Vancouver continues dominance of Darley stallions in Golden Slipper

Unbeaten Medaglia d'Oro colt Vancouver continued the domination of the Darley stallions in the world’s richest race for two-year-olds, the G1 Golden Slipper at Rosehill, March 21.

In winning, Vancouver became the fourth Darley-sired winner of the race in the last five years following the victories of Sepoy (Elusive Quality) in 2011, Pierro (Lonhro) in 2012 and Overreach (Exceed And Excel) in 2013. Last year’s winner Mossfun, who narrowly defeated Exceed And Excel filly Earthquake, is the only Golden Slipper winner in the last five years not by a Darley stallion.

After starting from the outside barrier in the field of 16, jockey Tommy Berry positioned Vancouver just behind the speed but importantly with cover. He came to the centre of the track on straightening and Vancouver powered home to record a brilliant victory, remaining unbeaten in four career starts and becoming the first Australian-bred G1 winner for his sire.

Bred by John Camilleri’s Fairway Thoroughbreds, Vancouver is the third Stakes winner from Danehill’s Listed performer Skates, also the dam of G1 winner Juste Momente and Listed winner Captain Coltish. Skates produced a colt by Pierro in the Spring before again being covered by Medaglia d’Oro. Sadly, Vancouver’s granddam Skating, who was a multiple G1 winner, died at Segenhoe Stud during the week.

Medaglia d’Oro is the sire of 13 G1 winners worldwide including Horse of the Year Rachel Alexandra, as well as Marketing Mix, Plum Pretty and recent Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap winner Mshawish. He has 12 yearlings entered for next month’s Inglis Easter yearling sale in Sydney.