Starspangled Colt Wins G2 Coventry – Half Brother to Vandeek

Tara Madgwick - Wednesday June 18

The first two year-old race at Royal Ascot this year was the Group II Coventry Stakes (6f) with the Aidan O’Brien trained Starspangledbanner colt Gstaad sent out favoruite and duly cruising clear for an impressive win.

Ridden by Ryan Moore, he scored a dominant three length win making it wo wins in as many starts following on from his debut win at Navan last month.

“Gstaad looks a very good horse, doesn't he? We've always loved him. He had only had the one run. He has always worked like a good horse,” said Aidan O’Brien.

“He's big, he's scopey, he has a good stride and is very genuine; he goes with his head down and he has loads of speed. He looks like he will get further than six [furlongs].”

Advertisement

Pedigree

Gstaad was bought for 450,000 guineas at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale by MV Magnier from his breeder Maywood Stud.

Gstaad made 450,000 guineas as a foal.

Gstaad is a half-brother to 2023 Champion 2YO Colt Vandeek, who will shuttle to Arrowfield Stud this spring. He is the second stakes-winner among six winners from Mosa Mine, a placed Exceed and excel mare from the family of Group I winner and Group sire Anabaa.

Gstaad is the 53rd stakes-winner for Starspangledbanner, who was a G1 winner at Royal Ascot back in 2010 as was his grand-sire Choisir in 2003.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Justify Strikes at Newmarket with New G3 Winner
The Group III Bahrain Trophy Stakes ((1m5f) at Newmarket overnight produced a runaway winner in Scandinavia and while his sire Justify no longer shuttles to Australia, two of his sons will be on the roster at Coolmore this spring in City of Troy (IRE) and Storm Boy.
Godolphin Draft Headlines Huge Inglis Digital July (Early)
A 26-strong Godolphin draft, a G1 placed 3YO with credentials for the $10m Golden Eagle and shares in multiple other G1 performers including dual G1 winner Overpass headline a huge catalogue for the Inglis Digital July (Early) Online Sale.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Randwick
Spring racing is just around the corner and a busy set of trials at Randwick on Friday featured eight heats won by juveniles with winners including stakes horses The Playwright and Cobra Club as well as unraced youngsters by Justify (USA), I Am Invincible and Flying Artie.
Bloodstockauction 2025 Stallion Cover Charity Auction
Bloodstockauction Stallion Cover Charity Auction is on again this year seeking to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities Sydney.
Two powerful additions announced for Equate 2025
The countdown to Equate '25 just got even more exciting. Australasia's number one innovation event for the thoroughbred industry has announced two brand-new sessions that bring together transparency, technology, and tangible takeaways for all attendees.
Debut 2YO Winner for Brutal
Fresh from siring a smart metro winner at Sandown on Wednesday in Brutalina, Brutal was in the frame at Scone on Friday where Brett Cavanough unleashed a promising two year-old debut winner in Bird Whistle.
Melbourne Racing Club Unveils Major Spring Racing Enhancements
Racing Victoria has confirmed prize money allocations for the 2025-2026 season and Melbourne Racing Club (MRC) has announced some exciting race program changes and prizemoney increases that, together with other great initiatives at Flemington and Moonee Valley, reinforce the position of Victoria’s Spring Racing Carnival at the forefront of international racing.
Sires With Winners - Friday July 11
Here is the full list of 45 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Sires With Winners - Thursday July 10
Here is the full list of 31 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Bred to be Good - So You Think x More Joyous
It sounds like a match made in heaven, a colt by two time Cox Plate winning sire So You Think from eight time Group I winner More Joyous, and this 2YO is slated to make his debut in New Zealand this weekend,