Castelvecchio flies to win inaugural Inglis Millennium

Breednet - Saturday February 9
Castelvecchio - a colt "destined for big things'' by an up-and-coming stallion described as "the new Zabeel'' – today won the inaugural running of the $2m Listed Inglis Millennium at Warwick Farm.

CastelvecchioTrained by young horseman Richard Litt, Castelvecchio (Dundeel x St. Therese) came from the tail of the field to run down favourite Accession in the shadows of the post.

The 2YO colt cost his owner Ottavio Galletta of Galletta Constructions $150,000 at last year's Classic Yearling Sale, where he was offered by Arrowfield Stud.

Castelvecchio's Smart Missile half sister Maid Of Heaven was sold at the 2017 Classic Sale, also by Arrowfield.

Arrowfield's Jon Freyer couldn't have been prouder of Castelvecchio or his sire Dundeel, who he had the highest of praise for.

"He's the new Zabeel, that's what he is,'' Freyer said of Dundeel, whose second crop are racing now.

"We're so excited by him. He's got the favourite for the NZ Derby, he's already won a Derby in South Africa, there's this horse today, already multiple Stakes winners. Wow.''

Freyer described Castelvecchio, who is undefeated after two race starts, as a colt "that could be one absolutely out of the box''.

"We're delighted Ottavio bought him, he's been a loyal client of the farm for a long time and it's such a thrill to see him win,'' Freyer said.

"The horse is a magnificent colt, he's destined for big things.''

There are 23 progeny of Dundeel catalogued for the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale, which begins at Riverside Stables at 6pm tonight.

To view the Classic catalogue, CLICK HERE.

Castelvecchio firmed into $15 for the Group 1 Golden Slipper following today's Millennium victory, but trainer Litt remains undecided what path his star juvenile will take in what is his first preparation.

"Ottavio is the boss but the Inglis Sires is probably the best bet at this stage,'' Litt said.

"He's nominated for the Slipper but we won't push him. We'll take our time and see where he takes us.''

Litt received a pair of Swarovski binoculars after the race, for being the winning trainer of an Inglis Race Series event.

Visit the profile page for Castelvecchio

Castelvecchio in upcoming sales:
Advertisment
More Reading...
$340,000 Dundeel Colt Keeps the Momentum at Karaka Ready to Run
Shaune Ritchie has backed his judgment once again at Karaka.
Sires With Winners - Thursday October 23
Here is the full list of 26 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
2025 G1 Spring Champion – Pedigree Preview
A lot of attention is paid to the sprinting three year-old division and much less so to the stayers, but with $2million in prizemoney the Group I ATC Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Saturday has attracted a full field of 14 and all of them are on trial at the trip.
$400,000 Invincible Filly a Grand Investment
A three-quarter sister-in-blood to dual Group I winning mare Charm Stone, stakes-placed I Am Invincible filly Naifah always looked well bought at the 2025 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale for $400,000.
Best On Breeding
Saturday’s $500,000 Inglis Banner (RL) kickstarts a wonderful day of racing on Ladbrokes Cox Plate day at Moonee Valley.
Waikato Stud Secure Super Seth
New Zealand’s Waikato Stud has secured a majority share in star three-year-old colt Super Seth, the son of emerging super stallion Dundeel.
End Of An Era - 2025 G1 Cox Plate
“There are many ways of going forward, but only one way of standing still” - Franklin D Roosevelt.
Tarzino Stayer Wins G3 Geelong Cup
Trainer Paul Preusker will get another tilt at a Gr.1 Melbourne Cup (3200m) after Torranzino ran out a strong winner of the Gr.3 Geelong Cup (2400m) on Thursday.
$140,000 NZB Ready to Run Graduate Books Ticket to G1 Victoria Derby
Bred for stamina being by Melbourne Cup winner Shoicking from a daughter of Tavistock, talented Kiwi bred three-year-old Azazel has booked his passage for the Gr.1 VRC Derby (2500m) on Saturday week after a tough victory in the Listed Roderick Insurance Brokers 3YO Geelong Classic (2200m) at Geelong on Thursday.
One to Watch – Canberra
John Sargent has a great record with Oaks type fillies and is no doubt thinking that way with this blue-blooded Dundeel filly that broke the ice for her first win at Canberra on Friday.