Ciaron Maher has landed an exciting international recruit for the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, thanks to a trip to the Kentucky Derby last year.

That visit helped establish connections which led to the acquisition of Carl Spackler, a three-time Grade 1 winner in the US. The son of Lope De Vega will represent Yulong Stud in next month’s Royal Ascot meeting before relocating to Australia for a potential Cox Plate campaign.

Will Bourne, Head of Bloodstock for Ciaron Maher Racing, said the stable had always kept an eye on US horses following their success with Lighthouse in 2022.

“Ciaron made some valuable contacts at the Kentucky Derby and has been open to US purchases since. Carl Spackler was flagged to him about a month ago, and being a stallion by Lope De Vega, he ticked all the boxes,” Bourne said.

“He’s suited to firm ground, has a strong turn of foot, and his sire has already produced Group 1 winners in Australia.”

Securing the horse wasn’t straightforward, with Maher spending late nights dealing with the international vetting and negotiations.

“It took some work, but we got there. He flies to Newmarket on Thursday,” Bourne confirmed.

Now being aimed at the Queen Anne Stakes, Carl Spackler is also a $21 hope in Cox Plate markets with online bookmaker swiftbet.