Vauban bounces back in Lonsdale Cup as Melbourne return looms

A return to Melbourne for the first Tuesday in November for looks to be on the cards for Vauban (6 g Galiway – Waldfest by Hurricane Run) after the Willie Mullins-trained six-year-old bounced back to his best in Friday’s Lonsdale Cup Stakes (Gr 2, 2 0.5f) at York.

Having disappointed when finishing 14th in the 2023 Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) when sent off the 9-2 favourite, the Rich Ricci-owned gelding re-discovered his form in the early part of this season. 

Returning from a break with a promising runner-up effort in the Yorkshire Cup Stakes (Gr 2, 1m 6f), Vauban then ran a fading fourth in the Ascot Gold Cup (Gr 1, 2m 4f) before another below-par run when a well beaten third in the Curragh Cup (Gr 2, 1m 6f) on July 20. 

Sent off an 11-2 chance for Friday’s Group 2 under William Buick, who also rode him on his seasonal debut, the son of Galiway (Galileo) travelled strongly with two furlongs left to run and, having quickened up well to lead soon after, idled to score by just a neck from the fast-finishing Al Nayyir (Dubawi). Gregory (Golden Horn) finished a further three lengths behind in third place. 

The winning owner confirmed a return trip Down Under would now be the plan. “It is great to have a horse like that,” said Ricci. “He is brilliant under both codes. I suppose we will head for Melbourne now hopefully, we will see what the handicapper says but that will be the plan I think. 

Vauban was quoted as a best-priced 10-1 with northern hemisphere bookmakers for the Melbourne Cup at Flemington on November 5 following Friday’s victory.