Purchased by Newgate, China Horse Club, and a syndicate of leading breeders, Winning Rupert has been retired to Newgate.
"We absolutely believe Winning Rupert was one of the most
talented horses in the country and accordingly we will be supporting him with
some of our very best mares," said China Horse Club Manager, Michael Wallace.
Prepared by Bjorn Baker, Winning Rupert showed that his exceptional speed would
ultimately take him all the way to the top.
"From a training point of view he is the fastest horse I've ever put a saddle
on," said Bjorn Baker.
"He was just so
natural, we never had to use blinkers or urge him in any way to get him to show us
speed. He had raw ability in spades. A gifted athlete."
Unbeaten at two with a Group II victory in the Champagne Stakes (1200m),
Winning Rupert was nothing short of a sensation when racing on at three. With the exception of his final start,
Winning Rupert won all of his lifetime starts, breaking two track records, by a
combined margin of over 14 lengths.
Respected form analyst Dominic Beirne went as far as saying he is currently
Australia's best sprinter in an article he penned for The Courier Mail on 5
January 2017.
"I match-raced him at weight-for-age against Chautauqua,
Astern, Star Turn, Flying Artie and Extreme Choice and based on the projected
ratings for those horses at their next start, Winning Rupert was the marginal
favourite."
Newgate Director of Stallions and Sales Bruce Slade said, "Winning Rupert is a
no brainer. The history of Australia's Champion stallions tells us that to pass
on elite speed you must possess it yourself first. Winning Rupert won five from
six and broke two track records. His
wins were impressive to the eye and impressive on the clock. We will be
supporting him heavily along with many of Australia's leading breeders, with a
long-term view."
Winning Rupert will be retired immediately and prepared to take up stud duties
this spring.
Newgate Farm Release
