Track record-setting sprinter Winning Rupert (Aus) (Written Tycoon {Aus}–Winaura {Aus}, by Show A Heart {Aus}) has been retired from racing and will stand at Newgate Farm in 2017. The 3-year-old was purchased by Newgate, China Horse Club and a syndicate of leading breeders.
Beaten once in six starts, Winning Rupert won the G2 Champagne Classic in his second outing at two before running away with the first three starts of his 3-year-old campaign, including a three-length tally in the G3 BRC Vo Rogue Plate on New Year's Eve. Winning Rupert suffered his only loss when fourth in the Gold Coast 3YO Guineas on Magic Millions Raceday Jan. 14, and he emerged from that effort with a bone chip in his near fore knee. Trainer Bjorn Baker paid tribute to the chestnut, saying, “From a training point of view he is the fastest horse I've ever put a saddle on. 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.”
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.”
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