Mapperley Stud principal Simms Davison is heading to New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sales after breeding the Gr.3 Wellington Cup winner Wolfgang. The son of Puccini was bred on the farm and offered for sale at Karaka in 2020 but failed to meet his reserve, leading Davison to race the gelding alongside trainer Peter McKay.

Wolfgang showed early promise as a juvenile, narrowly missing top honours in the Listed Wellesley Stakes and placing third in the Gr.3 2YO Classic. After a disappointing three-year-old season, McKay kept faith in Wolfgang, who has now found success at six, winning twice in the spring and placing in several stakes races.

Davison was patient with Wolfgang’s development and credited the trainers for the horse’s success. The victory at Trentham was a long time coming, but Davison was thrilled to see his breeding efforts pay off. Mapperley Stud will present a strong draft at the upcoming sales, including yearlings by Contributer and Armory, with Davison excited about the prospects of his offerings.