Irish trainer Willie Mullins has completely re-organised the preparation of his French import Vauban ahead of a second attempt at the Melbourne Cup . He will also saddle Absurde , who raced in France for the Wertheimer family , in Australia ’ s greatest race on November 5th .
French trainer Philippe Decouz bred and trained Vauban before his departure for Ireland . He is now his biggest fan .
No matter how much we sift through the records , never has a stallion given so much of himself . “ A record in France ,” confirms Céline Falcinelli , director of the Colleville stud farm . The price for the covering of the son of Galileo and Danzigaway , and grandson of Danehill , has jumped from 3,000 to 30,000 euros , benefiting from the same “ magic cross as Frankel .”
250 covers in 2024!
No matter how much we sift through the records, never has a stallion given so much of himself. “A record in France,” confirms Céline Falcinelli, director of the Colleville stud farm. The price for the covering of the son of Galileo and Danzigaway, and grandson of Danehill, has jumped from 3,000 to 30,000 euros, benefiting from the same “magic cross as Frankel.”
“A top model, an exceptional horse,” likes to say Guy Pariente. With looks, power and speed, the new prince of the studbook has it all. Yet, his career as a stallion is nothing short of a miracle. When Guy Pariente sets his sights on him, this Fabre/Wertheimer (2 wins, 2 places in 6 races, 77,768 euros in earnings) was destined to be gelded after suffering from tendonitis. “The veterinarian was reserved,” recalls Céline Falcinelli.
The comparison with Kendargent, another star stallion from Saint-Pierre-Azif who escaped the same fate, is quickly made. “Both exemplify Mr. Pariente’s trademark approach, which doesn’t necessarily seek stars or Group 1 winners, but good lineage.”
His offspring are already exceptional: Sunway and Sealiway on the flat, Vauban and Gala Marceau over hurdles. “Having first-crop winners in Group 1 in both disciplines is very rare. Galiway is already very popular. A third of the breeders who approach him are foreign,” primarily from England and Ireland. At the Tattersalls sales, two of his yearlings were recently sold for 210,000 and 220,000 guineas. “Even those from the jumping scene are trying to buy them.”
A favorite for the Melbourne Cup, a winner on the flat and over hurdles, Vauban is the perfect illustration of this brilliant versatility. His trainer, Willie Mullins, has made Galiway successful on the international stage. So imagine if this converted jumper manages to secure a third Group 1 by winning the “Australian Arc de Triomphe”...