9 Jan 2017
A bloodstock agent who honed his equine talents at Cambridge Stud is starting to make an impact in Australia.
Leonard Russo worked at Cambridge Stud in the early 2000s and now runs his own business, Bluegrass Bloodstock.
Among the horses he has purchased for Australian clients in recent months is rising Tasmanian staying star Count Da Vinci, who is unbeaten since crossing the Tasman.
New Zealand-bred Count Da Vinci posted his fifth consecutive win when he claimed the Brighton Cup (2100m) at Elwick on Friday in his open class debut for leading trainer Scott Brunton.
The victory earned the gelding, who raced as Faaltline in New Zealand, a berth in next month's Gr.3 Hobart Cup.
"I am thrilled with the result and I think this horse is ready made for the major Cups," Brunton said. - NZ Racing Desk