Written by Paul Vettise
Operating a boutique stable has had a major benefit for young trainer Richard Litt and it’s been the size, or perhaps lack of, that has landed him with loyal clients who’ve been the mainstay of his Warwick Farm operation.
The expatriate New Zealand horseman prides himself on a hands-on approach and attention to every detail and that’s what led owners Ottavio and Wendy Galletta to his door.
They currently have half a dozen horses in work with Litt, including the millionaire colt Castelvecchio (Dundeel {NZ}) whose value will further skyrocket if he returns to winning ways in Saturday’s G1 Inglis Sires’ Produce S. at Randwick.
“Ottavio and Wendy are very good people and love their horses.” – Richard Litt.
Castelvecchio was a debut winner at Canterbury before he again came from the clouds to land the $2 million Inglis Millennium. At his following start, he found the line strongly to run third in the G2 Skyline S.
Wendy Galletta, Richard Litt and Ottavio Galletta following Castelvecchio's Inglis Millennium win
“Ottavio and Wendy are very good people and love their horses,” Litt said. “They chose to come to us because we are a small stable and can take wonderful care of the horses.
“We’ve got all sorts for them from tried, older horses to yearlings. They are very big supporters with a great knowledge of racing and there’s no pressure from them.
“It makes my job easy. It’s a unique situation and there’s no pressure from them, they just let me get on with it.
“It’s a unique situation and there’s no pressure from them, they just let me get on with it.” – Richard Litt.
“We’ve got 17 in work at the moment and 22 boxes. We usually hover over around 17 to 20 and a few boxes left for any overflow.”
Castelvecchio, named after an Italian castle in Verona, is sure to appreciate his first outing to 1400 metres on Saturday and Litt is cautiously bullish about his chances.
“He’s going really, really well and will definitely appreciate the step up,” he said. “I’m excited to see him get out to that distance.
“He’s going to get better and better over more ground. He’s not an impressive track worker, he only does what he has to, but he’s finished all three of his races off so well.
“If that last race was 1400 metres I think he’d have won it. Josh Parr will ride him again, there’s no reason to change.”
“If that last race was 1400 metres I think he’d have won it.” – Richard Litt.
Castelvecchio was freshened following his most recent appearance and Litt said he hadn’t missed a beat since returning to the stable from Hanover Lodge.
“He had 10 days off and he’s come back and trialled very well. No Group 1 is easy so it’s going to be interesting so see what he can do, I’m excited to have a runner in a Group 1.”
Castelvecchio was a $150,000 Inglis Classic Sale purchase for the Gallettas and is a half-brother to the G1 Spring Champion S. winner Maid Of Heaven (Smart Missile) and the G3 Tattersall’s Cup winner Mirasalo (Redoute’s Choice).
Castelvecchio in the ring at the Inglis Classic Sale
Their dam St Therese (Dehere USA}) was a stakes winner and Group 1 placed and is a half-sister to the five-time Group 1 winner Planet Ruler (Kaoru Star).
“I’m only 29 and there’s incredible opportunities here and money to be made.” – Richard Litt.
Originally from Hawera, Litt added to his experience after stints with the late Bart Cummings, Graeme Rogerson and John O’Shea.
“My Dad Jim came over about five years ago with a horse called Joku and couldn’t believe the money on offer,” he said.
“He went home and closed the stable at Hawera and started here. When he went back I took over and it’s gone from there.
“I love New Zealand to death, but racing in Australia – in particular New South Wales, is the place to be. I’m only 29 and there’s incredible opportunities here and money to be made.”
