Encosta De Lago (27 October 1993 – 6 October 2018) was an Australian bred Thoroughbred racehorse that won three group races from eight starts including the Group One (G1), Vic Health Cup against older horses. He was the Leading sire in Australia during 2008 and 2009. He was a bay stallion with good conformation that was bred by Emirates Park (Vic) Pty Ltd. Encosta de Lago is by Fairy King (USA) a brother to Sadler's Wells, who has sired over 400 winners that have won over A$54.3 million. His dam, Shoal Creek (by Star Way (GB)), is a half-sister to Flying Spur and great granddaughter of the famous Northern Dancer mare, Fanfreluche (USA). Shoal Creek has produced four named foals which included: 1999 bay or brown colt, Diera Creek by Snaadee (USA) 2002 chestnut colt, Salman by Danewin 2006 bay or brown filly, Zyoon, by Al Maher, but none of these horses are currently stakes-winners. Racing record At the age of two years Encosta de Lago had two race starts for 2 thirds in the VRC Maribyrnong Plate [G2] and the Listed, MRC Debutant Stakes for $12,600 in prizemoney. At the age of three years At three he won the G1, MRC Vic Health Cup over 1,400 metres and the G2, VRC Ascot Vale Stakes over 1,200 m. He then finished third in the G1 MRC Caulfield Guineas. Prior to the running of the G2 MVRC Bill Stutt Stakes over 1,600 metres at Moonee Valley Encosta de Lago returned a test over the legal limit to the performance-enhancing substance TC02, or bicarbonate, commonly called a milkshake. A second test showed a lower level, however a third was ordered by the analyst and official vet, also came up under the limit and Encosta De Lago was permitted to start and won this, his last start, easily. As a three-year-old he had 6 starts for 3 wins and 1 third and $457,250. Total racing record: 8 starts for 3 wins and 3 thirds for $469,850 in prizemoney. Trainer, Lee Freedman commented that "Encosta De Lago is one of the most gifted horses I have trained, so it is of no surprise that he has become a champion stallion. He was an imposing colt with a magnificent action and turn of foot, traits he has passed on to his offspring. His win in the VicHealth Cup was miraculous. Injury curtailed his racing career,