WHO best to speak about the attributes of the Group 1 Emirates Melbourne Cup winner Rekindling than his trainer, Joseph O’Brien.

He said: “Rekindling was a wonderful horse to train; he was a classy horse and tough as nails. It is a testament to how tough he was that he started off his three-year-old campaign by winning the Ballysax Stakes in early April, had a rough experience in the Derby, and yet continued to thrive with racing throughout the season, finishing it off when becoming the youngest horse in 76 years to win the Melbourne Cup that November.

“It was his ability to use his turn of foot at any stage in a race that set him apart, whether at 10 furlongs in the Ballysax Stakes or over two miles in the Melbourne Cup. He was a wonderful horse, raced often and on different types of ground, and was always consistent. I look forward to seeing what he can do as a sire.”

Well, Rekindling now gets his chance at stud, being acquired by William Fox (087-9184071) of Kenmare Castle Stud in Hospital, Co Limerick, and he will commence duties at a fee of €2,000.

“I was looking for a son of High Chaparral for a mare of mine, and when I went looking I became aware of Rekindling. One thing led to another, and now I have him – and I’m happy to share him!” said Fox.

Derby double

High Chaparral (Sadler’s Wells) completed the Irish and English Derby double 20 years ago and at stud he got such as So You Think, Toronado, Free Eagle, Dundeel and more, while National Hunt enthusiasts will forever know him as the sire of Altior, winner of 10 Grade 1 races.

Fox reports that among the mares already booked to Rekindling are siblings to Youmzain, Khalifa Sat, Unsung Heroine, Wahiba Sands, Cape Blanco, Jesse Evans and others.

Rekindling is a full-brother to Group 3 Chester Vase winner and Group 1 Irish Derby second Golden Sword (High Chaparral), and a half-brother to the Group 1 two-year-old runner-up Sydney Opera House (Australia).