Churchill Colt Wins G1 Coral Eclipse

A homebred for the Aga Khan, talented colt Vadeni (3c Churchill x Vaderana by Monsun) announced himself on the big stage with a five length last start win in the Group I Prix du Jockey Club (2100m) and confirmed that potential when travelling to the UK to win the Group I Sandown Coral Eclipse Stakes (1m2f).

Trained by Jean-Claude Rouget and ridden by Christophe Soumillion, the son of Churchill came from last to first to win the weight-for-age test by a neck in a thrilling finish over Mishriff and Native Trail.

Vadeni has five wins from seven starts and is the first French trained winner of the Coral Eclipse Stakes since 1960 when it was won by Javelot.

“Vadeni was very relaxed in the first part of the race. I was a little bit anxious at the beginning of the straight as he looked not very well (placed), but after a change of foot he came easily,” said Jean-Claude Rouget.

“I have 43 years of training in my legs so I know it is always difficult to win a maiden and to win the Eclipse, for me it was a real challenge.

“Winning the Irish Champion with Almanzor we were the same. I hope this one will win the other race (Irish Champion). Almanzor had more physical (presence). They are two champions but they are a bit different. The change of foot of this one is terribly good and what we saw in the Prix du Jockey Club. Next will be the Irish Champion.”

Vadeni is a half-brother to two stakes-placed horses and is the best of five winners from winning Monsun mare Vaderana, a half-sister to Group winners Vadamar and The Pentagon from Group I winner Vadawina.

Vadeni is the first Group I winner for Churchill and is one of five stakes-winners by the champion son of Galileo.

Standing at Coolmore Australia this spring at a fee of $22,000, Churchill has had four Australian winners from his first crop here including promising Sydney metro winners Robusto and Conqueror.