Banquo to Stand at Waikato Stud

In a relatively late stallion announcement, stakes winner Banquo (Written Tycoon-Noondie, by Flying Spur) will join Waikato Stud’s stallion roster for the upcoming breeding season, becoming the first son of Australian General Champion sire Written Tycoon to stand at stud in New Zealand. According to racingnews.co.nz, the Danny O’Brien-trained Banquo was victorious in the Listed Springtime Stakes (1400m) on the final day of the Melbourne Spring Carnival in 2019, and was placed in the Gr2 Autumn Stakes (1400m) and Gr2 Bobbie Lewis Handicap (1200m). “Banquo is an incredibly good-looking horse and he was very talented,” O’Brien said. A $600,000 Magic Millions Gold Coast yearling purchase by Wairarapa-based bloodstock agent Bruce Perry, Banquo is a full-brother to Gr1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m) winner Booker. Perry noted, “Waikato Stud has an incredible history of success and for Mark [Chittick] to take him on shows the belief he has in Banquo… Waikato Stud don’t get it wrong very often with their stallion selections.” Banquo will stand at Waikato Stud this coming breeding season for a fee of $4,000 + GST.

Stakes-winner Banquo (pic: supplied)