Back To Back Group Victories For Son Of Mastercraftsman

The Charlie Appleby-trained Vintager (4g Mastercraftsman - White And Red, by Orpen) enjoyed another fruitful trip abroad on Sunday when taking the Group 2 Oettingen-Rennen at Baden-Baden.

Successful in a Group 3 contest at Chantilly last month, the Godolphin-owned grey was sent off favourite for the mile race under William Buick. He settled in second as Zargun set off in a clear lead, the eventual winner waiting until the two furlong pole to produce a challenge and made good headway to lead approaching the final furlong. Ridden out, he held off a late challenge by Nica to win by a neck, with another three lengths back to the third horse.

Bred by Thurso Bloodstock, Vintager was purchased privately by Godolphin after winning a competitive handicap in impressive fashion as a three-year-old. He is the best performer out of his dam, a winning half-sister to German Group 3 victor Wild Passion.

Vintager is one of seven Stakes winners in 2019 alone by Mastercraftsman, who of course also enjoyed a terrific 2018 season with his daughter Alpha Centauri. The son of Danehill Dancer commands €30,000 at Coolmore Stud.