Derby Goal for Americain 3YO

Tara Madgwick - Wednesday February 27
Melbourne Cup winner Americain (USA) has brought an injection of stamina to a classy Aussie speed family to produce promising staying three year-old Costello, a strong winner over 1800 metres at Rosehill on Wednesday.

Costello as a yearlingAstute trainer David Payne resisted the temptation of chasing a Derby start for Costello back in the spring when he cast off maiden status with an impressive win at Hawkesbury and that decision may now reap the right rewards.

A last start winner at Warwick Farm over 1600 metres, he upped the ante in this Benchmark 74 event to score a handsome victory with David Payne indicating his future path would be towards the Group I Australian Derby.

Bred and sold by Adam Sangster's Swettenham Stud, Costello was a $40,000 Inglis Premier purchase for his trainer and runs for a syndicate that includes Wilf Mula (Aston Bloodstock) and Paul Whelan (Luskin Park). The same connections had success with his half-sister French Fern, who won the Group II ATC Reisling Stakes in 2016.

Costello is one of four winners from stakes-winning Strategic mare La Famelia, who comes from the family of champion sprinter Schillaci and Group I winners Forina, Russeting and more recently Voodoo Lad.

La Famelia was covered last spring by Swettenham Stud's promising shuttle sire Toronado (IRE).

Advertisment
More Reading...
From Cup Hero To Stud Success
The decision to stand a Melbourne Cup winner is not one taken lightly, but a warm initial response from breeders, followed by encouraging yearling sale results and now winners on the track have made Swettenham stud’s gamble on Americain (USA) look like a good one.
Wednesday Winning Double for Americain
They may have been galloping 2,344km away from each other in distance, including a short 432km paddle across the Bass Straight, but Aristocat up in Ipswich and Toricain down in Launceston combined to give Melbourne Cup hero Americain (USA) his first Aussie double.
First Stakes-Winner for Americain
Swettenham Stud’s Melbourne Cup hero Americain (USA) has sired his first stakes-winner with four year-old mare Causeforcommotion winning the Possibly Perfect Stakes at Santa Anita on the weekend.
One to Watch – Kembla
Group I ATC Champagne Stakes winner Nepotism is not the only talented two year-old winner by Brutal this season that was bred and sold by Gilgai Farm.
$650,000 Stay Inside Filly Sets New Record at Inglis Weanling Sale
A new record price for the Australian Weanling Sale was set at Riverside today when a Stay Inside x Sheidel filly offered by Noorilim Park sold for $650,000.
Westbury Stud Announce 2025 Fees
Westbury Stud is pleased to announce the 2025 service fees for its high performing stallion roster, providing breeders with an accessible source of proven bloodlines at excellent value.
Oaks Goal for Americain filly
Toowoomba trainer John Zielke has high hopes for Americain (USA) filly Queen Consort, who cast off maiden status with a powerful win at Ipswich on Friday.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday May 6
Here is the full list of 30 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
100th National Yearling Sale to Debut New Format
Karaka 2026 will mark the 100th anniversary of the National Yearling Sales in New Zealand, a significant milestone to celebrate.
Widden Stud Sell $775,000 Too Darn Hot Colt
Widely tipped as a likely sale-topper at the Inglis Australian Weanling Sale, the Widden Stud consigned Too Darn Hot (GB) colt from Enbihaar did not disappoint when fetching $775,000.