Racing: Terrubi pleases Aussie owners

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Leading European jockey Christophe Soumillon had a high opinion of French stayer Terrubi before his impressive last-start win, which convinced Australian buyers to secure the horse for a spring campaign.

Australian Bloodstock completed a deal to buy Terrubi before his victory over one of last year's Melbourne Cup contenders, Brown Panther, in the group two Prix Maurice de Nieuil (2800m) at Longchamp last week.

Soumillon eased Terrubi down late in the race but the grey still had 1 lengths to spare over Brown Panther, while the Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock-owned Seismos was fourth.

"Christophe was very bullish about this horse before the race and it was good to see him win with such authority," Australian Bloodstock director Jamie Lovett said.

"It's very encouraging, especially looking ahead to the Melbourne spring."

Racing Victoria's international scout Leigh Jordon has also been looking ahead to the spring in his latest trip to Europe to attract runners to Melbourne this year.

RV's executive general manager of racing, Greg Carpenter, said Jordon was not just targeting horses to run in the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup. "One of our focuses has been to widen the participation of horses in the spring, not just focus on the two Cups," Carpenter said.

Hong Kong galloper Dan Excel has already arrived in Australia to prepare for October's Cox Plate, while Irish trainer Eddie Lynam will bring Diamond Jubilee Stakes and July Cup winner Slade Power to Melbourne for the VRC Sprint Classic.

Carpenter said Jordon had positive meetings with Irish trainers Dermot Weld and Aidan O'Brien last weekend, while a European group one winner is in line to travel to Victoria for the Toorak Hcp and Emirates Stakes.