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Legend takes an early leave
Viking Legend, retired today due to injury, may not be the highest profile newcomer to our stallion ranks, but it will be interesting to see if a suitable commercial stud is interested in the son of Elvstroem.
Viking Legend (b or br c 2006, Elvstroem–Innocent Baby, by Jugah (USA)) bows out of racing on the verge of a career-defining campaign in which he was one of the favourites for next month’s Group 1 AJC Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick.
The colt broke down – tore a hole in a foreleg tendon – in his game second behind the exciting Queenslander Shoot Out in last Saturday’s Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) at Randwick; it was a courageous effort considering the injury.
The loss of Viking Legend is a blow to the colt’s owners, some of which are media identities Peter Blunden (Managing Director of the Herald & Weekly Times) and the voice of Harness Racing Dan Mielicki (a co-breeder) and, and also to trainer Gai Waterhouse, who has been having a slow season – in her terms.
But the biggest hit has come for Elvstroem (by Danehill (USA)); the young Victorian-based stallion – at Blue Gum Farm, Euroa – can ill afford to lose a headline act in this current cut-throat breeding game.
Viking Legend won the Listed Dulcify Stakes (1800m, Randwick) in the spring before finishing consecutive thirds in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m, behind Monaco Consul), Group 1 AAMI Vase (2040m, behind Hanks) and Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m, behind Monaco Consul).
In what is an encouraging sign for a prospective buyer of Viking Legend, Waterhouse had him up and running early – he was beaten as a 2YO at his debut at Randwick in January 2009 by top colt Real Saga before winning at Moonee Valley (1200m) in February.
Viking Legend will join a plethora of new, Australian-bred sires that will go to stud in the 2010 spring – Newmarket Handicap winner Wanted (Widden Stud), former stablemate Manhattan Rain (Arrowfield Stud), Starspangledbanner (Coolmore Stud) and I Am Invincible (Yarraman Stud) will all commence duties later this year.
Viking Legend has an interesting pedigree – both his sire and dam are bred on the Northern Dancer–Star Kingdom cross. Elvstroem is by Danehill (by Danzig) from the Marscay mare Circles Of Gold, whereas Innocent Baby is by Northern Dancer’s underrated son Jugah from Jackson’s Affair, a Jackson Square mare bred 3×3 to Star Kingdom through his sons Biscay and Red God.
Viking Legend’s precocious brother Innocent Gamble, who throws more to his Star Kingdom heritage – was an impressive debut winner in the Listed Blue Diamond Preview (1000m) at Caulfield last month.
There is enough stamina and speed in this pedigree for Viking Legend to nick well with the wealth of speed mares in Australia, although he also looks an ideal fit for a stud in New Zealand.
Photo: Viking Legend (rails) holds out Dominguin to win at Moonee Valley in February 2009.
Danny, any word on where Viking Legend has found a home?
Hi John,
I believe no suitable home was found, so Viking Legend has been given a long break with the intention of giving him another try on the racetrack.
Cheers
Danny