Sir Delius confirmed his growing reputation with a strong victory in the G1 Underwood Stakes, giving the Waterhouse–Bott training partnership another major spring feature.

Previously campaigned in Europe as Delius under Jean-Claude Rouget for Coolmore, the 4-year-old Frankel colt had already stamped himself as a horse of high class. His European résumé included three wins — highlighted by the G3 Prix du Lys — plus podium finishes in the G1 Grand Prix de Paris (third) and G2 Prix Niel (second), before a respectable eighth-place effort behind Bluestocking in last year’s G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe.

When he was offered at the 2024 Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale, he made headlines by topping the auction at a record-breaking 1,300,000gns. The purchase was made jointly by Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott, Sir Owen Glenn’s Go Bloodstock, Hubie De Burgh, and Johnny McKeever — a move that eclipsed the previous sale record of 1,000,000gns.

Since arriving in Australia, Sir Delius has quickly justified the investment, winning two of his three starts and finishing second in the other. His Underwood triumph now puts him firmly on track for the Cox Plate, where he could take his place among the best middle-distance performers in the country.
 

Image Tattersalls