A dashing return to form by exciting stallion prospect Vanbrugh at Caulfield on the weekend has Windsor Park Stud manager and co-owner Rodney Schick looking forward with anticipation to next year’s breeding season.
The Encosta De Lago entire added further lustre to his future career in the breeding barn with his Gr. 3 Coongy Cup victory, a career that is planned to commence in the 2017 season at Windsor Park after the stud bought into the horse following his Gr. 1 Spring Championship Stakes victory last season.
“I was having dinner one night with Michael Wallace and Mick Flanagan and we were discussing horses as you do,” explained Schick.
“Mick, who was managing Vanbrugh for Merriebelle Stable, advised that there might be an option for us with him so it all started from there.
“He is such a magnificent type and has all the attributes you look for in a stallion so we were delighted to be able to get involved.”
Schick admitted the camp had been confident of a win on Saturday as the Chris Waller trained entire stepped up to his pet 2000 metre distance.
“ Chris actually had him set for the Epsom Handicap but he didn’t get all the luck that day and finished ninth but only a couple of lengths off them,” he said.
“Chris said he was looking for 2000 metres and a good track so when he got that on the weekend we were thinking he would go close to a win.
“It was a real thrill to see him return to his best and he will now have a crack at the Emirates Stakes on the last day of the Flemington Carnival.
“You never know what type of field you will strike but if he can get similar conditions to Saturday then they will know he has been in the race.”
A possible autumn campaign will be the last for Vanbrugh as a racing prospect with Schick advising the entire would commence his stallion career in 2017.
“He might go on to Sydney in the autumn but this is definitely his last racing season,” he said.
“We are looking to have both he and Rageese, who we also bought into, back at home next year so they can start their new careers for us at the same time.
“Having a son of Encosta De Lago and a son of Street Cry kicking off at the same time is incredibly exciting so we can’t wait for next year.”
– NZ Racing Desk
