NOW SYNDICATING! 2006 Chestnut Filly
By
Elvstroem
out of
Anissa Kahira
To be trained by
John O'Shea

Elvstroem
Danehill / Circles of Gold

The arrival of Elvstroem at Blue Gum Farm is the most eagerly anticipated event in this farm’s history. He’s over in Europe now carving out new territory but to be honest there will be a tinge of sadness when his racing career concludes. It’s unforgettable the sight of a prize fighter at the top of their game so we must savour every moment. Tony, Brian and Nash are inextricably linked to Elvstroem the Racehorse. Soon though we’ll be able to celebrate Elvstroem the Sire, and a fresh set of names will be part of his new career. So like pilgrims to the MCG all you Elvis fans will need to trek to BGF to visit the great horse and meet the new names behind Elvstroem.

By Danehill, out of Circles of Gold, Elvstroem is shaping as a superstar stallion and is one of the best weight-for-age horses in Australia and the World. He can stay and he can sprint. He has won in handicaps and also weight for age. "Elvis" was retired to Blue Gum Farm in late August 2005 after a stellar career netting 5 Group 1's.

Racing Career
Age Starts Wins 2nds 3rds 4ths 5ths
2 1 Start 1 - - - -
3 14 Starts 3 2 3 - 4
4 17 Starts 6 2 2 4 1
Totals 32 Starts 10 wins 4 seconds 5 thirds 4 fourths 5 fifths

Four-year-old entire. 32 starts: 10 wins, 9 placings.
Finished in the first five 28 out of 32 times.
Prizemoney: $5,722,274 (RISA official records)
Breeding: Danehill - Circles of Gold
16.1HH
Min Dist Win 1300m - Max Dist Win 2500m

Trainer - Tony Vasil (Caulfield)

Racing Colours - Yellow, Red Diamond Band, White Sleeves, Red Diamond Armbands and Cap

2000 - 2002: A November 14th foal bred by a syndicate headed by Frank Tagg. The Danehill - Circles of Gold colt was offered at the Sydney Easter yearling sales where the colt was passed in. A private sale later also fell through. It was at that point that Frank Tagg decided the syndicate would race him.

2003: Trained by Tony Vasil at Caulfield, Elvstroem won his debut over 1300m at Swan Hill as a very late two-year-old. In the spring of 2003 he was controversially left out of the Cox Plate. A week later Elvstroem won the Victoria Derby.

2004: Three Group 1's in the Melbourne Spring with wins in the Underwood Stakes, Turnbull Stakes and Caulfield Cup. A gallant 4th in the Melbourne Cup was also full of merit on unsuitable ground. Elvstroem spelled, and a deal was agreed by original owners managed by Frank Tagg and a syndicate thru Blue Gum Farm, headed by Philip Campbell. The new "Elvstroem Syndicate" was born.

2005: The Summer/Autumn carnival came and first up, "Elvis" produced an amazing Group 1 win in the 1400m CF Orr Stakes, followed two weeks later by a courageous victory in the Group 2 St George Stakes. Two weeks later he runs a "terrific run under the circumstances" to fight on for 4th in the 2000m Group 1 Australian Cup run in record time. Another 2 weeks later, with complications of flying to Dubai and he overcomes everything to post an emphatic victory in the Group 1 Dubai Duty Free Stakes over 1777m.

John O'Shea has rapidly established himself as one of Australia's premier trainers. Renowned for his professional no nonsense attitude, John has proven his ability to train all types of racehorses and invariably extract the best out of them.

John moved to Sydney in 1995 and served his apprenticeship under the great Tommy Smith. He also had stints with Bart Cummings, Gai Waterhouse and Garry Moore before branching out on his own in 1999. Initially based at Warwick Farm, John soon found success in the 'big time', winning the listed Stayers Cup in 2000 with rejuvenated galloper Mushtak, and taking out the G2 Villiers stakes with the honest Grey and Gold.

Early in the piece, John established himself as a trainer who could improve horses. This was evidenced by the afore mentioned duo whom he inherited from other stables. John was also able to coax improvement from gallopers such as Bedouin, Private Steer, Shot of Thunder, Best French etc.

However, John doesn't just improve older horses, he is just as skilled at developing colts into young stallions. In recent times he moulded the brilliant career of Sydney's star 2yo Charge Forward. Having taken a shine to the powerful yearling at the 2003 Magic Millions Premier sale, John went to $100,000 to get the colt and syndicated him to a group of loyal owners.

The horse quickly established himself as one of the land's premier juveniles, taking out the G2 Todman Slipper Trial and Listed Breeders Plate, whilst finishing a gallant and narrow 2nd to champion triple crown winner Dance Hero in the 2004 G1 Golden Slipper. Careful management allowed Charge Forward to furnish into a magnificent 3yo, with the horse adding the G2 San Domenico stakes to his impressive tally, beating home Dance Hero as well as Australia's emerging champion Fastnet Rock. He then claimed the G1 David Jones Galaxy in his last start, and is now one of Australia's most valuable and sought after stallion prospects, with his value stretching into many millions.

The art of training fillies and mares can be extremely challenging, but it is an area where John has thrived. John inherited Private Steer as a talented but enigmatic race mare. Once he took over her training, John transformed the mare into one of Australia's top racehorses, winning the G1 Doncaster Handicap, G1 Stradbroke, G1 All Aged Stakes, as well as a host of other group and listed events.

Throughout her brilliant career, Private Steer has been dogged by leg problems, owing to less then perfect conformation. As a result she has had to be carefully managed, but under the expert tutelage of John O'Shea she has been able to find her very best, a fact her connections are very grateful for. The mare was recently crowned champion race mare of Australia, further enhancing her burgeoning value as a broodmare.

John's recent successes have been highlighted by John's second Doncaster win, with Racing To Win in 2006. The horse also took out the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes in the same preparation.

John's success is based on the simple principles of hard work and professionalism. Before a horse commences its campaign, John has already spent many hours mapping out its program. He works meticulously to find the most appropriate races to allow each horse every chance of success. John also looks to book only the most capable jockeys.

John leaves nothing to chance, and has assembled a superb support staff. The O'Shea stable employs more staff to horses then any stable in Sydney, and his veterinary assistance is second to none. Each horse receives individual care, and the manageable number of 43 boxes means everyone is well looked after. You are not just a number in the John O'Shea stable.

After serving a long apprenticeship, John is now reaping the rewards of many years of hard work. With his current group of established stars and bumper crop of babies, the future looks bright for John and everyone associated with John O'Shea racing.