Racing
US galloper joins Maher stable
A Group 1 race in the UK is on the agenda for new Ciaron Maher stable purchase Carl Spackler before he makes his way to Australia.
A trip to attend the Kentucky Derby has secured Ciaron Maher a starter in the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Through contacts made on that trip to the US 12 months ago, three-time Grade 1 winner Carl Spackler came on Maher's radar as a potential purchase and future stallion.
Carl Spackler is a son of Lope De Vega which appealed to Maher, and he was able to negotiate the sale of the entire who will race in the Yulong Stud colours at next month's Royal meeting before travelling out to Australia.
Will Bourne, Head of Bloodstock with Ciaron Maher Racing, said the team had always been on the lookout for gallopers from the US after its success with Lighthouse back in 2022.
"Ciaron went to the Kentucky Derby last year and has built a few contacts over there," Bourne said.
"He had Lighthouse from over there and has said to people send me some horses. We've had some horses to buy over the past year, but none that have come to fruition.
"This horse was sent to Ciaron a month ago and he's a stallion. He spoke to the Yulong team, and he ended up transacting.
"He's perfect for the Cox Plate but will go via the Queen Anne and Royal Ascot."
Bourne said a liking for firm tracks was also what appealed to Maher and Bourne, and importantly the entire has a good turn of foot.
He added the sire line was equally as important.
"Being by Lope De Vega, he's not by a dirt or an obscure stallion and he's had Group 1 winners down here in Australia," Bourne said.
"He's a prominent European stallion and this horse has performed on hard tracks, tight turning tracks."
Bourne said it had been a drawn-out process with some late nights for Maher negotiating to secure Carl Spackler.
"He had to go through the vetting process, and he has taken a lot of Ciaron's time at night negotiating when everyone overseas is awake," Bourne said.
"But we've got him, and he gets on a plane on Thursday to head to Newmarket."
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