Darley to complete biggest deal in Australian racing

The biggest bloodstock deal in the history of Australian racing is set to proceed by Friday after Darley’s takeover of Woodlands was given final approval.

After the deal received the thumbs-up from the Foreign Investment Review Board, it means a reported AUS$500m (€305m) windfall will materialise for current Woodlands owner Bob Ingham.

From this weekend the majority of the horses under the Woodlands Stud Syndicate banner will race in the famous maroon and white silks of Sheikh Mohammed.

However, those horses will continue to be trained by Peter Snowden, who took over as Woodlands trainer last year.

“I am delighted to be making this commitment to Australian racing, to people who share my passion for thoroughbreds,” said Sheikh Mohammed.

“I welcome the team from Woodlands and look forward to developing the champions of the future.”