Gulf victory for Aussie Artist

Australian bred globetrotter War Artist added another feature race to his career card with a brilliant victory in the Corporate Banking Turf Hcp (1200m) at Meydan on Friday night.

War Artist (7g Orpen –  Royal Solitaire by Brocco) has won 9 races in 27 starts including black-type results in South Africa, Germany, France and Dubai.

“On his day he is a very good sprinter as he has shown on many occasions,” winning jockey Olivier Peslier said.  “It all went right tonight and the good fast gallop suited him.”

War Artist was bred by Stephen Kirkham and was a $57,500 buy from Attunga Stud at the 2005 Gold Coast Magic Millions Sale.  He was purchased by World Wide Bloodstock and developed into a star short-course horse in South Africa winning the G1 Mercury Sprint in 2007.

Sent to English based trainer James Eustace in 2008, he did well when second to Kingsgate Native in the Golden Jubilee at Royal Ascot and third to Marchand D’Or in the July Cup at Newmarket.

He returned in 2009 for victories in the G2 Goldene Peitsche at Baden-Baden and the G3 Prix du Petit Couvert at Longchamp.

War Artist maintained his potency last year under trainer Alain de Royer.  He scored a comprehensive wins in the G3 Al Shindagha Sprint at Meydan in February and the G3 Prix de Ris-Orangis at Maisons-Laffitte in July.  Those wins sandwiched a good sixth, beaten less then four lengths, by Starspangledbanner in the G1 Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot.

Owner Rupert Plersch transferred War Artist once again this year and he is now under the care of Rod Collet.

War Artist’s sire Orpen (Lure) shuttled to Coolmore for four season until 2003.  His strike-rate was more than acceptable at 63% but only 3 of his 154 Australian winners scored at black-type level.  Orpen was re-routed to Haras Arroyo de Luna in Argentina for the 2004 southern season.  

War Artist’s dam Royal Solitaire died in December 2007 shortly after foaling a Jet Spur colt.  He was registered as War Ace by owner-breeder Stephen Kirkham but hasn’t been sighted at the races or trials.