AUSTRALIAN Bloodstock has apologised after a “cruel” and “shameful” promotional video sparked outrage in the racing community.
One of the largest syndicate groups in Australia, they purchased New Energy from Irish trainer Sheila Lavery this month.
New Energy (right) finishes second in last year’s Irish 2,000 Guineas for Sheila Lavery
Australian Bloodstock routinely buy horses from Europe to tackle big races Down Under, with French import Gold Trip winning last year’s Melbourne Cup in their colours.
One of its directors Luke Murrell was buzzing with the purchase of last year’s Irish 2,000 Guineas runner-up, but his emotions certainly got the best of him.
In a two-minute promotional video, Murrell discredited Lavery’s training ability, making comments about the horse’s consistency and fitness.
He used the malicious remarks to suggest New Energy could be a huge improver with his new trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, but the video sent social media into a frenzy.
Lavery is by no means a back number in Ireland and is operating with a strong 10 per cent strike-rate this year.
She sits 17th in the Irish Flat trainers’ championship and has showcased her talent with Moracana, who returned from sizeable absences in 2022 and 2023 to win big races.
Lavery said “she didn’t know how people could be so cruel” in a post on Twitter and the racing community came swiftly to her side.
Sir Michael Stoute’s assistant trainer James Savage said in a post: “The best of luck trying to win the Cox Plate with this horse who barely stayed a mile.
“He was expertly managed by Sheila and her team, your comments are unprofessional and very disrespectful.”
The video has since been removed and Murrell issued an apology on behalf of himself and Australian Bloodstock.
It reads: “Very recently I was responsible for a promotional video that went online to market a recent purchase we negotiated in Europe in relation to a horse named New Energy.
“I must admit that my emotions and excitement in relation to the purchase of this horse got the better of me and I used some language in that video which was extremely disparaging, untrue, cruel, malicious and hurtful to the people either mentioned or implied.
“But nothing I can say, whether it be emotions or stress or words used to encourage a buyer, nothing at all excuses the comments made by me in the promotional video which were related to some very good people.
“I unreservedly withdraw any comments that have caused harm or distress to those three people, Sheila’s staff and any persons connected to them as family, or friends or colleagues in the racing industry.
“Our company has built a wonderful association with our friends and colleagues all over the world but in particular Europe and my comments can only cause damage to those relationships and cause harm to the subjects of those comments.
“I am aware the video and comments were viewed and heard by many people associated with our industry; trainers, jockeys, breeders, journalists, industry professionals and the racing public and I wish to apologise to you for my comments.”
There will plenty of pressure on the horse when he runs next, especially in October’s Cox Plate, one of Australia’s big races.
New Energy is priced up at 33-1 with bet365 and will have plenty to prove over the furthest trip he’s faced against top opposition.
