New Zealand nursery Westbury Stud celebrated a feature race win at the 2010 Dubai World Cup meeting with the news G1 Oakleigh Plate winner Swiss Ace will retire to its Karaka property this year.

Westbury’s ground-breaking Gulf victory came courtesy of Hong Kong based sprinter Joy And Fun (NZ) in the G3 Al Quoz Sprint.  The Cullen gelding defeated Australian bred galloper Fravashi and US Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner California Flag.

Cullen (Danehill) was raced in partnership by former Westbury owner Eric Watson to G3 victories in the Blue Diamond Preview and Rubiton Stakes at Caulfield.  He retired to Westbury in 2001 but was put down shortly after beginning his fifth book of mares.

Swiss Ace will join a Westbury roster that now comprises Captain Rio (Pivotal), Cecconi (Encosta de Lago), Faltaat (Mr Prospector), Librettist (Danzig) and Postponed (Summer Squall).  He will stand for a service fee of NZ$10,000.

Westbury Stud owner Gerry Harvey purchased the son of Secret Savings after he failed to recover following surgery to a foreleg.

Besides the Oakleigh Plate, Swiss Ace also claimed the G2 Sir Byrne Hart Stakes at Eagle Farm twice and he was runner-up in the 2009 G1 Newmarket Handicap to Horse of the Year Scenic Blast.

“He’s an exciting prospect,” Harvey said.  “I’m thrilled to be able to secure him to stand in New Zealand.  He won 12 times from 20 starts and looked to have plenty more in store until he went amiss.”

Swiss Ace is by Emirates sire Secret Savings whose 10 year stud career has netted 317 winers to date at a 63% strike rates.  He is a son of Mr Prospector sire Seeking the Gold and already has G1 winner Dash For Cash carving out a successful stud career at Swettenham Stud.

Swiss Ace is from the USA bred mare Rapid Serve (Carson City) and sires in the bottom half of his pedigree include Formidable (Forli), Ajdal (Northern Dancer), Joyeux Danseur (Nureyev), Eagle Cafe (Gulch), Arazi (Blushing Groom) and Noverre (Rahy).