Churchill Colt Wins G1 Coral Eclipse

Tara Madgwick - Saturday July 2

A homebred for the Aga Khan, talented three year-old colt Vadeni announced himself on the big stage with a five length last start win in the Group I Prix du Jockey Club (2100m) and confirmed that potential when travelling to the UK to win the Group I Sandown Coral Eclipse Stakes (1m2f).

Vadeni wins the G1 Coral Eclipse - image Coolmore

Trained by Jean-Claud Rouget and ridden by Christophe Soumillion, the son of Coolmore shuttler Churchill (IRE) came from last to first to win the weight-for-age test by a neck in a thrilling finish over Mishriff and Native Trail.

Advertisement

Vadeni has five wins from seven starts and is the first French trained winner of the Coral Eclipse Stakes since 1960 when it was won by Javelot.

“Vadeni was very relaxed in the first part of the race. I was a little bit anxious at the beginning of the straight as he looked not very well (placed), but after a change of foot he came easily,” said Jean-Claud Rouget.

“I have 43 years of training in my legs so I know it is always difficult to win a maiden and to win the Eclipse, for me it was a real challenge.

“Winning the Irish Champion with Almanzor we were the same. I hope this one will win the other race (Irish Champion). Almanzor had more physical (presence). They are two champions but they are a bit different. The change of foot of this one is terribly good and what we saw in the Prix du Jockey Club. Next will be the Irish Champion.”

Vadeni is a half-brother to two stakes-placed horses and is the best of five winners from winning Monsun mare Vaderana, a half-sister to Group winners Vadamar and The Pentagon from Group I winner Vadawina.

Vadeni is the first Group I winner for Churchill and is one of five stakes-winners by the champion son of Galileo.

Churchill (IRE), click for more information.

Standing at Coolmore Australia this spring at a fee of $22,000, Churchill has had four Australian winners from his first crop here including promising Sydney metro winners Robusto and Conqueror.


 

Advertisment
More Reading...
Breeding To Win - 2025 G1 Doomben Cup
The first Doomben Cup was run two days after the first Doomben 10,000 as part of the track's gala opening program in 1933 with total prize money of £1000 and a gold cup valued at £100 – fast forward to 2025 and they will race on Saturday for $1million.
Darling View Thoroughbreds Announce 2025 Fees
Darling View Thoroughbreds is home to the best stallion in Western Australia and statistically one of the best in the country with Playing God set to remain at a fee of $49,500.
More Sejardan Weanlings for MM National
Blue Gum Farm’s fast Group II winning Sebring son Sejardan made his presence felt in a big way at the recent Inglis Australian Weanling Sale for a stallion that stood first season at a fee of just $13,750.
First Australian Winner for Admire Mars
Admire Mars (Jpn) is not shuttling to Arrowfield this year, but he did produce his first Aussie winner at Pakenham on Thursday with a debut victory for Planet Red.
Pierro Mare Queen of Dragons Headlines Late National Broodmare Entries
Group winning mare Queen of Dragons is among five new late entries for the first day of the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on Tuesday.
Sires With Winners - Thursday May 22
Here is the full list of 36 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
$1million Magic Millions National 2YO Classic Friday Night
Purchasing a yearling from Magic Millions opens the door to a lifetime of lucrative options for an owner and one of them comes up on Friday evening at the Gold Coast, so who are the key players?
Stakes performers offered on gavelhouse.com
The latest fortnightly auction on gavelhouse.com offers buyers a golden opportunity to add black-type performance to their broodmare band.
Ole Kirk Share Added to MM National Broodmare Sale
A share in first season sire sensation Ole Kirk will be offered on Day One of the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale on Tuesday.
One to Watch-Goulburn
She’s leaving her run a bit late, but the full sister to last week’s Listed VRC Andrew Ramsden Stakes winner Basilinna may have a shot at the Group I BRC Queensland Oaks.