Cox takes on Yulong role after stellar stint at helm of Godolphin Australia
Experienced industry figure appointed as Zhang’s general manager
Vin Cox will take a global approach to the operation of Yulong, the world’s fastest growing thoroughbred empire, after announcing he was joining Zhang Yuesheng’s racing and breeding powerhouse.
News of the resignation by Cox, Godolphin Australia’s managing director for almost six years, spread quickly around racing and breeding circles yesterday, before confirmation came from both parties that he had been appointed as Yulong’s general manager.
Cox leaves at a time when Sheikh Mohammed’s most successful Group 1 horse Anamoe (Street Boss), the winner of nine races at the highest level in Australia, is in the middle of his maiden season at stud at Darley Australia and Group 1-winning yearling purchase In Secret (I Am Invincible) is a leading contender for The Everest (1200m) on Saturday week.
He will depart Godolphin on December 1.
Cox had been considering the Yulong offer for a number of months before agreeing to terms and was excited by the challenge it presented, “but that’s not to say that I’m not sorry to be leaving Godolphin because it’s a great organisation with some wonderful people who I enjoy working with immensely”.
“I was approached some time ago and it was an ongoing conversation and it was something that I didn’t want to focus on too much until we got to the end of the racing season and the launch of the breeding season,” Cox told ANZ Bloodstock News.
“It’s one of those things, it’s an opportunity that doesn’t come along often and with what Yulong and Mr Zhang are doing in the market place and with their aspirations and ambitions, it’s very exciting, so I look forward to being part of this ride.
“I see [this new position] as a similar sort of role that I have here at Godolphin with a bit more of a global element.”
The appointment of Cox as Yulong’s global figurehead is not expected to impact the role of chief operating officer Sam Fairgray, who is currently attending the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale in the UK.
Cox was the managing director of auction house Magic Millions for almost seven years from 2011 to 2017 before being recruited by Godolphin to lead its Australian arm where, in his first weeks in charge, he played a key role in selecting Exhilarates (Snitzel) as a yearling in early 2018.
A sister to reigning Golden Slipper (Gr 1, 1200m) champion Shinzo, Exhilarates won the 2019 Magic Millions 2YO Classic (RL, 1200m) as well as four other stakes races.
During his time at Godolphin, Cox has continued to live on the Gold Coast and commute to Sydney when required.
Cox’s new role with Yulong, which has more than 700 mares under management with the large majority based at Zhang’s Nagambie property in Victoria’s breeding heartland, will provide him with similar flexibility.
Yulong has invested more than $250 million on broodmares in recent years, while also acquiring stallions which now numbers seven including the promising Grunt (O’Reilly), Blue Diamond Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) winner Tagaloa (Lord Kanaloa) and recent recruit, the former Aquis-owned Pierata (Pierro).
Cox said: “He’s been investing at the absolute elite end, not only here in Australia, but globally and it’s a bloodstock portfolio that is the envy of any breeding farm I would suggest.”
Zhang was pleased to add someone of Cox’s calibre to Yulong’s management team.
“Vin’s impeccable track record and vast experience in bloodstock make him an invaluable addition to lead Yulong,” Zhang said.
“We are excited about the new chapter this heralds for our operations. Together, we aim to solidify our position as a leading player in the global industry.”
Godolphin’s director of corporate services Ross Cole said he was sorry to see Cox go,
“Vin leaves us at an exciting time for the Australian operation, having overseen its impressive progression to become Australia’s pre-eminent breeding and racing operation,” Cole said.
“He deserves enormous credit for his leadership and direction over this period and can take tremendous satisfaction from our results on the track and on our farms.”
Cox’s replacement as Godolphin Australia’s managing director is expected to be announced in the near future.