Popular US owner Rich Ricci revealed he’s sold one of his star horses – Vauban – in a A$2m deal to Australian Bloodstock and will now be trained Down Under by the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott stable.
Vauban Sold For A$2m (£1m) To Race In Australia
Vauban is a horse that Australian horse racing fans got to know over the last few years, with the (former) Rich Ricci-owned 6 year-old having contested the last two Melbourne Cups.
He was sent off favourite in 2023, but only managed 14th, while at the start of November was also well fancied in the 2024 Melbourne Cup with the best horse racing betting sites in the UK.
However, he disappointed again – this time running 11th (watch below).
Vauban Already In Australia After Failed Melbourne Cup Bid
The horse was expected back at the Willie Mullins yard in Ireland from that November 5th race, which was won by Knight’s Choice at 90/1.
But it’s since been revealed that Vauban will stay in Australia after being sold for A$2m. Which equates to around £1m.
This mega offer came in from the Australian Bloodstock partnership and will be trained by former Melbourne Cup winning handler Gai Waterhouse and her training partner Adrian Bott.
Gai Waterhouse won the Melbourne Cup in 2013 with Fiorente.
Willie Mullins Had Targeted The Stayers’ Hurdle For Vauban
After his second Melbourne Cup loss, trainer Wille Mullins had stated that they wouldn’t be trying again with Vauban.
But, instead, had pencilled in a return to the jumps and the Stayers’ Hurdle at the 2025 Cheltenham Festival. But this dream is now over.
The versatile Vauban is no stranger to running over the sticks.
Having raced eight times over hurdles (3 wins) and also landing the 2022 Triumph Hurdle.
Vauban was also fourth in the 2023 Champion Hurdle that Constitution Hill won, but during 2024 was solely kept on the flat. Including running fourth in the Ascot Gold Cup back in June.
While he also landed the Group Two Lonsdale Cup at York at the end of August, so the Waterhouse and Bott team will know they’ve got a useful horse to go to war with next year.
Vauban is also a gelding – so there will be no plans for breeding, which means he’ll have to race on.
Therefore, a third tilt at the Melbourne Cup now isn’t totally ruled out – that carries £2,352,941.18 in prize money.
Vauban Career In Numbers
- Age: 6
- Total Runs: 21
- Total Wins: 8
- Flat Runs: 13
- Flat Wins: 5
- Hurdles Runs: 8
- Hurdles Wins: 3
- Total Career Winnings: £844,710
