De Gaulle retires to Brooker Park

Unraced Exceed and Excel colt De Gaulle has been retired to Brooker Park in Gippsland.

Studmaster John Pratt will stand him with Danesis (Danehill) at his property in Darnum, 100km south-east of Melbourne.  Champion Darley shuttler Exceed and Excel sired De Gaulle from Group 1 winning mare Response.

Trained by Snowden Racing, De Gaulle won his first trial at Randwick last November defeating future G2 Skyline stakes winner Diamond Tathagata in the fastest time of the morning.

Unfortunately, a tendon injury caused his racing career to be cut short without running a race. “Peter Snowden was close to tears when he broke down,” Pratt said. “He was going to be a Group horse every day of the week.”

Pratt made an offer to De Gaulle’s owners Newgate Farm, China Horse Club, SF Bloodstock and Winstar Farm through Magic Millions Victorian manager Tim Brown.

“I thought this is too good an opportunity to pass up,” Pratt said. “My business partner Richard Anderson from Quilly Park and I have been purchasing some quality broodmares, selected by Diane Neylon, from the sales to suit De Gaulle’s pedigree.”

De Gaulle and Danesis will both stand for a $2,200 (inc gst) fee. Pratt can be contacted on 0427 275 555 for more information.