Vancouver to Target Royal Ascot

Champion two year-old Vancouver will travel to Ireland to join the stable of Aidan O'Brien at Ballydoyle with a view to contesting top sprint and mile races during the European Summer.

‘He’s an incredibly talented horse and, with the Autumn falling so early this year and Royal Ascot an important goal in June, we decided in consultation with managing owner Coolmore that it would be best to send him to Ireland to give Aidan O’Brien the necessary time to prepare.’ said champion trainer Gai Waterhouse.

‘As an unbeaten champion two year-old and winner of the Golden Slipper, he has nothing more to prove in Australia; I have no doubt that he is world-class and this plan gives him the best opportunity of proving himself on the international stage, with a view to possible dual-hemisphere stud duties.’ said Waterhouse.

‘We’ll obviously be sad to see him go and I’m sure Aidan will have a lot of fun with him – Coolmore has followed this route very successfully in the past with So You Think, Starspangledbanner, Haradasun and others and I wish Aidan every success with a horse I consider as talented as any.’ concluded Waterhouse.

Coolmore's Tom Magnier said; 'Circumstances have forced our hand with Vancouver to an extent, but Gai is adamant that he's a Royal Ascot horse and that's where we'll be aiming him. I've spoken to Aidan and Joseph and they can't wait for the horse to arrive. Gai and her team have done a wonderful job with him, as evidenced by his unforgettable two year-old season and let's hope he does them proud on his travels'.

Aidan O’Brien commented “We were very impressed with the class and speed he showed in the Golden Slipper. He’s a champion 2yo and it’s very exciting to be getting a horse of his quality. All the big races in Europe up to a mile will be considered for him with Royal Ascot being one of the main targets.”