Highly rated international galloper Spanish Mission has been sold to an Australian ownership group featuring Brae Sokolski, Ozzie Kheir and Jonathan Rosham.
The Andrew Balding-trained stayer finished third in the Melbourne Cup behind Verry Elleegant and Incentivise.
Sokolski and Co. also have a majority stake in Incentivise, having purchased the gelding from Steve Tregea during the winter, as well as a stake in Verry Elleegant.
The six-year-old Spanish Mission was the best-backed international raider in this year's Cup, having gone toe-to-toe with European star Stradivarius earlier in the year.
A health scare in the lead up to the Melbourne Cup saw Spanish Mission inspected by vets on two occasions but the horse was cleared to run following treatment on swelling in one of its legs.
Trainer Peter Moody, who also trains Incentivise, will be given charge of the horse following the sale.
Sokolski confirmed the news in a statement on Thursday.
"I am pleased to announce that following his outstanding performance in this year's Melbourne Cup, Spanish Mission will remain in Australia to be trained by Peter Moody," Sokolski said.
"Yesterday I finalised a deal to secure Spanish Mission to race in partnership with Ozzie Kheir, Jonathan Rosham and our warm circle.
"I would like to thank the former owners of Spanish Mission, Gary Barber and Brian Irwin, who specifically approached me and gave me the opportunity to purchase their wonderful horse and keep him on our shores.
"Spanish Mission is truly a world class stayer and importantly still on an upward trajectory with so much more to come. We will advise of future plans with him in due course."
