3 minute read

Becomes the first son of Written Tycoon to stand in New Zealand

Banquo (Written Tycoon) has joined the Waikato Stud roster for the 2021 season and his fee has been seat at NZ$4,000 (plus GST).  He becomes the first son of champion sire Written Tycoon (Iglesia) to stand at stud in New Zealand. 

A brother to Oakleigh Plate (Gr 1, 1100m) winner Booker, Banquo was trained by Danny O'Brien, winning the Springtime Stakes (Listed, 1400m) on the final day of the Melbourne Spring Carnival in 2019, and was placed in the Autumn Stakes (Gr 2, 1400m) and Bobbie Lewis Handicap (Gr 2, 1200m).

"Banquo is an incredibly good-looking horse and he was very talented," O'Brien said.

"He won a stakes race at his third run as a three-year-old and raced very well for us the following spring, just beaten in a Group Two race at Flemington as a four-year-old. He's a genuine Group-class sprinter that unfortunately we didn't get to see at his best."

Banquo was a $600,000 yearling purchase by Bruce Perry. 

"Banquo made a statement as soon as he walked out as a yearling. He had presence and quality. He was a very athletic and good moving yearling," Perry said.

"Waikato Stud has an incredible history of success and for Mark to take him on shows the belief he has in Banquo.

"It's pretty special for Banquo and his owners, as we know he will get every opportunity. Waikato Stud don't get it wrong very often with their stallion selections."