Vauban Joins Australian Bloodstock for Melbourne Cup Goals

In a significant step that marks a new chapter for the talented Irish stayer Vauban, Australian Bloodstock has acquired his services in a high-profile deal, partnering with the esteemed training team of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott. The agreement, worth an impressive $2 million AUD, results in Vauban departing from the prestigious stewardship of Willie Mullins to start a new journey in Australia, a nation that has historically attracted elite international stayers.

Vauban, who attracted attention for his courageous yet ultimately disappointing attempts at the Melbourne Cup, is now set to direct his efforts towards a possible autumn campaign before making a third bid for Australia's premier race. Despite not performing well in the past two editions of the Melbourne Cup—placing 14th in 2023 and 11th in 2024—the seven-year-old possesses the pedigree and capability to bounce back. His latest performance, a second-place finish behind the elite Kyprios in the Group 1 Irish St Leger at The Curragh, showcased his remarkable stamina over 2800 meters and reinforced his status as a formidable contender.

On Wednesday, Jamie Lovett from Australian Bloodstock confirmed the agreement, marking a definitive change in Vauban’s racing path. Instead of heading back to Ireland for a hurdles season under Mullins, Vauban will take a well-deserved summer break in New South Wales, after which he will transition to the stable of Waterhouse and Bott. This strategy is designed to set the horse up for future competitions, especially as he prepares for a third attempt at the Melbourne Cup, a prestigious race that remains a goal for him.

Vauban has demonstrated his exceptional quality through 21 career starts, achieving eight victories. Among these wins, three were secured over hurdles in the UK, showcasing his versatility in various racing disciplines. Nevertheless, it is his remarkable stamina and capacity to perform consistently over longer distances that distinguish him, positioning him as a strong contender for the demanding autumn and spring carnivals of Australian racing.

For Waterhouse and Bott, bringing Vauban into their fold is not just an opportunity to enhance their stable with a skilled stayer—it represents a chance to hone and focus on his strengths, paving the way for a peak performance when the right moment arrives. Their expertise in training, paired with Vauban’s natural talent, has the potential to transform the trajectory of this promising stayer’s career in Australia, revitalizing his ambitions for the Melbourne Cup.