Cambridge-based Linwood Park is riding the crest of a wave lately with their regally-bred stallion Echoes of Heaven, a stakes-winning Encosta de Lago half-brother to champion Australian Sire Redoute’s Choice.
As a racehorse, Echoes Of Heaven was a two-year-old winner for trainer Mick Price in Victoria, winning as a three-year-old in the Listed Port Adelaide Guineas (1800m) at Morphettville, coming from near last, and then placing in the Gr III Chairman's Stakes (2020m) and the Gr I South Australian Derby (2500m), when beaten less than a length.
While being aimed towards the Queensland Derby, the colt developed colitis which brought his career to a premature end, and he was secured by Linwood Park in 2012. His stud fee was set at $6000 plus GST, and remains that fee.
“I couldn’t believe it when we were offered Echoes of Heaven. He ticked every box. Prospects like him do not come along very often and are delighted not only to be able to stand Echoes of Heaven but also to secure an interest in this exciting sire,” Linwood Park principal Mary Fitzpatrick said.
Countofmontecristo
From his first crop, Echoes of Heaven produced Singapore’s leading three-year-old Countofmontecristo, a winner of two Group races and a close third in last week’s Singapore Guineas (G1). Purchased at the 2015 Ready Run Sale at Karaka for $57,000 from Kiltannon Stables draft.
Another youngster with a promising future is recent trials winner Idea From Above. The Brendon Hawtin trained son of Echoes of Heaven, won heat six at Avondale this week comfortably by two and half lengths.
Echoes of Heaven is by the twice Champion Australian sire, Encosta de Lago, (by Fairy King) whose Group 1 level winners include Chautauqua (6 Gr1 wins), Racing To Win (5 Gr1 wins), Alinghi (4 Gr1 wins), Champion NZ 3YO Filly Princess Coup (4 Gr1 wins) and Hong Kong Horse of the Year Sacred Kingdom (7 Gr1 wins).
Echoes of Heaven’s own brother, Manhattan Rain, was rated 2nd top 2YO of his year and achieved Gr1 success in the AJC Sires’ Produce Stakes before placing second to So You Think in the W.S. Cox Plate.
Echoes of Heaven hails from the same family as Gr I-producing stallions Umatilla and Hurricane Sky, while he is also related to Al Maher, Spinning World and El Gran Senor.
