhispererIRT has boarded horses with Monty Robert’s flagship Farm in Solvang, California since the 1980s. Monty has since gone on to international fame through his ‘Horse Whisperer’ techniques both in his teaching, books and the subsequent movie.

IRT is pleased to have recently extended their relationship with Flag Is Up, through the construction of a purpose-built Quarantine facility, approved for Australian exports.

Simon Glennie reports that “Australia has the most stringent import quarantine protocols of any country IRT USA ships horses to, so we are delighted Flag Is Up have been willing to accommodate these needs. Clients can now be assured their horses will receive the best of care from the ‘Whisperer’ and his charming wife Pat, who manages the facility and is also an accomplished sculptor of bronzes.

Benedetti. Photo courtesy Dubai Racing Club.

13th October The Championship test. I was a bit more nervous today being the championship test, but Cruise felt really good in his warm up. Everybody loved Cruise and quite a crowd came to watch his test (he is a bit of a showoff) three judges two of them Olympic level and I was aware of the silence as we entered the indoor arena. I think I rode every footfall and felt every wobble during the test which seemed to go on forever. The crowd was happy and we even got a few cheers as we walked out... 68.49%... We won! This time by 8% I was thrilled. Cruise was rewarded with “all-you-can-eat carrots”.

14th October The Musical Freestyle. I love riding musical freestyles and I know that Cruise does too. As we entered the arena there was more atmosphere with a bigger crowd and I could feel Cruise pick himself up as he heard his entry music. I really enjoyed the moment and although we made a few small mistakes… the test flowed and we started and stopped exactly where we should to the music. I was really happy and couldn’t have asked for more from the little horse on his first international trip. Once again first! on 71.13%. We won the Championship and received a beautiful sash and trophy. What a clever boy. Out to dinner that night and already Jacqui and I were talking about plans for the World Championships to be held in England July 2007, it’s amazing how success makes you look forward.

Jayne Craike m.n.z.m.

IRT congratulates Jayne, who has since booked with us to travel to the UK for the World Championships in July and then on to the Beijing next year.


Chris Yorke (Flying Groom)

When in 1979 Chris Yorke completed his final year of high school, he decided to take “a year away” before embarking on tertiary studies. That year now seems

to have turned into a lifetime and he is currently one of IRT’s busiest grooms.

Chris first took a position at Stockwell Stud, owned by Mr Ken Cox where he was taken under the wing of another IRT alum, Arthur Ferguson. Then for some years Chris worked in racing, including stints riding as a B-class jockey, with 100 rides both flat and jumps. That led into a five-year stint riding work for the Freedman brothers in their “early days” at Flemington.

Although Chris had worked as a veterinary assistant and flown with horses on and off since 1987, it wasn’t until 2000 that he began flying full time. He’s now worked several quarantines for IRT over the years and accompanied 100s of flights, including with notable horses such as Empire Rose, Danehill (several times) and Takeover Target. We hope to keep Chris busy in the air with other great horses for many years to come.

Claudia Friedrichs (IRT Chicago)

A horse transport business in Chicago might seem a long way from working in a German bank, but when you look at the diversity of backgrounds amongst the IRT rank you often

find people brought together simply by a love of horses – and Claudia Friedrichs is no exception.

Born in Germany, Claudia grew up riding endlessly from the age of eight and went straight into a bank apprenticeship after school, staying in the business for eight years. It was 1999 that she moved to Chicago and started working for Lufthansa Cargo, edging closer to IRT.

Part of her duties at Lufthansa Cargo was to handle horse bookings, which brought her into contact with IRT. When leaving Lufthansa Cargo she gave her resume to Simon Glennie and in 2004 a job opportunity became available.

Claudia is still a keen rider, having settled on dressage as her main discipline. She’s married “with two dogs and one horse,” as she puts it. “Hoping to add another little one (horse) by the end of 2007.” IRT are pleased Claudia found us and look forward to watching the “family” grow.

Staff Profiles

Martin Coakes (IRT UK)

IRT UK is pleased to announce the appointment of Martin Coakes who has joined the operations team in Newmarket. Martin has come to us from Juddmonte

Farms Ltd, where he was responsible for foaling a large band of world-class broodmares and overseeing the welfare of mares and young stock.

Martin’s involvement in horses started at an early age and he moved into the thoroughbred breeding industry upon leaving college, working both in the USA and UK. We welcome him and look forward to making the most of his extensive experience in the industry.

Brooke Matthews (IRT Melbourne)

A not-so-recent addition to the IRT team is Brooke Matthews, who joined us back in 2005, after previously working at an equine veterinary clinic - The Racetrack

Practice - specialising in Thoroughbreds.

Brooke learnt the horse trade at Glenormiston Agricultural College where she earned a Diploma in Horse Management, before working as a yard manager for a high goal polo team across Australia, the UK and USA for 7 years. She’s been a great addition to the Melbourne office and we hope she’s enjoying her role.

Peter Twomey (IRT Melbourne)

Growing up in a family filled with accountants, Peter has somehow managed to slowly work his way out of that field and into the international thoroughbred industry.

After completing university, Peter worked in what he calls Australia’s “crowded” horse road transport business, before embarking upon an international racing tour and sampling racing in places as diverse as Hong Kong, England, France, Ireland and Dubai.

After spending the 2006 Northern Hemisphere breeding season at Kildangan Stud in Ireland, Peter landed at IRT Melbourne in July 2006 and we certainly hope he’ll stay a while.

Chris Dynon (IRT Melbourne)

Although he managed to escape horse racing to work for a legal transcript company for some years in Australia and Hong Kong, Chris Dynon comes from a long

line of horse enthusiasts. Hitting the stables by the age of six, Chris dreamt of a future as a champion jockey, only to take a bad fall in his teen years and grow up to be about the height of two jockeys.

It was January 2004 that he took his post at IRT and began looking after flights to South-East Asia. This must have been a settling time for Chris, as he finally wed his partner of 19 years shortly after, on Melbourne Cup Eve (of course) 2006. They have one son, Patrick.

Chris’ family still “home-breed” runners and when he’s not spending his spare weekend time tuning into racing from Singapore, Chris heads out to “some far-flung, non-descript racetrack”, as he puts it, to follow one of the family’s prospects. Chris has been a lively and extremely knowledgeable edition to the IRT Melbourne team, not bad with a tip either we’re told.

Breakin’ ‘em in (new staff)

International Racehorse Transport 93 Palmerston Crescent South Melbourne, Victoria 3205 Australia T +61 (0)3 9699 2144 www.irt.com

IRT International Offices

AUSTRALIA Melbourne T +61 (0)3 9699 2144 F +61 (0)3 9699 3319 E [email protected]

UK & EUROPE Newmarket T +44 (0)1638 668 003 F +44 (0)1638 665534 E [email protected]

NEW ZEALAND Auckland T +64 (0)9 275 4002 F +64 (0)9 275 7757 E [email protected]

Cambridge T +64 (0)7 827 5430 F +64 (0)7 827 4533 E [email protected]

USA Chicago T +1 630 262 1221 F +1 630 262 1331 E [email protected]

Los Angeles T +1 310 306 0262 F +1 310 306 2003 E [email protected]

Miami T +1 305 444 8184 F +1 305 441 8177 E [email protected]

Documents

The Blueprint 2007