Stakes Goals Ahead for Sacred Falls 2YO

Media Release - Wednesday June 26

Vibrato shook off his rivals at Rotorua on Wednesday to score a comfortable victory in the At Cook Contraction 2YO (1230m).

Sacred FallsThe son of Sacred Falls led from the jump under a steady ride from Jonathan Riddell and strode away from his only challenger, Elliot Power, to win by two and a half lengths.

The Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman-trained Vibrato was having his second career start, with Forsman saying the conditions at Ellerslie earlier this month did not suit the two-year-old gelding.

"He didn't have any favours that day," Forsman said.

"He drew wide and was caught off the track and probably going right-handed he just got a little bit lost.

"Once he found the front today, and the rail, it was a big help."

Forsman indicated they would now consider a start in the Listed Ryder Stakes (1200m) at Otaki on July 27.

"It was what we were talking about pre-race (the Ryder Stakes)," Forsman said.

Advertisement

"I said if he handles the ground it is probably a race you have to consider. It is certainly a good option to have.

"I think the Sacred Falls are really coming along and they will be coming into their own over the next few months."

Vibrato is the second winner for four-time Group One winner Sacred Falls and is raced by David Seldon and his father Bob.

Seldon purchased the gelding as a yearling at Karaka for $45,000 from the draft of Waikato Stud.

Seldon is one of the principals of the Australian branch of American horse feed company, Performance Horse Nutrition, and he supplies feed to the Baker-Forsman stable.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Records Tumble at Huge Australian Weanling Sale
The most successful Inglis Australian Weanling Sale in history concluded at Riverside today with a record individual top price of $775,000 paid for a colt by Too Darn Hot (GB), a record gross and record average.
One to Watch – Curragh
He’s a Coolmore homebred blueblood, but sired by Darley’s champion stallion Dubawi and Officer opened his stakes account overnight at The Curragh winning the Listed Tetrarch Stakes (1m).
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.
Waikato Stud Mourns The Loss Of Sacred Falls
The Chittick family and the team at Waikato Stud are in mourning after the shock loss of their best mate and emerging young stallion, Sacred Falls.
First Winner for Sacred Falls
Exciting prospect Shoshone delivered the first win for her sire, the Waikato Stud-based Sacred Falls, in fine fashion when she led all the way over 1200m at Ellerslie on Monday.
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.
French Derby Contender for Godolphin
The Godolphin winning run continued in France overnight with a French Derby contender emerging in the shape of progressive Lope de Vega colt Cualificar, who is out of Fastnet Rock’s Group I Epsom Oaks winner Qualify.
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.
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.
$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.