The winning debut performance by Longchamp (NZ) in the Courtesy Ford 2YO Hcp (1000m) at Otaki on Friday was a reason for the team at Cambridge Stud to celebrate on two fronts.

Longchamp (2c Tavistock – Shot at the Title by Danehill) was co-bred by Sir Patrick and Justine, Lady Hogan, but more importantly it provided resident stallion Tavistock with his very first winner.

Trained by Andrew Campbell, he cost $40,000 from the Cambridge Stud draft at the 2013 NZB Select Sale. He is only the second first-crop runner by Tavistock to be seen out on raceday.

The Tavistocks have impressed trainers and breakers and it’s significant to note that the young sire has had three trial winners to date, including a 10 length win by an unnamed colt from the stable of Gary Vile.

Tavistock (Montjeu) was the leading locally-based first season sire at this year’s Karaka Premier Sale. His stock sold up to $270,000 and his average price was $136,000 (10 sold).

A dual Group 1 winner of the Waikato Sprint and Mudgway Stakes, he is covering a book of 100 mares in this his fourth season at Cambridge Stud.

“It’s a big thrill for me,” said trainer Andrew Campbell. “I trained the old man and now I’ve trained his first winner. I always wanted to do that.

“I’ve got five Tavistocks at home and I wish I had a stable full of them. This one’s a good horse but I don’t think he’s the best one I’ve got.”

Longchamp’s dam At The Title won twice in Australia and is a half-sister to the Sydney stakes winner Allez France and from the same family as the Golden Slipper winner Burst.

TAVISTOCK
G1 Mudgway Stakes winner at Hastings