Redouble wins for US breeding giant
The Australian profile of one of the biggest names in the United States breeding industry has received a major lift with Redouble making a winning debut at Canterbury.
Redouble, part of a package of Australian yearlings Spendthrift Farm has bought during the past 18 months, gave the US breeding giant a milestone win on Wednesday.
“We bought eight yearlings last year and this year. This is our first two-year-old colt to win so it’s very exciting times. Hopefully there are more in store,” Spendthrift Farm Australia’s Garry Cuddy said.
Backed by US billionaire B Wayne Hughes, Spendthrift expanded its stallion operation to Australia last year.
The Victorian roster includes the Spring Champion Stakes winner Hampton Court as well as several shuttle stallions.
Redouble was friendless before firming late to start at $12 and he needed the run of the race behind the leader to beat Raiment ($10) by a short head with Serena’s Pride ($4.80) third.
Jockey Christian Reith said Redouble needed to improve his racing craft before he could fulfil his potential.
“He’s got a long way to go yet and he’s got a lot to learn because he is still a bit aggressive around other horses,” Reith said.
“But the horse has given me a good feel each time I have ridden him. He is intelligent. He knows what he is doing and he’ll be all right in the long run.”
Spendthrift’s next Australian winner might come as soon as Saturday with Swear poised to have his first start in the Claret Stakes at Hawkesbury.
Like Redouble, Swear is by Redoute’s Choice and as a Hawkes Racing colt he is a stablemate to Wednesday’s winner.
The one significant difference between the two horses is their price tags as yearlings with Swear costing $725,000 and Redouble a more modest $200,000.
Swear comes up against three Godolphin-trained runners at Hawkesbury but goes to the races for the first time with Reith to ride after having barrier trial experience at the provincial racetrack.
Reith landed a race-to-race Canterbury double when the favourite Sound Works appreciated a seven-day back-up to win the TAB Rewards Maiden Plate.
Carrying $3 to $2.70 support, Sound Works came from midfield and had the race won at the 200m.