Gstaad: The small Welsh stud producing classic winners

Although Gstaad is Thomas’ first Classic winner, it is not her first big success on the track.

Vandeek, a son of Havana Grey out of Mosa Mine – and a half brother to Gstaad – was unbeaten as a juvenile for trainers Simon and Ed Crisford.

He secured a Group 1 double with victory in the Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes, becoming the highest-rated British trained two-year-old of 2023.

“He was such a big frame when he was born, he was quite unfurnished at the time,” says Thomas.

“He just had such long legs. He looks like a spider, you know, such long legs. But gorgeous at the same time.

“During his foal prep, he was doing a bit of exercise, walking, learning the ropes, and he really started to build a physique that I’d be more used to in a sprinter.

“So he was getting more muscular on top and he was a great walker. He was very sharp and I was like, ‘I really like this foal’.”

Maywood Stud sold Vandeek as a foal for 52,000 Guineas (£54,600).

He went onto win £445,000 in prize money and now stands as a stallion at Cheveley Park Stud.