Cover image courtesy of Tattersalls
There has been a clear and deliberate build in Sumbe’s Southern Hemisphere footprint over the past 12–18 months, and the appointment for the region signifies intents and represents the most definitive step yet.
What has been a carefully managed series of investments, stallion alignments and the starting of sales activity, now moves into a more structured and permanent phase, with Johnson tasked with linking operational ambition into the Southern Hemisphere.
A strategic appointment
Sumbe and Mr Nurlan Bizakov are pleased to announce the appointment of Will Johnson as Bloodstock and Racing Manager for the Southern Hemisphere.
Following the recent announcement that Charyn (Ire) will begin shuttle duties in 2026 to Cambridge Stud, as well as Sumbe’s first investments in yearlings at the Australian sales, with the desire that this marks the beginning of its presence in the Southern Hemisphere, Mr Bizakov felt it was the right time to establish a formal presence in the region.
That broader direction has now been formalised, with this appointment marking an important step in Sumbe’s international development and underlining its ambition to establish a strong and lasting presence down under.
Mr Nurlan Bizakov | Image courtesy of Tattersalls
Commenting on the appointment, Mr Bizakov said:
“I am delighted to announce and to welcome Will to the Sumbe team. We previously worked together during his time as assistant to Roger Varian, and we have remained in contact ever since. I very much look forward to a successful and fruitful collaboration.”
Johnson’s link has not just happened overnight, but a mutual connection and working together nearly a decade ago set foundations for the natural fit.
“I have witnessed the growth and accompanied success of Nurlan's breeding and racing operation from afar since first meeting him whilst working for Roger Varian. To have Nurlan and his Sumbe operation expand their footprint to Australia and New Zealand is an endorsement for our industry.
"I look forward to working with Nurlan, Tony Fry and his team to grow their commercial presence in the southern hemisphere.”
"I look forward to working with Nurlan, Tony Fry and his team to grow their commercial presence in the southern hemisphere.” - Will Johnson
Building a southern presence
With the appointment now confirmed, attention turns to how Sumbe continues to embed itself in the Southern Hemisphere landscape, a process that has been steadily evolving behind the scenes.
“It's good to finally have it publicly announced, there has been a fair bit of work done in the background, but it’s very exciting,” Johnson said.
“It's good to finally have it publicly announced, there has been a fair bit of work done in the background, but it’s very exciting.” - Will Johnson
That background work has been a key part of the foundation, with the structure now in place to support a more visible and active presence across Australia and New Zealand.
Charyn, the Cambridge Stud link and building relationships
That long-term intent is already being reflected in stallion strategy, headlined by Charyn’s recent move into the Southern Hemisphere via Cambridge Stud.
“Charyn’s a perfect candidate to stand at Cambridge Stud. Sir Brendan and Jo have created quite the farm since taking over and he was very keen to stand Charyn there. There is a lot of confidence with the fact that Cambridge Stud has one of the best broodmare bands in New Zealand also.” Johnson said.
Charyn, a son of Dark Angel (Ire), is standing at Cambridge Stud in partnership with Nurlan Bizakov’s French operation Sumbe. He will stand for NZ$35,000 plus GST.
Charyn (Ire) | Standing at Cambridge Stud
The grey stallion is a full brother to G2 Mill Reef Stakes winner Wings Of War (Ire) (Dark Angel {Ire}) out of multiple stakes-placed Futoon (Ire) (Kodiac {GB}), and boasts a rich pedigree.
The winner of the G2 Critérium de Maisons-Laffitte over 1200 metres as a 2-year-old, he was twice third at Group 1 level at three, in the G1 St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot and again in the G1 Sussex Stakes at Goodwood, as well as running fourth in the G1 Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh.
At four was where the grey was at his best, winning the G1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot by two and a half lengths before crossing the Channel to win the G1 Prix Jacques le Marois. He also added the G2 Sandown Mile Stakes and placed in both the G1 Prix du Moulin de Longchamp and G1 Lockinge Stakes.
In October of the same year, he emulated Frankel (GB) when scoring in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, earning the titles of World Champion Miler and 2024 Cartier Champion Older Horse.
Brendan Lindsay | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“The acquisition of Charyn for the Cambridge Stud stallion roster is the beginning of another exciting chapter for the stud and a very important relationship with Nurlan Bizakov’s Sumbe,” said Cambridge Stud owner Sir Brendan Lindsay when the deal was announced.
Bizakov was also delighted with the new partnership and the support that his stallion is about to receive.
“I am delighted and honoured to confirm the agreement with Cambridge Stud to stand Charyn for the Southern Hemisphere breeding season, and I would like to warmly thank Sir Brendan Lindsay, Henry Plumptre and their entire team for their confidence in the stallion, as well as for their enthusiasm and support,” said Bizakov.
Momentum from Lazzat and Australian engagement
If Charyn represents structure and strategy, then Lazzat (Fr) (Territories {Ire}) represents the moment the Southern Hemisphere ambition began to crystallise into action.
The beginning of the interest involved with Australian racing was in 2024, when Bizakov made his way to Sydney to watch his now dual Group 1 winner Lazzat compete in the lucrative $10 million Golden Eagle in Sydney.
While Lazzat was narrowly beaten when finishing second behind Lake Forest (GB) (No Nay Never {USA}), the trip proved pivotal in shaping longer-term thinking.
Lazzat (Fr) | Image courtesy of Dubai Racing Club
“He had Lazzat go so close when running second in the Golden Eagle in 2024, only just getting beat." Johnson said.
Mr Bizakov he had a fantastic trip to Sydney and he saw a few training stables and courses and that really fuelled his enthusiasm to have a presence in the Southern Hemisphere.”
From that point, the direction of travel became clearer, with increased engagement across both racing and bloodstock channels.
“The relationship between myself and the whole Sumbe team is fantastic, they are looking to improve their broodmare and racing team down here over the coming year and beyond.
William Johnson | Image courtesy of William Johnson Bloodstock
“We have started to get some prominence from that point, Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr have got one for us and over time, I'm very keen to bring racing propositions down here to target our lucrative prizemoney and big races.
“We will gradually build his presence here, having seen the growth from when I was with Roger Varian 10 years ago to now has been significant.”
“We will gradually build his presence here, having seen the growth from when I was with Roger Varian 10 years ago to now has been significant.” - Will Johnson
“So I'm sure the next 10 years is very exciting for him. Knowing their competitive spirit can only be a positive for the industry here. It’s great for Australia this kind of international investment and the opportunities are exciting.”
An investment at Easter shows initial intent
That intent has already been reinforced in the sales ring, with Sumbe active at this year's Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale alongside William Johnson Bloodstock.
Together they secured a $400,000 Ole Kirk filly out of G1 Champagne Stakes winner Go Indy Go (Bernardini {USA}), sourced from the North Bloodstock draft.
On pedigree and rationale, Bizakov outlined the thinking clearly.
Ole Kirk x Go Indy Go filly | Image courtesy of Inglis
“She is out of a Group 1-winning mare, and her pedigree offers both quality and depth, combining proven performance at the highest level with significant residual value as a future broodmare. This balance between racing potential and long-term breeding value was a key factor in my decision.”
And importantly, the purchase is viewed as part of a wider foundation rather than an isolated transaction.
“I very much hope that this filly will be the beginning of a successful and enjoyable journey for SUMBE in Australia. In time, I would be proud to see her develop not only on the racetrack but also as a valuable addition to my broodmare band and, potentially, as part of the foundation for my stallion programme.” Bizakov commented on the Sumbe website after the 2026 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.
