David Wachman© Photo Healy Racing
David Wachman bids to end his successful training career on the perfect high as Rekindling shoots for Group One glory in Sunday's Criterium de Saint-Cloud.
Just a year on from saddling Legatissimo to win three Group Ones including the 1000 Guineas at Newmarket, the Cashel-based handler made the shock announcement earlier this summer he was going to call it a day at the end of the season, after 20 years with a licence, to concentrate on other business interests.
He achieved the notable distinction of sending out Group One winners in five different countries and Rekindling will be his last runner when lining up over a mile and a quarter in Paris this weekend.
The High Chaparral colt is certainly not without a chance of producing the fairytale ending.
Having chased home the reopposing Capri on his Galway debut in July, the youngster went one better at Gowran Park last month.
Wachman said: " He's in good form and we're happy with him.
"He's not done anything wrong, but it's obviously a big step up. It will be interesting to see how we get on to say the least.
"I think he'll go on any ground and he's entitled to have a go."
Asked how he was feeling about saddling a runner for the final time, he added: " I haven't really had time to think about it, to be honest.
"We're plenty busy doing other things. The sales are on at the moment so that's keep us occupied.
"I believe this horse is going to Joseph O'Brien next year. I hope he's lucky for him."
Aidan O'Brien launches a four-strong raid, led by the Seamie Heffernan-ridden Capri, a leading contender for Derby honours and winner of the Group Two Beresford Stakes last time out.
O'Brien said: "He seems in good order, he got the mile well at the Curragh and looks like he should have no problem getting further."
On the same card, O'Brien saddles the filly Promise To Be True in the Criterium International as he looks to add to the 21 Group One triumphs achieved so far this year.
He said: "She's i n good form. She's coming back a furlong. She stays and got a mile, so she should get the seven furlongs very well."
