Widden buy into Southport Tycoon
Widden Stud are the latest operation to have bought into the Bennett Racing-owned Group 1 winner Southport Tycoon (Written Tycoon).
The Australian Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m)-winning colt returned last weekend with a fifth-placed effort behind The Everest (1200m)-bound Joliestar (Zoustar) in the Show County Quality (Gr 3, 1200m) at Randwick.
Trained by Ciaron Maher, Southport Tycoon is set to next target the Manikato Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m) at The Valley, while November’s $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m) could also be a long-term option for the four-year-old.
“There was one owner who said he was willing to sell a bit of the horse, so he reduced his share a bit and we got Widden Stud in, which is a big get,” Nathan Bennett told Racing.com.
“I spoke to Antony Thompson about the horse and they’ve been looking at him for a while and they’re pretty happy to get on board.
“They believe in the horse, they’ve jumped on board as a shareholder and they’ll come along for the ride.
“I thought he ran super on Saturday. I had a good chat with Ciaron this morning and he thinks he’s come back bigger and stronger this campaign.
“He said he’s come out of that race thriving and he’s very keen to go to the Manikato.”
Widden joined Australian Bloodstock in the ownership of Southport Tycoon, who purchased a minor stake in the colt earlier this month.