New frontiers: Furtado opens French satellite yard to target better prize-money

Ivan Furtado has set up a temporary satellite yard in France, citing poor prize-money levels in Britain and a desire to give his owners a more compelling racecourse experience as reasons behind the decision.

The trainer, who has around 60 horses in training, plans to campaign up to 12 horses at a time from his second base in Maisons-Laffitte.

"Things aren't great in Britain at the moment in terms of prize-money and the treatment of owners. A few of them are keen to have runners in France and have a good time at the track," said Furtado.

"It's not appealing to owners at the moment so we're trying to give them another option to get better prize-money and a holiday too. We were always going to have runners there but it takes a lot out of the horses so this satellite yard allows them to go for weeks at a time.

"British racing is very competitive and the big yards dominate. It's harder for smaller trainers. I felt I had to try something different to keep my owners happy and help to balance the books. I feel more trainers could be forced to take make the same decision."

Furtado is not the first trainer to open up a satellite yard in France, following the recent examples set by Gay Kelleway and Paul George.

Furtado could run stable star Teston in the Grand Handicap de Deauville on Sunday, a race he finished second in last year for Pascal Bary.

Read more:

Expect more trainers to jump on the bandwagon to France as prize-money falters (£)

Frankie Dettori out to make Juddmonte history on Royal Ascot hero Lord North

Racing to receive Levy Board funding boost as restrictions remain in place

Ultimate Daily - our daily newsletters from Racing Post's experts, exclusive to the inbox of Ultimate Members' Club subscribers. To receive the newsletter subscribe at racingpost.com/members-club