Breeding & Racing Magazine

Darley Confirms Von Costa De Hero To Stand In 2010

Darley Australia managing director Henry Plumptre also confirmed recently-retired Gr2-winning & triple Gr1-placed 4YO stallion Von Costa De Hero (Encosta De Lago-Piavonic, by Scenic) will join the Darley roster for the 2010 Australian breeding season. Plumptre noted: "Von Costa de Hero's prominence in the finishes of our stallion-making races makes him a very appealing local prospect. His heroic run in the Gr1 Golden Slipper (his half-head 2nd-placing earned a rating better than 6 of the last 10 winners) & win in the Gr2 VRC Sires' Produce as a 2YO were followed up with placings in the Gr1 Caulfield & Gr1 Australian Guineas (as a 3YO) where he ran down some very smart opposition." Von Costa De Hero (a $1.2 million yearling purchased by James Bester & consigned by Coolmore Stud at the 2007 Inglis Easter Sale in Sydney) recorded 1 win (in 2008's Gr2 VRC Sires' Produce Stakes over 1400m at Flemington) & 5 placings (including 2009's Gr1 Cadbury Guineas over 1600m at Flemington & Gr2 Carlyon Stakes over 1200m at Moonee Valley, plus 2008's Gr1 Golden Slipper over 1200m at Rosehill & Gr1 Caulfield Guineas over 1600m) from 19 starts for $1,124,450 earnings. Darley Australia purchased a 50% interest in Von Costa De Hero for a reported $5 million soon after he won the Gr2 Sires' Produce Stakes as a 2YO.