News

Malaguerra Goes For All Aged Gold

13th Apr 2016

$32,000 purchase Malaguerra has already earned over $430,000 for his connections and will go for gold this Saturday when lining up in the Group 1 ATC All Aged Stakes at Royal Randwick.

Bluegrass Bloodstock’s Leonard Russo is living every horse-lover’s dream, as he flies to Sydney tomorrow morning to watch Malaguerra (Magnus x Tenessee Morn) contest his first Group 1. In the days beforehand however, Russo is making the most of inspections at the Inglis VOBIS Gold Yearling Sale, where the famous Malaguerra form line began in 2013. 

After Russo selected Malaguerra as a yearling for owner Bruno Micalizzi, it seems that the Anthony and Lee Freedman-trained gelding has had a dream run. Malaguerra won his debut at Cranbourne, and has since blessed his connections with another eight victories including his previous four starts.  

“He paid his purchase price off in one start thanks to VOBIS incentives, and the rest is a bonus!” Russo said.
  “He has been a great earner for Bruno and it’s been a great ride for me to be a part of,” said Russo.

While Malaguerra runs in Sydney, many other VOBIS Gold Yearling Sale graduates will compete at the second Victorian Owners and Breeders Raceday at Caulfield featuring $1.5millon worth of VOBIS prizemoney and bonuses across six eligible races.

Bred by Sandown Lodge Stud and offered by Ballarto Lodge, Malaguerra was one of several horses on Russo’s shortlist.

“I forgave that he was out of an older mare because I believe if they come from a good farm that has looked after them, they get every chance to succeed,” Russo said.

“I remember seeing Magnus in the mounting yard and he wasn’t an overly big horse but he was athletic, and Malaguerra had the same look as his sire. He was balanced and a lovely walker and I was confident this was the horse I was taking home.

“Malaguerra is just one example, but for Victorian-based owners, or people keen to race in Victoria, it really makes sense to purchase a yearling from VOBIS Gold,” Russo added.

26 yearlings by Magnus have been offered at Australian yearling sales so far in 2016 with all 26 sold at an average of $52,400. Eight yearlings by the Eliza Park International resident sire are set to be offered at the Inglis VOBIS Gold Yearling Sale, including three in the draft of Malaguerra’s seller Ballarto Lodge.

“Magnus is one of the great local gems we have on Victoria’s stallion roster and we’re delighted to have three of his yearlings in our draft this year,” said Ian Pankhurst of Ballarto Lodge.

Ballarto Lodge are one of over 60 vendors to sell at the 2016 Inglis VOBIS Gold Yearling Sale alongside Musk Creek Farm, which will offer a filly by All American from the family of Malaguerra as Lot 176.

All yearlings to be offered at the sale will be available for parades from 9am Friday, in anticipation of selling from 12noon Sunday 17 and 11am Monday 18 April.

Inglis Sale Day Live, Online Bidding and Inglis’ Make-An-Offer services will be available at the VOBIS Gold Yearling Sale. CLICK HERE to register for Inglis’ Online Bidding service today.

The online catalogue including supplementary entries, pedigree updates, photos and videos of lots, and the list of withdrawn lots are all available at inglis.com.au and on the Inglis Sales iPad App.

For people looking to get involved with yearling purchases, racehorse syndication and ownership, contact a member of the Inglis Bloodstock Department in Melbourne on +61 3 9333 1422