Progeny of Urban Sea "One Of The Best Broodmares Ever"

Urban Sea is by far one of the most outstanding broodmares ever in thoroughbred racing history. She is one of 11 mares to produce two derby winners. No broodmare has ever produced three derby winners.
Urban Sea's record as a race mare was outstanding, with her biggest success coming in the 1993 Arc De Triomphe. But the career where she really excelled was her career as a broodmare. The following are all of the progeny Urban Sea has produced since her retirement to stud in 1995.

Urban Ocean 1996 c by Bering: 

Urban Ocean was his dam's first produce. He was by one of France's leading stallions in Bering. From 14 career starts, Urban Ocean won 4 of them. He won 2 stakes races the Group 3 Gallinule Stakes and the (then) Listed Mooresbridge Stakes. Urban Ocean currently stands at stud in Ireland at Kilbarry Lodge Stud. He is the sire of some smart national hunt stock, but never scaled the heights on the flat.

Melikah 1997 f by Lammtara:

Urban Sea's 2nd foal was the Epsom/Irish Oaks placed and Listed winner Melikah. By top class racehorse Lammtara. Melikah was trained by Saaed bin Suroor for Godolphin. Melikah like her dam has also tasted success in the breeding shed being the dam of Arc placed Masterstroke, as well as impressive maiden winner Urban Dance. Melikah's daughters have also been quite successful with her daughter Vallirica by Selkirk producing Group 2 UAE derby winner Khawlah. 

Galileo 1998 c by Sadler's Wells:
Galileo scaled new heights for his dam when he became the first of her two derby winners when successful in the race in 2001. Galileo's other major wins at Group 1 level included the Irish Derby & King George. He became his dams first Group 1 winner. Galileo has since become one of the most outstanding stallions in the world. With over 35 individual Group 1 winners to his name.

Black Sam Bellamy 1999 c by Sadler's Wells:

Black Sam Bellamy a full brother to Galileo also gave his dam her 2nd individual Group 1 winner when twice scoring at Group 1 level in the Tattersalls Gold Cup and the Gran Premio del Jockey club. Black Sam Bellamy retired to stud in Italy, where he had relative success. He now stands at Shade Oak Stud in Britain as a national hunt stallion.

Atticus 2000 c by Sadler's Wells:

Atticus a full brother to Galileo and Black Sam Bellamy was unraced.

All To Beautiful 2001 f by Sadler's Wells:

All To Beautiful like her older brothers did make the racecourse. A stakes winner All To Beautiful was also placed in the Oaks. All To Beautiful like Melikah has also become a stakes producer with Wonder Of Wonders being placed in the Epsom Oaks and classy filly Along. 

My Typhoon 2002 f by Giant's Causeway:

My Typhoon is the only foal of her dam that went to the US to race. Bought for a record £1.8m as a foal at Tattersalls in 2002. My Typhoon is one of many Group or Grade 1 winners from her sires first crop. My Typhoon was also a multiple stakes winner in America. My Typhoon's only reported foal was a colt by Smart Strike.

Cherry Hinton 2004 f by Green Desert:

Cherry Hinton was a light maiden winner as a juvenile. Although retiring to stud without a stakes win, she does have some good form including a 3rd place in the Gr3 Blue Wind Stakes. Cherry Hinton retired to Coolmore after a few runs. Her first foal by Montjeu, a filly named Wading later went on to win the Group 2 Rockful stakes as a 2yo. Wading was not seen on the track again. Cherry Hinton has a 2yo full brother to Wading and a yearling again by Montjeu.

Sea's Legacy 2005 c by Green Desert:

Sea's Legacy was well highly thought of as a youngster at the Irish National Stud but unfortunately he was unraced also.

Sea The Stars 2006 c by Cape Cross:

Sea The Stars went on to become undoubtedly the best Urban Sea has produced and one of the greatest racehorses of all time. Sea The Star's win in the derby in 2009 exactly 9 years after his half brother triumphed in the race secured his dam's reputation as amongst the best elite broodmares ever. Sea The Stars won 6 Group 1 races in 6 short months. Urban Sea again made history when she became the 2nd Arc winner to produce an Arc winner. The other mare was Detroit the dam of Carneige. Sea The Stars is one of the most exciting young future stallions at stud. He stands at the Aga Khan Studs in Kildare.

Born To Sea 2009 c by Invincible Spirit:

Born To Sea was foaled just before his half brother's amazing exploits. Foaled at the Irish National Stud he was from the same sire line as his half siblings Sea The Stars & Cherry Hinton. Born To Sea won only 1 race when scoring on his debut in the Listed Blenheim stakes. Born To Sea was placed in the Irish Derby behind Camelot & the Royal Whip Stakes and was also runner up in the Group 3 Killavullen stakes as a 2yo. Born To Sea is also an exciting stallion and he stands at Rathasker Stud in Kildare.

Sadly Urban Sea died before Sea The Stars won his first Group 1. She died shortly after foaling Born To Sea due to a hemorrhage. She was buried alongside the Irish National Stud's flagship sire Indian Ridge. Urban Sea's outstanding record at stud is hard to match. All her offspring were stakes winners or stakes performers and her daughters have gone on to become stakes producing broodmares plus her outstanding son Galileo's exploits as a sire. With her last two foals now both young sires, the name Urban Sea will be appearing in countless pedigrees.  

Tribute to St Nicholas Abbey

The year 2009 is best remembered for the exploits of a marvellous race horse in Sea The Stars. When this world champion was nearing retirement, a young 2-year old colt by Montjeu was coming onto the scene. Trained by Aidan O'Brien for Coolmore who had been synonymous with offspring of Montjeu. This colt out of Leaping Water would later become a global sensation.

Two year old season:

Starting off as a 2yo in August St Nicholas Abbey won a Curragh maiden ridden at the time by Johnny Murtagh who at the time was the number one jockey for Coolmore. Returning over 4 weeks later at the Curragh he remained unbeaten winning his first stakes race in the Group 2 Beresford Stakes where he beat subsequent Group 1 winner Passion For Gold. St Nicholas Abbey then started favourite for the Group 1 Racing Post Trophy at Doncaster in  England. He showed an explosive turn of foot to score by over 3 Lengths beating subsequent Craven stakes winner Elusive Pimpernel. He remained unbeaten as a juvenile and was quickly the hot favourite to win next year's 2,000 guineas.

Three year old season:

St Nicholas Abbey returned as a 3yo in 2010. Aidan O'Brien decided to send his unbeaten colt straight to the 2,000 guineas without a prep run. O'Brien had also entered Dewhurst runner Fencing Master and useful 2yo Viscount Nelson in the race. St Nicholas Abbey finished a well beaten sixth behind the winner Makfi. It was later announced post race that St Nicholas Abbey had picked up an injury and would be out for the remainder of the season.

Four year old season:

St Nicholas Abbey returned to racing in the Listed Alleged stakes in April 2011. In the event he was beaten for the 2nd time behind smart filly Unaccompanied. St Nicholas Abbey returned just over a month later to 

Chester in England. Starting out as the heavily backed favourite for the Group 3 Ormonde Stakes over 12F. He won by a cosily 9 Lengths ahead of subsequent Group 3 winner Allied Power. It was his first win since the Racing Post Trophy nearly two years previously. St Nicholas Abbey then went back to England in June to contest in his first Group 1 since the Guineas, the Coronation Cup. Travelling near the back of the pack he showed an explosive burst of acceleration up the hill to color in multiple Group 1 winning mare Midday on the line. It was a famous victory as St Nicholas Abbey had won his second Group 1.His next two starts at Group 1 level resulted in a 3rd placed finish behind Nathaniel in the Group 1 King George VI Queen Elizabeth stakes, followed by a 5th place behind Danedream in the Group 1 Prix De Arc De Triomphe. St Nicholas Abbey then went to America for the Breeders Cup. Running in the Group 1 Breeders Cup Turf, again travelling behind the leaders he came on the outside to finish like a train ahead of Group 1 winners Midday, Brilliant Speed and Sarafina. It was a memorable victory for the O'Briens as he had given young Joseph O'Brien his first Breeders Cup winner.

Five year old season:

Now the winner of three Group 1 races, St Nicholas Abbey's five year old season was much anticipated among racing fans. He was ridden in all his starts that year by Joseph O' Brien. Travelling to Meydan in March for the Dubai World Cup carnival St Nicholas Abbey just came up too short in the Dubai Sheema Classic beaten by Cirrus Des Aigles. Returning to The Curragh for an easy Group 3 race in the Mooresbridge Stakes, St Nicholas Abbey was beaten by his pacemaker Windsor Palace. Racing Fans were outraged at the ride he was given that day. After that shock defeat connections decided to attempt a second consecutive victory in the Coronation Cup at Epsom. St Nicholas Abbey duly obliged crossing the post 4 Lengths ahead of subsequent Melbourne Cup runner up Red Cadeaux. That proved to be his only win that year. But as always he showed real class and determination running some excellent races in defeat including 3rd in the King George to Danedream, 3rd in the Juddmonte International to Frankel, 3rd in the Irish Champion stakes to Snow Fairy and again 3rd behind Little Mike in the Breeders Cup Turf. 

Six year old season:

After his luckless run in the Breeders Cup, the public thought Coolmore would retire St Nicholas Abbey to stud, and surprised many when it was announced he would again stay in training. That decision proved to be worthwhile. St Nicholas Abbey got the ball rolling when running out an emphatic winner of the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan in the absence of Cirrus Des Aigles bagging his fifth Group 1 win, and beating Japanese champion filly Gentildonna. After Meydan St Nicholas Abbey travelled again to Epsom in June and made history by becoming the first horse ever to win three consecutive Coronation Cups. He had Group 1 Canadian International winner Joshua Tree and Group 1 Melbourne Cup winner Dunaden behind him. 

King George Prep and Injury:

Connections were planning a third bid for the King George. St Nicholas Abbey had certainly looked better then ever this year. His preparation was all going to plan and he was made favourite for the King George ahead of Cirrus Des Aigles. However on the morning of Tuesday July 23rd 2013 while doing a routine piece of work St Nicholas Abbey broke down with a career ending injury. Coolmore later revealed the 6 times Group 1 winner had suffered a fractured pastern. Thankfully it seems he will make a recovery and will be prepped for surgery at Fetherd Equine Hospital tomorrow July 24th. He is said to be in a comfortable position. If he makes a full recovery it looks very likely that he will take up stud duties at Coolmore for 2014. St Nicholas Abbey retired as Europe's highest earning racehorse with earnings of nearly E5,000,000. He was a true racehorse winner of 6 Group 1 races in three continents Europe, Middle East and America. His explosive burst of acceleration was truly outstanding. He never ran a bad race and was only out of the frame three times in 21 career starts. A Truly outstanding record for a truly outstanding horse.

Exceed And Excel "the first stallion for Black Caviar"

Since Black Caviar's connections announced their unbeaten world champion would be retiring to stud, speculation grew around the world as to what stallion would get the amazing opportunity to cover this mare in her first season. Champion Australian stallions like Redoute's Choice, Fastnet Rock and champion race horse Frankel were mentioned early on as possible suitors.

Racing fans all over the world had prayed for a clash to happen between Frankel and Black Caviar on the racetrack but it never did, so they pinned their hopes that it might happen in the breeding shed. Connections had heavily considered an overseas sire leading to speculation that it would in fact be Frankel, but he was ruled out. In June connections announced that five stallions had been narrowed down for Black Caviar. They were as follows Fastnet Rock, Lonhro, More Then Ready, Exceed And Excel and Snitzel. Neil Werrett joint owner of Black Caviar never spoke of who the overseas stallion was. It was speculated that the sire was in America, but that has never been confirmed. 

Amid much waiting and anticipation it was finally announced that Black Caviar would head to Exceed And Excel who like Lonhro stands under the Darley Empire in Australia and also serves in England, where he has had great success. Exceed And Excel is no stranger to success in Black Caviar's family. He sired Group 2 winner Wilander from Scandinavia who is Black Caviar's 2nd dam He is a son of Australia's most successful sire and one of the most successful shuttle sires in Danehill. He is out of minor winner Patrona a daughter of Lomond. Exceed And Excel raced exclusively in Australia where he became a multiple stakes winner. Exceed And Excel was a stakes winner as a 2yo winning the Group 2 Todman Slipper Trial. As a 3yo he became champion  sprinter in Australia, winning one of the countries premier sprints, the Group 1 Newmarket Handicap. He also scored in the Dubai Club Course Cup Group 1 setting a new course record. 

With a total of twelve starts and seven wins, two at the Highest Level. Exceed And Excel retired to stud with a Timeform rating of 126. He began his stud career in New South Wales covering a large book of mares. Darley decided to send Exceed And Excel to Europe for a Northern Hemisphere covering season. He stood at Kildangan Stud in 2005  for his first Northern Hemisphere season then returned to Kildangan Stud in Ireland in 2007 at a fee of E10,000. Since then Exceed And Excel has stood his Northern Hemisphere time at Dalham Hall Stud in England at a fee of £35,000.

Exceed And Excel has had great success as a sire in both Europe and Australia. He is the sire of European champion miler and exciting young sire Excelebration as well as Group 1 sprinter Margot Did. Among his best Australian crop are Group 1 winners Helmet, Overreach, Guelph, Reward For Effort. Among his multiple stakes winners in Australia or Britain include Sidestep, Fullbright, Masamah, Wilander, Best Terms. Infamous Angel etc. 

The resulting offspring with Black Caviar will be inbred 3mx5f to Danzig and 4mx4mx5fx6f to his sire Northern Dancer. The foal should also like its parents have speed to burn with both being champion sprinters. Black Caviar was a powerhouse sprinter as was Exceed And Excel and he's proven that he can sire equally fast types. The mating is quite interesting but no one will know for certain until the resulting foal hits the race track in the hope it can build on its sire and dam's record. The owners have hinted that Black Caviar's foal will not be sold. If the foal did go up for public auction it is certain that it would probably surpass the record set by Black Caviar's half brother by Redoute's Choice ( also a son of Danehill) when that colt sold for $5,000,000.

War Front: continuing his sires legacy

War Front is owned and bred by Joseph Allen and is currently standing at Claiborne Farm in America.

By one of the most successful sires and sire of sires of all time in Danzig, War Front is out of Starry Dreamer a daughter of Rubiano. Starry Dreamer is also dam of three other US Black-type winners including Grade III winner Ecclesiastic (by Pulpit), twice Grade II winner and Grade I placed Teammate (by Ap Indy) and Stakes Winner Riviera Cocktail (by Giants Causeway). Starry Dreamer has a yearling brother to Riviera Cocktail.

War Front never won a Grade I, but was a SW and Graded winner in the states and was second in the Grade I Forego Stakes.

Retiring to Claiborne Farm in 2007, War Front has been flying the flag in the states and in Europe. From his first two crops he has sired 16 SW's and 9 GSW's as well as Grade I winners The Factor, Data Rail, Warning Flag (Hong Kong Grade I winner) and European Group 1 winner Declaration Of War. As well as multiple Grade and Group winners in the US and Europe including Royal Ascot Group 2 winner War Command and Lines Of Battle winner of the Grade III UAE Derby and also a Listed winner in Ireland. 

War Fronts owner and breeder Joseph Allen has heavily supported his young stallion at stud. War Front has well repaid the faith by producing Group 1 winner Declaration Of War and Group winners Lines Of Battle and War Command all three are also owned in partnership by Coolmore Stud, who have been said to export some of their young fillies to visit War Front this season. A cross that excites me is War Front crossed with Galileo mares. 

Galileo has had outstanding success when crossed with Danehill mares. Danehill like War Front is also a son of Danzig. Some of the fillies believed to be have been exported to America include Together, Soon, Misty For Me, Kissed, BetterBetterBetter each of these fillies are all by Galileo. And each have been said to have visited War Front from the Coolmore broodmare band. Zenyatta is also another top class mare in foal to him this year. 

No other American stallion has made a bigger impact in both continents then War Front for quite some time. With European breeding and racing reaping the rewards with the worlds best sires and dams and racehorses. American racing and breeding is somewhat lacking behind. However the impression War Front has made with his first two crops suggest he could be the sire to attract Europeans to come and race more of his stock in Europe, just like past leading US sires Northern Dancer, Ap Indy, Danzig, Woodman etc have done before him. 

War Command, his unbeaten 2 year-old son has already been given Quotes for the 2,000 Guineas, having sauntered the field in the Group 2 Coventry stakes at Royal Ascot recently. Declaration Of War was also a second SW for his sire at Royal Ascot winning the Group 1 Queen Anne Stales and subsequently being runner up in the Group 1 Eclipse Stakes.  

At only 11 years old War Front looks a sire capable of becoming the next big American Sire. 

Fabulous Fairy retired

Ed Dunlop's star mare Snow Fairy finally bowed out on Monday from a career spanning five seasons and victories in 6 Group 1 races, with prize money amassing over €4,000,000. Snow Fairy won races in Europe, Japan, and Hong Kong. Her biggest wins were the Group 1 Investic Epsom Oaks, Darley Irish Oaks. Snow Fairy remains the only European horse to win two Group 1 races Japan, when she won the Queen Elizabeth Cup twice. She was European champion 3 year old filly in 2010.

Snow Fairy bowed out on a high winning the Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown last September. Although no one had anticipated that it would become the star mares last race. Connections were hoping to let the mare race in 2013, but recurring injuries to her tendons forced connections to retire her. 

Snow Fairy is a true rags to riches story bought back by her owner and breeder Christina Patino at the 2008 Tattersalls Ireland September Sale for a mere €1,800. The daughter of Intikhab failed to impress any potential buyers. Snow Fairy is out of Woodland Dream, she herself was unsuccessful on the track winning a handicap at Leopardstown. Woodland Dream is a half sister to Stakes producing sire Big Bad Bob (Bob Back). He now stands at the Irish National Stud having previously stood at Mrs Patino's Islanmore Stud in Limerick. This is the new farm where Snow Fairy will take up her new career as a broodmare. 

Snow Fairy's first three dams were all relatively unsuccessful race mares, but her 1st and 2nd dams have gone on to become stakes producers. However their family line were waiting a while to produce a Stakes producing broodmare. The racing talent in her family skipped a few generations. Snow Fairy is probably the best race mare to come from her family tree. 

Like all top class race mares that retire to stud, it was expected Snow Fairy would be bred to a top class stallion like Galileo, Dubawi, Dansili, Oasis Dream etc. Being a daughter of Intikhab. She would of been a nice cross to Sadler's Wells and Danehill sire lines. The sire Line that currently dominates the European Stallion ranks. Galileo would be the obvious choice. One of the World's best stallions. Galileo has sired stakes winner Magical Dream from Red Evie, who like Snow Fairy is a daughter of Intikhab. However Mrs Patino always intended that Snow Fairy would Instead visit Group 3 winner Elusive Pimpernel. This young sire son of Elusive Quality stands at Mrs Patino's Islanmore Stud. He is also a homebred of hers. He won the Group 3 Craven stakes as a 3yo in her colours. 

This choice of mating is quite interesting. Elusive Pimpernel's 2nd dam Gay Fantasy is the 4th dam of Snow Fairy. Their offspring will be inbred 3mx5f to Gay Fantasy. Snow Fairy herself is inbred  3x5 to Roberto, 5x5 to Northern Dancer and 5x5 to In Reality. Elusive pimpernel is also inbred 4x3 to Northern Dancer and 5x5 to Native Dancer. 

The decision to go to a relatively unknown sire has left many racing fans surprised yet excited as to what they can produce. Elusive Pimpernel has a huge advantage with this illustrious mare. 

There's not many stallions standing at €1,000 that have a 6x Group 1 winning mare added to their book. A lot of stallions that started out like Elusive Pimpernel have done it the hard way like Danehill Dancer and Dansili both sons of Danehill had the ability to upgrade their mares. Even Elusive Pimpernel's relative Big Bad Bob had to prove himself first. 

But neither of them had the opportunity to cover such an illustrious mare. Snow Fairy will probably be the only mare of that class in Elusive Pimpernels book for some time. Unless he proves himself a hit at stud. 

But for now the racing world get over the "surprise" mating choice and eagerly anticipate the first foal of these two horses. 

Broodmare Focus: "Melikah"

Melikah is a superb addition, pedigree wise to the Darley broodmare band. A Listed winner and 2nd in the Irish Oaks. Melikah had the pedigree to secure herself a place at stud as a broodmare. 

She's probably one of the best bred mares in the world. A daughter of champion racehorse Lammtara himself a son of Triple Crown winner Nijinsky. Lammtara retired to Dalham Hall Stud in 1996 with limited success but his daughters have been well sought out after. Melikah is out of broodmare sensation Urban Sea. All of Urban Sea's progeny to race were stakes winners/performers. Her Group 1 offspring include the high class pair Galileo (Sadler's Wells) a dual derby winner now a world champion sire and Sea The Stars (Cape Cross) a world champion racehorse and one of the most exciting young stallions at stud. Her two other Group 1 offspring  include Black Sam Bellamy (Sadler's Wells) a Group 1 winner and sire, My typhoon (Giants Causeway) one of the worlds most expensive foals ever sold when selling for £1.8m in 2002, shes a multiple stakes winner and Grade I winner in the states.  Urban Sea's other offspring include stakes winners All To Beautiful, Born To Sea, Urban Ocean, Melikah. Urban Sea is one of only a small number of broodmare's to produce two Derby winners in Galileo (2001) and Sea The Stars (2009). 

Melikah's two other half sister All To Beautiful (Sadler's Wells) and Cherry Hinton (Green Desert) are also Blacktype producing broodmare's. All To Beautiful produced Oaks placed Wonder Of Wonders (Kingmambo) and classy filly Along (Smart Strike). Cherry Hinton is the dam of Group 2 two year old Wading (Montjeu) her first offspring. 

Melikah herself is the dam of Group 2 winner and Prix De Arc De Triomphe 3rd Masterstroke (Monsun) and minor winner Vallarrica (Selkirk). Vallirrica also in the Darley broodmare band has produced Group 2 UAE derby winner Khawlah (Cape Cross). Melikah seems to have another smart looking colt in Urban Dance. This son of Street Cry won his debut yesterday at Ascot in a 3yo maiden in the manner of a smart colt.  

This year Melikah produced a colt foal by Cape Cross. Not only is this colt a half brother to Masterstroke. He is very closely related to his dams world champion half brother Sea The Stars. He's also closely related to Khawlah. Bred by Darley this colt foal has the bloodlines to become a future star racehorse. He has an illustrious family record. 

Dubai Millennium's premature loss to Darley Breeding Empire

Dubai Millennium is probably the greatest colt to have ever been in Sheikh Mohammed's  Godolphin ownership. Trained at Moulten Paddocks in Newmarket by Saaed bin Suroor, Dubai Millennium proved himself one of the best racehorses in the early 2000's. 

By Seeking The Gold a son of Mr Prospector, Dubai Millennium is out of Group winner Colorado Dancer herself a daughter of broodmare sensation Fall Aspen, dam of 8 individual Group 1 winners. 

Dubai Millennium was initially named Yaazer (meaning white gazelle) but Sheikh Mohamned changed the name after the colt was identified  to be one of the more promising 2yo's for Godolphin that year.

An unbeaten debut winner as a 2yo at Yarmouth, Dubai Millennium suffered only one defeat in his racing career when things didn't go to plan in the Derby. He pulled very hard and finishes 9 Lengths adrift the winner Oath. Dubai Millennium signed off his 3yo career winning the Group 1 Prix Jaqoues Les Marois and the QEII. 

Returning to Dubai for the winter,Dubai Millennium started his 4yo season off to a flyer when scorching the opposition in the worlds richest race the Dubai World Cup. Frankie Dettori hailed him as "the best colt I've ever ridden he's incredible". After that win he returned to the UK where again he blitzed his rivals in the Prince Of Wales Stakes. 

There was serious demand by racing fans that Dubai Millennium face Irish Derby and Arc winner Montjeu in a battle to see who was the better horse. However the race didn't happen after Godolphin pulled their pride and joy out over an injury he sustained while in training and sadly Dubai Millennium would never race again.

Retiring to his birthplace Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket. Dubai Millennium began his stud career at a fee of £100,000. After completing his first covering season tragedy struck when Dubai Millennium was diagnosed with grass sickness. Many attempts to save him where unsuccessful and he was euthanised while under anaesthetic on April 30th 2002. He was buried at Dalham Hall Stud. 

Eleven years later Dubai Millennium's premature death is still felt and seen as a huge blow to the stallion ranks. From his only foal crop he sired champion 2yo and classic winner Dubawi who is now one of the worlds leading stallions his progeny including Group 1 winners Al Kazeem, Makfi, Dubawi Heights, Poets Voice and Monterosso. Echo Of Light was another good horse from his sires only crop winning some Group races and placing in some of Europe's best Group 1's. Echo Of Light suffered a similar fate to his sire when a freak paddock accident claimed his short life at stud.   

Sheikh Mohammed's love for this horse was evident as he went out buying as much stock by his late sire as he could. Of Dubai Millennium's 56 living foals, Sheikh Mohammed owns 51 of them. 

Thirteen years after Godolphin still haven't seen a colt near enough to the brilliance of Dubai Millennium. His record as a sire with his only foal crop suggested that there was so much more talent to come. With his amazing pedigree Dubai Millennium was bred to excel as a racehorse and sire. He achieved superstar status as a racehorse but his sad premature death robbed him the chance to show how good he may have been as sire. His loss was a big blow to sire ranks and breeders and even more to Darley.     

            

Fastnet Rock

Fastnet Rock stands at Coolmore in Australia. Since he retired to stud in 2005, Fastnet Rock has been a colossus. Leading experts in the industry feel this young 12yo sire is the heir apparent to his own late great sire Danehill. Danehill needs little introduction, a champion sire in both Australia and Europe his sire sons continue to dominate Australian and European stallion ranks.

Some of his other star stallion sons apart from Fastent Rock in both hemispheres include Danehill Dancer, Exceed And Excel, Redoute's Choice, Desert King as well as Dansili one of Europe's best sires. Danehill was leased to Japan in 1996 for a season. His sire son Rock Of Gibralter was also leased to Japan to serve mares in 2007. 

Fastnet Rock has sired over 12 individual Group one winners with almost all of them in Australia. His yearlings continue to dominate the Inglis Yearling Sale in Australia with prices of A$2,000,000, A$1,000,000, A$950,000, A$800,000 for some individuals. 

Fastnet Rock is represented by his first Irish bred 2yo's this season. He has done quite well from 6 runners he has had 4 winners with 1 Stakes Winner. His strike rate stands at 66.67%.

With a host of top class European mares covered by him in Ireland. His fee when he started covering here was advertised at €30,000 it is now listed as "Private". 

Fastnet Rocks Irish yearlings to go under the hammer proved popular amongst buyers with only a handful being sold. Coolmore's Demi O Byrne spending €380,000 on a filly out of black type winner Dance To The Top at Arqana yearling sales last years. Fastnet Rock's only lot to sell at the JRHA sale sold for ¥50,000,000. This proves his popularity and the regard that breeders around the world hold this sire. 

With over 12 individual Group 1 winners from his first four crops  Fastnet Rock is an exciting shuttle stallion. He is the sire of such horses as Foxwedge (standing in UK), Irish Lights, unbeaten filly Atlantic Jewel, Sea Siren and  Nechita. The last two have now joined Ballydoyle for a European campaign. If they can win Group 1 races on Europe. It will further enchance their sires ability in Europe. 

Among the well bred Irish crop of Fastnet Rock include half sisters to Group 1 winners Peeping Fawn and Nathanial.

Deep Impact Japan's sire sensation

Deep Impact is now widely considered the best stallion in Japan since his own great sire Sunday Silence. He's also considered as one of the best stallions in the world. His sire Sunday Silence changed Japanese racing and breeding and is now considered by many as the japanese version of Northern Dancer.  

Deep Impact like his sire was a successful racehorse winning the Japanese Triple crown and becoming the champion three year old colt of his generation. Deep Impact retired to his owners Shadai Farm in 2007 as the winner of 7 Group 1's. 

Deep Impact is from a high class European family thanks to his dam the Alzao mare Wind In Her Hair. His 2nd dam Burghlere is a half sister to Shadwell blue hen mare Height Of Fashion the dam of Nashwan, Nayef and Unfuwain. Deep Impact is from the family of Mawatheq, Ghanaati and breeders cup winner Lahoodoud. 

Deep Impact has become a revelation at stud siring multiple japanese Group 1 winners. Some of his best progeny include Gentildonna, Ayusan, Kuzuna, Marcellina,  Real Impact, Deep Brillante and French Group 1 winner Beauty Parlour. Beauty Parlour remains the only progeny of Deep Impact to win a Group 1 in Europe. Deep Impact's number of progeny racing in Europe is very limited. 

Unsurprisingly Progeny of Deep Impact have been in huge demand in Japan. At this years JRHA sale 6 of the top 10 lots were by him. Among the standouts was a colt out of American champion Azeri selling for ¥240,000,000 ($2,374,011), a colt out of American graded stakes winner She's All Eltish selling for ¥180,000,000 ($1,764,706), and a colt out of Argentinian Group 1 winner Maipensa selling for ¥230,000,000 ($2,200,000). At this years JRHA sale Deep Impact had 12 yearlings averaging $888,889 and 16 foals averaging $935,050. 

Japan has bought some high class bloodstock from around the world to send to their star stallion in a bid to make Japan one of the best places to buy racing and breeding stock. Among the top class mares they have bought include Azeri, Donna Bilini ( dam of Gentildonna), Ave, Lush Lashes, Danedream, Sarafina, Saphresa, Lilly Of The Valley, Dubawi Heights, Rose Gypsy, Buy The Sport,Serious Attitude and Wild Coco. They also have bought some high class broodmare's including Dalicia (dam of Animal Kingdom). All these mares are either in foal/visiting or have foals at foot by Deep Impact. 

With the quality of bloodstock set to soar in Japan over the next few years there will be no doubt that the sire appearing in their pedigrees will be Deep Impact. Deep Impact has yet to test the waters as a sire of sires with his own sire excelling at both. Deep Impacts son Deep Brillante is one of the first stallion sons representing this hugely influential and talented sire at stud. I would personally love to see this sire stand in Europe for a season.

"Exciting" Sires with First Yearlings 2013

I take a look at my personal potentially exciting sires with their first yearlings in 2013 these sires stand at a fee of over €10,000 

(1). Lope De Vega

Lope De Vega stands at Ballylinch Stud in Kilkenny. He is one of the first sons of Shamardal to retire to stud. Lope De Vega emulated his sire in winning both the Group 1 French 2,000 guineas and French Derby. In the process he became champion 3yo colt in France in 2010. Lope De Vega's first foals to sell in 2012 proved extremely popular with his foals smashing into the six figures. His highest priced foal to sell last year was a colt at Tattersalls selling for £150,000 followed by £125,000, £115,000, £110,000. At Goffs he supplied two six figure lots with a filly selling for €125,000 followed by a colt for €110,000 other prices including €68,000, €62,000 etc. Lope De Vega's foals at Tattersalls averaged £53,250. His fee for 2013 is €12,500. He is excellent value for even the small breeder. 

(2). Makfi

Makfi stands at Tweenhills Farm in the UK. A dual Group one winner in GB and France. He won the English 2,000 guineas and Prix Jaques Les Marois proving himself one of the best milers of his generation. This son of Dubawi is one of the best looking young sires at stud an proved extremely popular. Breeders loved him and supported him with the dams of the following Group 1 winners Moonlight Cloud, Al Kazeem, Flight Of Fancy etc. Makfi's first foals were also sought out after with top prices of £180,000 for a colt. Other top prices include £140,000, £120,000 x2. At Tattersalls his foals averaged £73,333. At Goffs he had a top price of €105,000, £32,000, £20,000 from 7 foals auctioned there. Makfi's 2013 fee is £25,000. He's one of the young sires that has everyone excited. 

(3). Rip Van Winkle 

Rip Van Winkle stands at Coolmore Stud. A three times Group 1 winner over a mile and 10F. Including the Sussex Stakes, QEII and Juddmonte International. Rip Van Winkle was well supported and well liked by Breeders. His first foals sold well with six figures achieved at Tattersalls including a high price of £140,000 which was achieved twice for two fillies. His highest priced colt was sold for £100,000. Other prices include £90,000, £85,000, £75,000, £62,000 etc. His foals at Tattersalls sold for an average of £68,385 that's over 3x the fee these foals were conceived at. At Goffs his top price was €75,000 again archived twice and again by two fillies. His highest priced colt was sold for €55,000 followed by prices of €60,000 x2, €52,000, €42,000 x2. Rip Van Winkle stood his first season at €20,000 but now stands at €17,500. The success his sire Galileo has had as a sire of sires is a positive start for this exciting young sire. 

Analysis on Sea The Stars progeny some of the "Best Bred Crop"

Sea The Stars covered an outstanding first book of mares in 2010.
-14 of his 2011 foals are out of Group 1 producers.
-13 are out of Group 1 placed mares.
-29 are out of Group 1 producing mares.

Mares in foal last year included Chinese White, Lahaleeb, Kastoria and Vodka all Gr1 winners.

 Last year he was visited by the dams of the following GR1 winners Silver Frost, Treasure Beach, Lord Shanakill, All The Good, Alborada, Spinning Queen, Night Magic, Linngari, Rossenara and Shalanaya.

The following are some of his progeny from the mares he covered in his first season that are the most talked about and some of the best bred crop.

(1). Affinsea 

This colt is out of Danehill mare Affianced. She became a superb broodmare. Bred to Galileo (Sea The Stars half brother) she produced Group winner Heliostatic and his full brother run-away Irish Derby winner Soldier Of Fortune. Affinsea became his sires highest foal to sell at Public Auction raising the roof at Goffs when selling for €850,000 to SunderLand Holdings ( the owner and breeders of his sire). Affinsea is to be trained by his sires handler John Oxx. 

(2). Edkhan 

Edkhan is out of dual Group one winning French mare Alpine Rose. She is a half sister to Fragrant Mix a successful national hunt sire. Edkhan is his dams first foal. He was sold as a yearling at Arqana in 2012 for €1.2M to Mandore International. Edkhan will be trained by Alain Royer Dupre in France. 

(3). Azama

Azama is out of Group one producer Asmara. Asmara is the dam of champion older horse and Group one sire Azamour. She is also the dam of Arazan a group winning two year old now a young sire in India. Azama will be trained by John Oxx who trained her two half brothers. 

(4). WonderStruck 

WonderStruck is an exciting individual. She is a daughter of champion broodmare Bordighera. She is the dam of champion milers Grandera and the ill-fated George Washington. Not sold at public auction WonderStruck will be trained by William Haggas who has a very good reputation with his handling of fillies. 

(5). Sir Isaac 

Sir Isaac is out of Danehill mare Daneleta.  She is the dam of Group 1 winning 2yo and leading Freshman sire Intense Focus. This colt could be one of Sea The Stars early types considering he's a half brother to a very good 2yo. Sir Isaac made £145,000 as a yearling. A trainer has not been announced yet. 

(6). Darenjana

This filly is a Homebred of the Aga Khan and she is bred to be a good one. Her dam Darinska is also the dam of champion French filly Darjina. Darenjana will be trained by Alain Royer Dupre in France. 

(7). Too The Stars

Too the stars is also bred to be a top class filly. She is out of dual classic winner Finsceal Beo. She is her dams 2nd produce with her first being the unraced Finsceal Fior (Galileo). Too The Stars was sold as a foal at Goffs in 2011. She was sold for a record €800,000 and will be trained by John Gosden. 

(8). Unnamed Filly x Mrs Marsh 

This filly is a half sister to champion older horse Canford Cliffs. She was sold as a yearling at Arqana for €360,000. A trainer has not been announced but she is reported to be in Japan. 

(9). Lunasea

Lunasea is out of Musical Treat a daughter of Royal Academy. She is the dam of classic heroine Finsceal Beo and German Classic winner Frozen Power who is now a young sire at Ballyhane Stud. Lunasea was sold as a yearling for £500,000 and will be trained by Luca Cumani. 

(10). Sarpech 

Sarpech is out of Sadlers Wells mare. Sadima. She is the dam of 2 individual Group one winners in Youmzain and Creachadoir  both are standing at stud in France. Sarpech was sold as a yearling for £430,000 and will be trained by Sir Mark Prescott. 

(11). Unnamed filly x Spirit Of Tara

This filly is from one of Kilcarn studs best families being a grand daughter of blue hen mare Flame Of Tara. Spirit Of Tara is a half sister to champion filly Salsabil. Spirit Of Tara is also a successful broodmare being the dam of Group performers Echo Of Light and his half sister Irish History. This filly was not sold at public auction and no trainer has been announced yet. 

(12). Unnamed colt x Vodka 

This colt is out of one of Japan's best ever race horse Vodka. She won the Japanese Derby and Japan Cup and is the highest earning race mare in thoroughbred racing history. Vodka has two other progeny by Sea The Stars. This colt was not sold at public auction and he is currently in Japan a trainer has also not yet been announced. 

(13). Unamed filly x Zarkasha 

This filly is a half sister to one of the Aga Khans most outstanding mares in Zarkava unbeaten in all her 7 runs. She is also a half sister to grade 1 winning hurdler Zarkandar. This Homebred filly of the Aga Khan will be trained in France by Alain Royer Dupre. 

(14). Zarkash

Zarkash is an extremely exciting colt to look forward to. He is out of unbeaten  Arc winner Zarkava. With both parents being world champion race horses Zarkash has a lot to live up to. He has attracted numerous attention from the time he was in utero. This horse is bred to be anything. He will be trained by Alain Royer  Dupre in France. 

"Value" Sires with First Yearlings 2013

With the Autumn Yearling Sales soon to be upon us, I take a look at some "value" sires with their first crop of yearlings that could prove popular at the upcoming sales. These sires stand for €10,000 or less in 2013.

 Zebedee 

This son of Invincible Spirit out of the winning Cozzene mare Cosy Maria, stands at Tally Ho Stud in Mullingar. He was a dual Group winning two year old winning the GR3 Molecomb Stakes beating subsequent July Cup winner Mayson. He also won the Gr2 Flying Childers Stakes, described by his trainer Richard Hannon as "one of our best 2yr olds with an explosive burst of speed". Zebedee's first foals were all the rage at Goffs with a top price of €82,000 these were followed by €65,000 x2, €55,000, €45,000. He also had a top price of £50,000 at Tattersalls with his foals averaging £28,500 over 5x his fee. Zebedee stands at a fee of €5,000. Already he looks a sire worthy of siring fast two year olds. He is excellent value for breeders. 

Showcasing 

Showcasing is one of many sons of Oasis Dream to have their first yearlings in 2013. Showcasing is a half brother to Camacho the sire of Group 3 winner Puff. Showcasing like his sire Oasis Dream was handled by John Gosden who had nothing but praise for this colt saying "He's a lot like his sire Oasis Dream". Showcasing was also the fastest Gimcrack Stakes winner in over 20 years.  Showcasing a beautiful looking horse standing at Whitsbury Manor Stud in the UK. His first foals were also quite warmly received with a colt fetching £55,000 and a filly selling for £49,000 at Tattersalls. He also had a mare in foal sell for $100,000 in NewZealand. Breeders obviously liked what they saw and sent him 116 mares in his first season and 118 mares in his second season. He's very good value at £4,500. 

Stimulation

Stimulation stands at Lletly Farms in the UK. A son of Choisir, Stimulation never won a group 1 race but he does have some nice black-type form. During his career he defeated 9 subsequent Group 1 winners. Stimulation's first foals are very attractive individuals. Although his highest priced foal was only £10,000 he didn't have many foals offered this year but he's been impressing the right judges with Peter and Ross Doyle racing purchasing two foals. Stimulation is a beautiful looking horse and has been well supported by breeders with 130 mares in his first and second season. He stands this year at £3,000, and he could feature as a prominent sire with his first yearlings this year. 

Lord Shanakill 

Lord Shanakill stands at the Irish National Stud. A son of leading sire Speighstown, Lord Shanakill was a Group 2 winner as a two year old. His only Group 1 success came in the Prix Jean Prat. He was also a winner at Group 2 level as a four year old. Lord Shanakill's highest price foal was a colt sold at Tattersalls for £49,000, his foals sold at Tattersalls averaged over three times his initial fee. He also had a high price at Goffs when a filly sold for €40,000. Other prices were €27,000, €25,000 x2, €22,000 etc. Lord Shanakill's first yearling to sell early this year in February sold for €29,000. He stands at €5,000. 

Fast Company

Fast Company stands at Rathaskar Stud in Kildare. He was one of Europe's best two year olds in 2007 finishing just behind New Approach. He ended his year as the highest British trained two year old of his generation. He only ran as a two year old. Fast Company's highest priced foal was a colt at Goffs sold for €42,000 this was followed by €30,000, €20,000 etc. he also has good prices at Tattersalls where his highest prices there was for a colt selling for £30,000. At Tattersalls he had 8 foals selling with their average being just over £15,000 that's 3x his initial fee. He stands this year at
€5,000. Fast Company also has to be considered a sire capable of getting some nice two year olds.

Alfred Nobel

Alfred Nobel stands at Coolmore Stud. A son of Danehill Dancer, Alfred Nobel was also one of the
top two year olds of his generation winning the Group 1 Pheonix Stakes and Group 2 Railway Stakes.
 He appeared twice as a three year old coming third in the group 3 Greenlands Stakes. Alfred Nobel is one of the best bred sires to have his first yearlings this year. His 2nd dam Dazzling Park is a half sister to champion racehorse and leading young sire New Approach and to another leading sire in Shinko Forest. Alfred Nobel had a high price foal at €65,000 at Goffs for a colt bought by Camas Park Stud. Other prices for his foals were €24,000, €20,000 etc. Alfred Nobel has also to be considered a sire capable of getting some early types. He stands this season at €4,000. 

Arcano

Arcano stands at Derrinstown Stud. A very well bred and attractive son of Oasis Dream, Arcano was a very fast two year old winning the Group 1 Darley Prix Morny in which he had classic winners Special Duty and Canford Cliffs behind him. He also won the Group 2 July stakes. Arcano is from the family of Group 1 winning sprinter Glint Edge Girl and Group 2 winner Blue Dakota. His highest priced foal to date was £160,000 for a colt bought by Shadwell at Tattersalls. He also had two fillies sell for £90,000 and £70,000 respectively. His foals at Tattersalls averaged nearly £50,000 over 9x his initial fee. Arcano also had some very good foal prices at Goffs with a high price of €140,000 for a colt this was followed by €65,000, €56,000 x2, €33,000, €30,000 etc. His first foals proving to be very warmly received. Arcano is another sire considered to get good fast early two year olds. He stands this season at €6,000. 

Siyouni

Siyouni stands at the Aga Khan Studs in France. A son of Pivotal. Siyouni was the 4th top rated two year old in Europe after winning the Group 1 Prix Jean Luc Lagadere at Longchamp. Siyouni is a well related horse being a half brother to Group one winner Siyouma. His 2nd dam is also the dam of Slickly. Siyouni's first foals didn't make ransom's with a top price of €10,000 achieved twice at 
Arqana. Though I think he could strike with his first yearlings. He stands this year at €7,000

 Paco Boy

Paco Boy stands at Highclere Stud in the UK. A three times Group one winner at 3,4 and 5 years including the Prix De La Foret, The Queen Anne Stakes and the Lockinge Stakes. Paco Boy is as good looking a horse as you can see. His first foals didn't disappoint either with a top price of £54,000 at Tattersalls followed by £52,000, £44,000, £40,000 ,£30,000 his foals averaged just over £29,000. At Goffs he was as equally popular with a top price of €75,000 this was followed by  €52,000 €48,000 from only 5 foals sold there last year. Paco Boy is an exciting sire with his sire line on fire. His yearlings are expected to be in big demand and at £8,000 he is a real "bargain" sire. 

 Equiano

Equiano stands at Newsells Park Stud in the UK. He was a brilliant sprinter proving himself on the world stage winning the Group 1 Kings Stand Stakes twice. He was also a group two winner. Equiano is a son of Acclamation. As expected his first foals proved very popular at Tattersalls and Goffs. His top price at Tattersalls was £70,000 followed by £41,000, £40,000, £45,000, £35,000, £27,000. While at Goffs he had a top price of €90,000 followed by €45,000, €40,000, €38,000, €27,000 etc. Equiano like Paco Boy stands this season at £8,000. 

Approve

Approve a son of Oasis Dream stands at Morristown Lattin Stud. He only ran at two winning 3 times from 10 starts, 2 at Group level including the Gimcrack Stakes at a very fast time and the Norfolk Stakes. William Haggas said "he's the toughest 2yo I have ever trained". Approve's first foals at Goffs were all the rage with a colt fetching the top price at €65,000 this was followed by €48,000, €44,000, €40,000 x2 €35,000, €32,000 etc. Approve also looks a sire worth of getting some fast early types and at €5,000 he's a other sire at a brilliant price. 

  

Tattersalls Ireland Derby Sale: Top Lots

The 2013 renewal of the Tattersalls Derby Sale ended on a high note with the best set of figures recorded at the sale since 2007.This sale is the worlds leading sale for National Hunt and store horses. The sale has sold a total number of 41 Festival winners,13 Cheltenham Festival winners , 5 Aintree Festival winners, 11 Fairyhouse festival winners and 12 Punchestown festival winners.

Some of the Grade one winners in 2013 sold at the Derby Sale in recent years include Cue Card , Flemenstar, Champagne Fever, Benefficient,First Lieutenant,The New One.

The sale also sold the world record price for a National Hunt store when Alan Potts secured Lot 151 a Presenting Gelding from the family of Alberta's Run at the 2011 Derby Sale for a record E340,000.

This years sale has seen outstanding success with a total of 71 Lots making over E50,000 and 17 Lots breaking the E100,000 barrier. This years top price was a Gelding by Robin Des Champs (sire of Sir Des Champs) out of multiple Grade one winning hurdler Asian Maze knocked down to MV Magnier for E250,000. The 2nd highest price was E175,000 for a Gelding by Flemensfirth ( sire of Flemenstar, Imperial Commander etc) out of black-type mare Spirit Leader  knocked down to Conor O'Dwyer. This gelding is also a half brother to Folsom Blue. Champion sire Presenting was also to the fore when his son out of black-type mare Theatre Girl was knocked down to MV Magnier for E160,000 which became the third highest lot. Other high price lots were E160,000 given by Aidan Murphy for a son of Flemensfirth from a nice black-type family. Murphy was also to the fore when spending E140,000 on a son of Shirocco (sire of the high class filly Annie Power) out of a half sister to Royal Shakespeare. Murphy again signed the cheque when paying E120,000 for another son of Flemensfirth.

Network the sire of 2 mile sensation Sprinter Sacre was the sire of the 6th Highest price when his son Adeennne de Sevres was knocked down to Jim Culloty for E140,000, this gelding is from a high class family being related to Sir Des Champs and Un Atout. The dearest bought by Willie Mullins was Turcagua bought for E130,000, this gelding is a half brother to Alpha Speed. High Chaparral the sire of top class flat horse So You Think was responsible for the 10th highest priced when MV Magnier went to E110,000 to secure this son of Victorine, a half sister to Morley Street and Granville Again.

Flemensfirth was responsible for three of the top ten lots while Robin Des Champs was responsible for two.This year's sale was also an outstanding success for fillies. Thanks to the hard work by ITBA who recently made a fillies scheme introducing some Grade one races for fillies and mares to encourage owners and breeders to put their fillies in training. The two top priced fillies of the sale were the Kayf Tara filly out of Fairy Blaze knocked down to one of Ireland's leading trainers Henry De Bromhead for E100,000, this filly is a half sister to Gold Cup hero Kicking King and his full brother Four Commanders. The other top price was the filly by Robin Des Champs from a family proven to produce black-type hurdle winning mares, she was knocked down to Ian Ferguson for E160,00 A total of 8 fillies made over E50,000 . This sign is very encouraging for breeders.