Vanbrugh Rewards US Investment

The decision by American owners John Moores and Charles Noell to invest in Australian racing has paid a quick dividend with the win of Vanbrugh in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick. On a day when one of the biggest US racing and breeding operations also collected its first city win in this country, Vanbrugh promised even greater rewards to owners who rate Australian racing among the most viable in the world. Moores and Noell race as Merrriebelle Stables and operate stud farms in the US and Ireland as well as racing operations in both countries. And according to their bloodstock advisor and manager Mick Flanagan, their involvement in the Australian industry will continue to grow. “The economics of Australian racing are so attractive that you can’t ignore them,” Flanagan said. “If you want to buy and race horses, this is a great place to do it. “We will definitely be back to buy more yearlings next year, we have a commitment to Australian racing.” Chris Waller’s Vanbrugh wins the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick Also on the Randwick card, Cana (pictured), a $650,000 purchase by Spendthrift Farms from the same 2014 Inglis Easter Sale scored a first for her American owners, whose involvement in Australia has extended to the purchase of the former Yallambee Stud in Victoria. The daughter of Fastnet Rock was Spendthrift’s initial Australian winner when she scored at Hawkesbury last month and on Saturday gave the organisation its first metropolitan winner. Cana is from the good producer Scattered and according to Spendthrift’s Australian manager Gary Cuddy is a tribute to the patience of her trainers, John, Michael and Wayne Hawkes.