Phoenix Thoroughbred Founder Named as Key Figure in Money Laundering Operation

Breednet - Monday November 25

Worldwide bloodstock operation Phoenix Thoroughbreds, owners in Australia of Group One winner Loving Gaby has been embroiled in controversy after founder Amer Abdulaiziz was named in a US court as a key figure in a money laundering operation.

Loving Gaby

Racing Post reports the claim came during sworn testimony of Konstantin Ignatov during the trial of US lawyer Mark Scott who was subsequently found guilty of fraud and laundering $400million in illegal funds for the founders of fake cryptocurrency OneCoin.

Ignatov pleaded guilty to his part in the scam and alleged that Abdulaiziz stole €100 million prior to launching Phoenix Thoroughbreds in 2017.

The operation now claims to have over 300 horses worldwide and includes the Group One Manikato Stakes winner Loving Gaby.

They also race Lonhro’s internationally successful son Gronkowski – runner-up in the Dubai World Cup and also second to Justify in the Grade 1 Belmont Stakes.

They have been significant players both in the sale ring and on the racetrack in Australia of late, being named among the buyers of 17 yearlings and two broodmares in 2019 at an average price of over $500,000, including a $1.6m Redoutes Choice colt out of Purely Spectacular at the Gold Coast Magic Millions Sale.

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