Andrew Forsman has departed Macedon Lodge after winning a competitive tender process for boxes at Flemington.
The Kiwi trainer, who began utilising Bruce Dixon’s facility earlier this year, was one of three tenants at the famous property alongside Liam Howley and Chris Waller.
“At our peak we had similar numbers at Macedon, and we won’t be full all the time, but it’s nice to have a box or two free if we think there’s a suitable race for a horse from New Zealand,” Forsman said of the 13 boxes.
“Macedon is a brilliant facility, but it wasn’t like for like (to Cambridge) and a few of the younger horses struggled a little bit.
“But previously we’ve used Flemington a few times before for our hit-and-run missions, and it has worked well and more similar to Cambridge.
“We are thrilled to be able to get them. There were a few other applicants, I understand, so it’s an opportunity we have to grab with both hands and hopefully make it work.”
Forsman said half-brothers Mr Maestro (NZ) (Savabeel) and Riproar (NZ) (Charm Spirit) had remained in Australia and would be amongst the first horses to use the Flemington boxes, while Saint Bathans (Maurice) and Mr Mojo Risin’ (NZ) (Ocean Park) had returned home after the spring.
Stable star Aegon (NZ) (Sacred Falls) will line up on Boxing Day in New Zealand for the Group 1 Zabeel Classic (2000m) after an eye-catching first-up run.
