Australian-bred sprint star War Artist will continue his globe-trotting career under the guidance of Alain de Royer-Dupre.   The French trainer will take over from English based James Eustace.

War Artist (6g Orpen –  Royal Solitaire by Brocco) is owned by Rupert Plersch who has several other horses in training with Royer-Dupre.

War Artist returned from Dubai last week after finishing fourth in the G3 Al Quoz Sprint at the Dubai World Cup meeting.  He had scored a comprehensive victory in the G3 Al Shindagha Sprint at Meydan in February.

War Artist was a $57,500 buy at the 2005 Gold Coast Magic Millions Sale.  He was purchased by World Wide Bloodstock from the draft of Attunga Stud who were acting as agent for breeder Stephen Kirkham.

He made a name for himself as a leading short-course horse in South Africa where he was successful in the 2007 Mercury Sprint (G1).  Sent to Eustace for the 2008 summer sprints in England, he did well without winning at Royal Ascot and Newmarket.  The Australian bred sprinter followed up with victories in the G2 Goldene Peitsche at Baden-Baden and the G3 Prix du Petit Couvert at Longchamp.

War Artist is a half-brother to Sashenka (Orientate) who won three races and was G1 placed in the AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes.  She was purchased by Rothwell Park for $420,000 at the 2009 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.

Alain de Royer-Dupre has prepared numerous feature winners for the Aga Khan, most recently with champion filly Zarkava who rounded out an outstanding career with a G1 victory in the 2008 Arc de Triomphe.