01 Dec November 2025 Review: European Group 1 Glory and International Expansion

Posted at 11:31h in News by

November rounded out a phenomenal autumn for JS Bloodstock Consultancy, highlighted by another prestigious Group 1 victory and strategic expansion into new global markets.

On the Track: Elite Success in Germany and Hong Kong

The momentum from October’s Group 1 haul continued into November, with high-value wins across Europe and Asia:

  • Bay City Roller (Grosser Allianz Preis von Bayern, G1): A massive congratulations to Victorious Racing and George Scott for this fantastic Group 1 victory in Munich. This win further cements their presence in the top tier of European racing following on from the previous months’ success of Caballo De Mar.
  • Loch Tay (Class 3 Handicap, Sha Tin): We were thrilled to see Loch Tay deliver a strong performance in Hong Kong for trainer David Eustace, securing substantial prize money and showing excellent adaptation to the highly competitive environment in Hong Kong, he was bought privately with Will Douglas from Ireland as a 2-year-old.

 

International Focus: The Bahrain Trophy

A significant focus of the month was our presence in the Kingdom of Bahrain, where I represented connections for the feature race.

  • Calif in Action: We were there to see Calif compete in the prestigious Bahrain Trophy.
  • A Quality Contest: The race was a genuinely high-class affair, ultimately won by the talented Royal Champion. It highlighted the fantastic standard of racing now taking place in Bahrain.

 

 Sales Ring Activity: Strategic Acquisitions

While we attended the Goffs Foal and Breeding Stock sales, we did not find suitable acquisitions. However, we were active elsewhere:

  • Goffs HIT Sale: We successfully secured Rizal for €58,000, who will join the string of George Scott and head to Dubai for a winter campaign.
  • Keeneland (USA): We also attended the sales in Kentucky, securing the promising filly Queen Of The Mud for an existing European client for $240,000.

 

Looking Ahead: Navigating a Challenging Economic Climate

The recent Autumn Budget has brought the financial pressures facing the industry into sharp focus. Trainers are now forced to navigate significant increases in operational overheads, driven by the rise in Employer National Insurance contributions and the uplift in the National Minimum Wage. When combined with soaring business rates for training yards and the general rise in utility and feed costs, the margins for running a successful stable have never been tighter.

What makes this situation particularly critical is that, while expenditure has climbed steeply, UK prize money has remained largely stagnant for years. This widening gap between the cost of producing a racehorse and the rewards available on the track poses a serious threat to the sustainability of many yards. As we move into 2026, it is more important than ever that we support our trainers and work toward a more equitable financial model that ensures British racing remains a viable and competitive industry.