News Royal Ascot beckons for Aidan O'Brien new recruit Vancouver

Royal Ascot beckons for Aidan O'Brien new recruit Vancouver

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Star Australian colt Vancouver will join Aidan O'Brien's team ahead of a likely appearance at Royal Ascot.

Last season's champion two-year-old won three races last year, when trained by Gai Waterhouse, with Coolmore having purchased controlling interest in him after his impressive victory in the Group One Golden Slipper at Rosehill in March.

The son of Medaglia D'Oro is now set to enter quarantine ahead of his transfer to Ireland.

Coolmore's Tom Magnier said in a statement: "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 (O'Brien) 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."

Waterhouse added on www.coolmore.com: "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.

"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."