Vauban is set for another Group 1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) campaign following his purchase by Australian Bloodstock in partnership with Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott for around A$2 million (£1.02 million).
The Willie Mullins-trained stayer will remain in Australia to join the Waterhouse-Bott stable, with hopes of targeting a third attempt at the prestigious Cup.
Australian Bloodstock’s Jamie Lovett confirmed the acquisition of Vauban, previously owned by Rich Ricci, on Wednesday.
Despite high expectations, the Cheltenham Festival winner delivered underwhelming performances in his previous Melbourne Cup appearances, finishing 14th last year and 11th at Flemington this past week.
Initially, Mullins planned to take Vauban back to Ireland for a hurdling campaign, potentially targeting the Stayers’ Hurdle.
Instead, the gelding will head for a spell in New South Wales before his transition to Waterhouse and Bott’s care.
Vauban boasts a record of eight wins from 21 starts, including five victories on the flat and three over hurdles.
His recent form included a runner-up finish to top stayer Kyprios in the Group 1 Irish St Leger at the Curragh.
“He was an obvious horse for down here, and we had the opportunity to team up with Gai and Adrian, and he’s not one that is hard to identify,” Lovett told the Nick Luck Daily podcast.
“I’ve always been very forgiving of any horse that comes down and doesn’t always perform off the aircraft as it’s not easy to do.
“We’re just hoping we can have him return to the form he showed in the northern hemisphere last season, and we’re excited to see what lies ahead.”
Lovett acknowledged Mullins’ adept handling of Vauban, emphasizing the horse’s quality despite his current Group 2 status.
“Willie placed him beautifully up there last season, and he’s a high-quality horse, but he arrives here as a Group 2 winner.
“So even in the handicaps, he could show up in a number of races in the Sydney autumn, and then the Melbourne Cup is the goal.
“He’s had two tries at it, so he’s going to have to defy history a third time around, but we feel very confident he’s the right horse.”
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