From Keeneland to Royal Ascot: The Journey of the Milestone Mile Horse Carl Spackler

Purchased by Yulong Investments after shining for Chad Brown, the son of Lope de Vega faces the demanding Queen Anne Stakes at the start of the Royal meeting

Carl Spackler working at Newmarket’s July Course / ROYAL ASCOT

BERKSHIRE, Inglaterra (Special for Turf Diario).- Carl Spackler was one of the standouts at Newmarket’s July Course as contenders fine-tuned preparations for Royal Ascot.

The talented American miler impressed aboard Jamie Spencer while gearing up for his debut under Australian trainer Ciaron Maher in the Queen Anne Stakes (G1).

After capturing his third G1 with Chad Brown at Keeneland in April, he was purchased by Yulong Investments with Royal Ascot and the Southern Hemisphere spring in mind.

The son of Lope De Vega traveled directly from the U.S. to Newmarket, without Maher — based in Sydney — having the horse at his facilities before this test.

Will Bourne, Maher’s bloodstock manager, said: “We came here for him to do a solid work. This was Carl Spackler’s second gallop since arriving in Newmarket. He came in very fit, weighing about 525 kilos, thanks to Chad Brown’s work. After Jamie Spencer’s first gallop impressions, today we wanted to take the next step. Jamie told us that when he asked a bit more, the horse accelerated powerfully, was very focused, and looked sharper than during the first breeze.

“This is a very rare situation: buying a horse in America, training him in Australia, and running at Royal Ascot. The biggest challenge will be the track conditions. The Ascot mile is demanding for a horse coming from the U.S., but his times are there, and his temperament — a genuine good-natured kid — makes adaptation easier.

“The Queen Anne will be a very tough race. There are no easy races at Royal Ascot G1 level, but we believe we have a very good horse, and hopefully he can show that on Tuesday.

“James McDonald has had great moments with these same owners aboard Via Sistina (Fastnet Rock), plus he’s already won at Royal Ascot, so it was a very good fit for everyone. Having a top jockey on your horse is always important. James has reviewed the videos and is very excited.

“Royal Ascot is an extraordinary festival. Just as European trainers and owners look forward to coming to the Melbourne Cup, for us this is the biggest stage. That Yulong entrusted us with Carl Spackler means a lot.

“The long-term plan is to bring Carl Spackler back to Australia for the Cox Plate. But before that, we might run at Goodwood depending on how Royal Ascot goes.”