After much discussion and thought with Mr Arculli, the decision was made over the weekend to send Red Cadeaux to Australia for his spring campaign, rather than head to Dubai for a second time.
Having weighed up both options carefully, we came down in favour of Australia as, realistically, Red Cadeaux only has the option of one race in Meydan – the Dubai Gold Cup, run over 2m.
However, by returning to Australia we have the option of giving the horse three runs. He has been entered for the Australian Cup, a 1m2f Group 1 run at Flemington on March 14, and from there he could head to Sydney, with The BMW - run over 1m4f at Rosehill on March 28 – a potential option.
He could then remain in Sydney for The Championships – the grand final of the autumn campaign held at Royal Randwick – where the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, run over 1m2f, or the Sydney Cup, run over 2m, are both potential options. Obviously, we are working on a race-by-race basis with our stable star, but the Australian option gave us greater freedom with which to plan a campaign.
Red Cadeaux has now been in quarantine at Longstones Stud, Kentford for three days where he has settled in well. With sub-zero temperatures now the norm, the weather is a little different to what he has been used to over the winter and what he will be returning to in a couple of weeks.
As usual, Robin and Steve are set to accompany the horse on his travels and Red Cadeaux, alongside his two trusty steeds, is in great form and looking well.
We would like to thank a number of people for helping to put the current plans in place, including Leigh Jordan of Racing Victoria, Peter V’landys and Matt Rudolph of Racing New South Wales and Jim Paltrdige of IRT. Their support has been invaluable in every aspect of the planning process and we look forward to working with them further over the next couple of months.
By returning to Australia for a fifth time, we are hopeful that our illustrious nine-year-old can write another memorable chapter into his already wonderful history, so it’s all systems go for the Red Cadeaux story to continue apace.