The lightly-raced Libertad surged past the $1.5 million prizemoney milestone with his Winterbottom heroics.
The five-year-old stallion now boasts a record of five wins and two placings from 17 starts for precisely $1,695,590 in earnings.
And he’s established himself as a legitimate stud prospect.
The horse has consistently flashed Group 1 capabilities throughout a career that has followed anything but a straightforward path.
The Russian Revolution son was purchased by Annabel Neasham Racing Pty Ltd for $210,000 at Inglis Ready 2 Race from the Nolen Racing draft, representing a successful pinhook after being acquired for $40,000 at Inglis Classic from Rheinwood Pastoral’s consignment.
Libertad represents a substantial syndicate spearheaded by Trilogy Racing—the racing and breeding partnership of Jason Stenning and Sean Dingwall who operate Blue Gum Farm—sporting their distinctive pale silks.
Rheinwood bred Libertad in partnership as the third winner from Electric Charge, a winning half-sister (by the increasingly influential broodmare sire Charge Forward) to Group 3 winner Miss Darcey from stakes winner Miss Bussell by Danzero.
The colt’s career launched spectacularly with victories in the Group 2 Kindergarten Stakes at two and Group 3 San Domenico Stakes at three, remaining undefeated through three starts and appearing destined for stardom.
At three, Libertad also delivered an excellent third to future star Joliestar in the Group 2 Arrowfield Sprint.
Then circumstances deteriorated. Lost form, a battle against severe septic infection, a stress fracture—nothing progressed favourably and the stallion spent 12 months away from competition.
But Annabel and Rob Archibald have patiently rehabilitated their charge through challenging times. They were rewarded in May when Libertad posted an inspiring Group 2 victory in the Victory Stakes at Eagle Farm—and now the redemption story is complete.
Libertad stands as the best of four winners from five starters produced by his dam, the Charge Forward mare Electric Charge.
The mare delivered a Prague colt in 2022, and a 2023 filly by him which the Neasham/Archibald team alongside William Johnson Bloodstock secured for $180,000 at this year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale.
Named Electric Bliss, she has yet to trial.
Trilogy emerged victorious from intense bidding competition when they acquired Electric Charge for $360,000 from Rheinwood Pastoral at the 2023 Inglis April (Late) Online Sale in foal to dual Group 3 winner Prague (Redoute’s Choice).
Unfortunately, the mare lost her Ozzmosis foal this season.
Libertad becomes the thirteenth stakes winner and second Group 1 victor to date for Newgate Stud Farm’s supremely-talented Snitzel son Russian Revolution, a dual Group 1-winning speedster blessed with truly elite acceleration from the exceptional sire-making Ciboulette/Fanfreluche family (Encosta De Lago, Flying Spur, etc).
