A Piece Of Heaven, a leading contender for the Royal Ascot Copper Horse Handicap, has been acquired by Syndicates Racing and will now be trained by Joseph O’Brien. This significant deal, which also marks a potential Melbourne Cup campaign for the horse, comes as a blow to A Piece Of Heaven’s former trainer, Barry Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald has not only lost his stable star but has also been displaced from his training yard following a dispute with his landlord, Mark Foley, who was a co-owner of the horse.
A Piece Of Heaven showcased an impressive performance in a lady riders’ handicap at Leopardstown last month, winning with ease and generating considerable interest ahead of Royal Ascot. The six-year-old’s compelling form led to differing opinions within Fitzgerald’s camp, ultimately forcing him to accept the most advantageous offer.
Fitzgerald expressed his regret over the circumstances of the sale but conveyed his best wishes to Joseph O’Brien and Jack Cantillon. He spoke highly of the horse, noting his potential even from his early days in bumpers. Fitzgerald emphasized the importance of ground conditions for A Piece Of Heaven, stating that the horse requires good ground to fully utilize his quickening ability. He believes the horse’s profile is perfectly suited for Royal Ascot and harbored ambitions of a Melbourne Cup challenge. “He’s a relentless galloper,” Fitzgerald remarked.
Despite the fallout, Fitzgerald has managed to retain the majority of his horses and is currently operating from his brother Aidan’s yard. He is actively seeking a new training facility and anticipates securing a long-term arrangement by the end of the week, expressing a strong determination to “build back bigger and stronger.” His rebuilding efforts were bolstered by the sale of Miss Meager (Ire) (Galileo Gold {GB}), a recent maiden winner, to American buyers.
“We’re in the trading business, but, to be honest, I thought the trading angle was gone with A Piece Of Heaven and that he might be a flag-bearer for the yard,” Fitzgerald admitted. “It’s a big blow because he’s gone, the yard is gone, and I have to build back bigger and stronger again.” He confirmed that most of his string has moved with him, with many supporters standing by him. Currently, seven horses are stabled at his brother’s property, with more to come in from the fields. Fitzgerald is hopeful of a permanent move soon and plans to reinvest in new stock at the Arkle Sale.
Fitzgerald added that his dealings with Jack and Joseph were positive and sincerely hopes the horse will achieve success for his new connections. He reiterated his belief in A Piece Of Heaven’s potential for the Melbourne Cup in November, stating he will be setting his alarm to watch the race.
The prospect of competing in the Melbourne Cup was a significant factor in Syndicates Racing’s decision to acquire A Piece Of Heaven, according to boss Jack Cantillon. “I think what this horse did at Leopardstown was really underestimated,” Cantillon stated. He highlighted that the horse’s performance off a mark of 94, with a subsequent seven-pound rise from the handicapper, was exceptional. Detailed stride and sectional analysis indicated a top-class performance, further supported by a thorough veterinary examination. Cantillon believes that if the horse continues to progress, his profile and limited racing experience make him a strong Melbourne Cup candidate.
Cantillon drew parallels between A Piece Of Heaven and Vintage Crop, a two-time Melbourne Cup winner whose racing manager was his father, Dermot. While acknowledging the horse is currently rated 101, Cantillon noted that informed racing followers are excited about his prospects at Royal Ascot, with many considering him a strong contender in the Copper Horse Handicap – a traditional stepping stone to Melbourne for horses like Vauban and Absurde.
He praised Joseph O’Brien as an exceptional trainer for managing a horse’s travel, but also gave significant credit to Barry Fitzgerald for his skillful handling of A Piece Of Heaven to date. Cantillon expressed a desire for Fitzgerald to receive due recognition if the horse continues to achieve success in 2024 and beyond.
