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Trainer pairs up with Billy Jackson-Stops to buy gelding for 22,000gns

Warwick Farm-based trainer Matt Smith was active on the final day of the Tattersalls Autumn Horses In Training Sale when he paired up with bloodstock agent Billy Jackson-Stops to one time winner Desert Empire - who is by Rich Hill Stud shuttler Vadamos (Monsun) - for 22,000gns. 

Catalogued as Lot 1321 and offered Ralph Beckett’s Kimpton Down Stables, the gelding broke his maiden at Lingfield on debut on September 22, before running seventh on his next start at Chelmsford on October 15. 
Jackson-Stops told Racing & Sports Bloodstock he expected the gelding to suit the Australian style of racing. 

“We thought he had a nice European pedigree,” said Jackson-Stops. “He is by Vadamos, who is a son of Monsun and he has obviously had a huge amount of success in Australia over the years. I think Vadamos will go very well down there. 

“This horse, having won on debut showed a very good level of ability. He was obviously a bit disappointing second time out, but Ralph Beckett [trainer] said he thought he ran him back too soon. 

“Matt is looking forward to getting going with him and in comparison to the prices we have seen over the first three days, I think he is very good value. He has shown enough ability to show he could be a good performer in Australia and I think he will fit into Matt’s system quite nicely.”

Desert Empire was purchased by Federico Barberini for 18,000gns at Book 2 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale from the Tally-Ho Stud draft and he is the first winner out of winning Selkirk (Sharpen Up) mare Got To Dance.

Got To Dance herself is a daughter of Mullein (Oasis Dream), making her a half-sister to Tarboosh (Bahamian Bounty). 

Further back the gelding’s third dam is Gipsy Moth (Efisio), who is also the dam of Group 2 winner Illustrious Blue (Dansili). 

Vadamos is standing for a fee of NZ$15,000 (plus GST) at Rich Hill this season, while he stood at Tally Ho Stud in Ireland at a fee of €6,000 in 2020.