Winner heading to Ascot
MELBOURNE Cup winner Rekindling will return to Ireland and be set for next year’s Ascot Gold Cup, while Johannes Vermeer could remain in Australia to be trained for the Cox Plate.
Owner Lloyd Williams outlined likely plans for Rekindling and Johannes Vermeer after their historic O’Brien family quinella in the Melbourne Cup on Tuesday.
Williams said it was a “great thrill” to land the Cup one-two when Joseph O’Brien, trainer of Rekindling, beat his famous father Aidan’s stayer Johannes Vermeer.
“Rekindling is a tough, little champ, very well trained by Joseph,’’ Williams said.
“I’d love to see Rekindling go back and have a go at the Ascot Gold Cup next year.
“Aidan trains Order Of St George for me and we could have Joseph taking on his Dad again at Royal Ascot.’’
But Williams hasn’t ruled out keeping Johannes Vermeer in Australia for a Cox Plate preparation next spring.
“Johannes Vermeer is a horse that could win a Cox Plate, he has a turn of foot,’’ Williams said.
“We might keep him here, we might send him back, nothing has been decided. For now, both are going up to Macedon Lodge (in Victoria) for a month to eat some grass and have a break.’’
Aidan O’Brien, who joined Williams on Melbourne radio from Ireland for an interview, said he found himself cheering for his son’s stayer in the epic Cup finish.
“I don’t think anyone even knew that Johannes Vermeer was in the race,’’ Aidan O’Brien said. “Everyone here was shouting for Rekindling.
“I was hoping Joseph would come and get us.’’
Williams described the O’Briens as a “great racing family”.