Second Crop sires to follow for 2014!

(1).
Sea The Stars (IRE)
Bay Stallion by Cape Cross x Urban Sea by Miswaki
Standing: Gilltown Stud

Sea The Stars retired to stud in 2010. He retired unbeaten in a classic three-year-old campaign. Six Group 1 wins in six months culminating in the Prix D'e L'arc De Triomphe. Not only was he a world champion racehorse, Sea The Stars has one of the most sought after stallions pedigrees in the world. He is a 1/2 brother to 8 Stakes winners/performers including multiple Group 1 winner & global sire phenomenon Galileo, as well as Group 1 winners/placed Black Sam Bellamy, My Typhoon, Melikah, All To Beautiful, Born To Sea, Urban Ocean & stakes placed Cherry Hinton. Sea The Stars first crop yielded him 12 individual winners including Stakes winner & 1,000 guineas prospect My Titania. I've always believed his progeny will improve from two to three with 2014 looking to bring him a first classic winner. There is still so much more to come from this exciting young sire & I hope he can build on his freshman success.

Sea The Stars (Thoroughbred Stallion Book)

(2).
Mastercraftsman (IRE)
Grey Stallion by Danehill Dancer x Starlight Dreams by Black Tie Affair
Standing: Coolmore Stud

Mastercraftsman was champion two-year-old of his year & was also a leading miler as a three-year-old. Many breeders were confident that he could make progress as he was by sire of sires Danehill Dancer. Mastercraftsman did not disappoint he was some bit ahead of his predecessors in the freshman table by number of stakes winners & prize money. His star juvenile was undoubtedly racing post trophy winner Kingston Hill, who is now a leading candidate for the 2,000 guineas & Epsom derby. He also has a 1,000 guineas candidate with Amazing Maria, who was a Group 3 winner at Goodwood. Mastercraftsman's progeny should undoubtedly improve from two to three and with the impressive start he has got off to, here's hoping he can keep that going in 2014.

MasterCraftsman (Thoroughbred Stallion Book)

(3).
Archipenko (USA)
Bay Stallion by Kingmambo x Bound by Nijinsky
Standing: Lanwades Stud

Archipenko is a tremendously bred horse coming from one of the best sire producing families in the stud book. He was a Group 1 winner in Hong Kong , & was also a stakes winner at Group level in Ireland & the UK. Archipenko is a 1/2 brother to Liable, the dam of 2012 Breeders Cup classic winner Blame. His dam Bound is a 3/4 sister to champion sire Nureyev. Bound is also a 1/2 sister to Fairy Bridge the dam of one of the best sires in Sadlers Wells & his full brother Fairy King, who was also a champion sire. This also from the family of American sires Corinthian, Jade Robbery. It is also the family of Breeders cup winner Wrote & leading sire Soldier Hollow. Archipenko sired the winners of 14 races and he also sired dual stakes placed Lady Penko. I am a huge fan of his pedigree and I believe he represents great value for breeders.

Archipenko (Lanwades Stud)

(4).
Dunkerque (FR)
Bay stallion by Highest Honour x Dissertation by Sillery 
Standing: Haras Du Quesnay 

Dunkerque had a realtivly quiet year with his first juveniles siring only a handful of winners. I am still a small fan of this young sire. He is an own brother to Group 1 Prix Foret winner Dedication, while his dam is a 1/2 sister to dual Group winning & dual Grade 1 placed Beau Sultan. Dunkerque never won a Group 1 race but he was a dual Group winner & listed placed. He won 5 times from 16 starts placing in 8 of them. He was a consistent horse. He does have plenty to fine on some of the other sires but I'd be hoping for a few stakes horses in his older crops.

Dunkerque (Thoroughbred Stallion Book)

(5).
Champs Elysees (GB)
Bay stallion by Danehill x Hasili by Kahyasi
Standing: Juddmonte Farms

Champs Elysees had a good freshman year, with his best juvenile being the listed winning and Group 2 placed filly Avenue Gabriel. It is hard to dismiss this sire as he has a huge amount of potential. Not only is his dam Hasili one of the best broodmares of all time, he is a brother to a champion sire in Dansili, their other brother Cacique has also had success as a sire. Champs Elysees full sisters include multiple Group 1 winner and Group 1 producer Banks Hill as well as Intercontinental who was also a Group 1 winner. While his half sister Heat Haze was also a dual Group 1 winner. They come from a top class female line with such names as leading sire Leroidesanimaux, Group 1 winner Promising Lead, champion two-year-old Three Valleys and Group winner and Group 1 placed Visit featuring as their close relatives.

Champs Elysees (Juddmonte Farms)

(6).
Soldier Of Fortune  (IRE)
Bay stallion by Galileo x Affianced by Erin Isle
Standing: Haras Du Logis Saint Germain

I have always been a fan of this horse. He went from winning a maiden to contesting a european Group 1, which he finished runner up. Soldier Of Fortune made huge improvement to run out a nine length winner of the Irish Derby making him champion three-year-old in Ireland. He was also a winner of Group level including the Chester Vase. At four he added the Coronation Cup and was also placed in the Grand Prix De Paris and the Prix D'e L'arc De Triomphe. Soldier Of Fortune is a brother to Group winner and Group sire Heliostatic. His dam Affianced is a 1/2 sister to the top class Sholokhov. This is the immediate family of Intense Focus. Soldier Of Fortune sired the winners of 11 races with over €100,000 in win prize money. I would be hoping he can sire some nice horses in his older crops.

Soldier Of Fortune (Haras Du Saint Germain)

   

First Season Sires: Lope De Vega

Lope De Vega is an interesting sire prospect by leading young sire Shamardal. He is from the sire line of the top class Storm Cat. He stands at the renowned Ballylinch Stud & at €12,500 he is great value for breeders.

Lope De Vega was a very precocious racehorse. He was champion three-year-old colt in France where he won the French guineas & Derby. He was a very useful two-year-old winning twice & placing on his only other start. In all he won four times from nine starts. Lope De Vega was the leading freshman sire with yearling averages at the sales & he has a very well bred crop to come including a half sibling to the ill fated top two-year-old Chrisellium.

Lope De Vega is out of Group 3 winner & Group 1 placed Lady Vettori. His half sister Bal De La Rose was also a stakes winner in France. Lady Vettori has a two-year-old by Sea The Stars, while her three-year-old is an unraced brother to Lope De Vega named Lord Of The Land.

This is from the immediate family of top class American pair Lady Blessington & Gotta Have Her, both twice placed at Grade 1 level.

Lope De Vega,  is also one of the first stallion sons by his sire Shamardal at stud in Europe.  There are plenty of stakes horses in this young sires pedigree and he looks a sire capable of fairing quite well with his first crop. If he can replicate his sires success he will be well on his way to establishing himself as a premier young sire.

First Season Sire Focus: Makfi

The new flat season of 2014 brings the first juvenile runners of top class miler Makfi. Makfi is one of the first sire sons by his sensational sire Dubawi at stud. Makfi stands at Tweenhills stud in the UK at a fair price of £25,000. His first yearlings were very warmly received & there will sure to be plenty of interest in his first runners.

Makfi won his only start as a two-year-old and progressed rapidly from winning his maiden to becoming champion three-year-old miler. He was also a Group 3 winner. Makfi's finest moments came in the 2,000 guineas & proving that win was no fluke when winning the Prox Jaques Les Marois, emulating his sire in the process. When Makfi retired he was rated 4lbs higher then his sire Dubawi.

Makfi boasts a lovely pedigree. He is out a Green Desert 1/2 sister to Alhaarth, who was champion two-year-old, he also became a useful sire at stud. Makfi is also a close relative of Aqaleem, who was placed in the Derby.

Makfi's second dam is Irish River, herself a 1/2 sister to dual Group 1 winner & leading sire Green Dancer, this is also from the immediate family of leading sire Pink, & Group 1 sire Authorized.

Makfi possesses extremely good looks and represents an exciting sire line. He also serves in the Southern Henisphere where he has been very warmly recieved. He is an interesting and exciting sire prospect. He looks an interesting sire for Sadler's Wells & Danhill line mares. I would also like to see how he would fare with Sinndar mares etc.

Freshman Sires to follow for 2014!!

(1). Zebedee (IRE)
Grey horse by Invincible Spirit x Cosy Maria (Cozzene)
Standing: Tally Ho Stud

With the encouraging start Invincible Spirit has got off to as a sire of sires, Zebedee, for me looks to be a force to be reckoned with when his first runners make their debuts in the coming weeks. Zebedee himself proved to be a major two-year-old of his generation. A winner on his debut he was a dual stakes winner winning the Group 3 Molecomb stakes and Group 2 Flying Childers. These wins proved that he was one of the fastest two-year-olds of his generation. Richard Hannon described him as "one of our star two-year-olds with a great turn of foot" while jockey Richard Hughes described him a "one of the fastest two-year-olds in the yard". Zebedee's yearlings were all the rage last year with a colt fetching 220,000gns while others sold for 120,000gns & €100,000 etc all conceived at a fee of €5,000. Zebedee should get fast precocious types that can compete and win at stakes level and I would be very surprised if he wasn't battling for Freshman Sire honors.

 
Zebedee (Thoroughbred Stallion Book)


(2). Fast Company (IRE)
Bay horse by Danehill Dancer x Sheezalady (Zafonic)
Standing: Rathaskar Stud

Fast Company was also a leading two-year-old of his generation and was behind only subsequent derby winner New Approach on the 2yo European list. A winner on his debut he followed that up by winning the Group 3 Acomb stakes beating triple Group 1 winner Camponologist. He stepped up in grade considerably on his third and final start when running New Approach to the line in the Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes beating Group 1 winners Ravens Pass & Rio De La Plata. It was a real shame Fast Company never ran again as he had the scope to improve with age. A son of proven sire of sires Danehill Dancer, he is out of a half sister to high class filly Hawajiss. Fast Company's yearlings were in consistent demand with some individuals fetching €260,000, €150,000, €120,000, 82,000gns etc. A fine profit from a service fee of €5,000. He should be capable of getting some stakes horses.


Fast Company (Thoroughbred Stallion Book)


(3). Lord Shanakill (USA)
Bay horse by Speighstwon x Green Room (Theatrical)
Standing: Irish National Stud

Lord Shanakill was a very consistent performer as a two & three-year-old. At two he won the Group 2 Mill Reef stakes and was second in the Dewhurst \& third in the Prix Morny. As a three-year-old he won the Group 1 Prix jean prat and was also a winner of the Group 2 Lennox stakes. He is one of the first stallion sons in Europe by Speighstown who has taken America by storm in recent years. Lord Shanakill is suberbly bred with his dam being a half sister to  Grade 1 winner Chain Fern, and his second dam being a full sister to Irish 1000 guineas winner Al Bahathri, dam of classic winner Haafhd. Lord Shanakill is also from the family of champion two-year-old Hearts Of Fire and Heatseeker, a Grade 1 winner in America he was Group 1 placed as a two-year-old in Europe. Lord Shanakill's yearlings sold for up to €160,000 with good remarks of his first yearlings. He stands at €5,000 and I would be hoping that he has a good start with his first crop.


Lord Shanakill (Thoroughbred Stallion Book)


(4). Rip Van Winkle (IRE)
Bay horse by Galileo x Looking Back (Stravinsky)
Standing: Coolmore

Coolmore currently house the reigning champion freshman sire with Mastercraftsman and they have another exciting candidate in Rip Van Winkle. Rip Van Winkle ran three times as a two-year-old winning twice including when scoring in the Group 3 Tyros stakes at Leopardstown. At three he became champion miler when winning the Group 1 Sussex stakes and the Group 1 QEII. He returned at four to win the Juddmonte International stakes at 10 furlongs beating Group 1 winners Twice Over & Byword. Rip Van Winkle was also placed in the Group 1 Irish champion stakes, Sussex stakes & QEII as a four-year-old. Of all the top class sons sired by Galileo only the exceptional Frankel is rated higher by Timeform, With yearling prices of up to €400,000, the Rip Van Winkles are hugely exciting. He will stand this year at €20,000.

Rip Van Winkle

(5). Showcasing (GB)

Bay horse by Oasis Dream x Arabesque (Zafonic)

Standing: Whitsbury Manor Stud

Showcasing was a fast two-year-old & is to date the fastest Gimcrack stakes winner ever. He was also placed in the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes & was a higher rated two-year-old than his 1/2 brother Camacho, who sired over five two-year-old stakes winners in 2013. His dam was a stakes winning daughter of Group 1 Cheveley Park stakes winner Prophecy. Showcasing had yearlings sell for 150,000gns, 120,000gns, 100,000gns. He stands at £4,500 and is an interesting sire to follow with his juvenile runners. 

Showcasing (Thoroughbred Stallion Book)

(6). Approve 

Bay horse by Oasis Dream x Wyola (Sadlers Wells)

Standing: Morristown Lattin Stud 

Approve deserves to be included in this list. He was a dual group 2 winning two-year-old when winning the Gimcrack stakes & Norfolk stakes at Royal Ascot. He was also placed at Group 1 level. Approve was quickly snapped up for stud duties after his two-year-old campaign. His foals & yearlings were very warmly received. Approve's second dam is a 1/2 sister to Culture Vulture who was a dual Group 1 winner as a two-year-old. Approve is also from the family of champion 3yo miler Zilzal. I liked his yearlings and hope that he can do well with hits first crop. At €5,000 he is very good value. 

Approve (Thoroughbred Stallion Book) 

"All Time Greats" Hurricane Fly

Racing is brought together through the horses. A good horse will get recognition but a great horse will be cherished. Great horses are not easy to come by. In recent years both codes of racing flat & national hunt have been blessed with equine stars. From Sea The Stars to Frankel on the flat to Kauto Star, Sprinter Sacre & Hurricane Fly on the jumps scene, racing fans have been truly spoilt. This blog follows the career of one of the most outstanding hurdlers ever seen for generations, the incomparable & record breaking Hurricane Fly.

Breeding:

Hurricane Fly was foaled and raised at the Irish National Stud in Kildare. Bred by Agricola Del Parco. He was a son of champion flat horse Montjeu out of minor Italian winner Scandisk. His sire Montjeu is known by many as one of the best flat stallions of his generation where he sired four Epsom Derby winners. Montjeu also made his presence felt on the jumps scene as well as Hurricane Fly he sired the high class chaser Noble Prince. Hurricane Fly was bred to be a good horse. He is a half brother to black type placed pair Hunzy & ThunderWing also a winner over hurdles as well as Diskussion a six time winner in Italy.  Scandisk has a three-year-old gelded son of Shirocco, whose daughter Annie Power is making waves over timber. Scandisk also has a two-year-old filly & colt foal by Yeats, who topped the Tattersalls Ireland November sale when selling to Ben Case for €120,000. Hurricane Fly was sold for €65,000 as a foal. 

Hurricane Fly's second dam is Yankee Lady. She is an own sister to Group three Ballymoss stakes winner Yankee Gold & (then) Group two Pretty Polly stakes winner and Irish guineas placed Lady Singer.  Yankee Lady is the grand dam of Dan Breen. A Listed placed hurdler he was third in the Grade 1 Maghull Novices Chase & also the Grade 2 Celebration Chase. This is from the immediate family of Indian stakes winners Sea Gaze & Portmans Square. 

Two- Year-Old:

Hurricane Fly started his career on the flat in a two-year-old maiden where he finished second. Running four times as a two-year-old he finished second twice and was sixth and third on his second and final start at two.

Three-Year-Old:

Hurricane Fly returned as a three year old running out a four length winner of his three-year-old maiden. He followed that up winning a Listed race beating future champion stakes winner Literato. He was unable to follow that up in some Group 3 races. His final race in France before his move to Willie Mullins was a seventh placing in the Group 2 Prix Eugene on the 28th July 2007. Shortly after that Hurricane Fly was bought by Richard Hobson Bloodstock for George Creighton and Rose Boyce. 

Four-Year-Old:

Hurricane Fly made his eagerly awaited debut for new connections over hurdles at Punchestown on the 07th May 2008 in the Punchestown Maiden Hurdle. He won by two lengths and was the 9/10F. He returned to France om the 25th May 2008 for the Grade 3 Hurdle at Auteuil. He won by a Length with Ruby Walsh on board. Hurricane Fly returned to France again on June 22nd to contest his first Grade 1 over hurdles in the Prix Alain du Beril. Davy Condon was in the saddle and he was beaten just over two lengths, following him behind in third turned out to be star mare Quevega. Hurricane Fly started his amazing run off by winning the Grade 1 Bar One Racing Hurdle at Fairyhouse on November 30th 2008 beating Donnas Palm by a neck. He was 2/1F that day and young Paul Townend was in the saddle. Hurricane Fly had his final start that year in the Grade 1 Paddy Power future champions hurdle. He won by an enormous ten lengths beating fellow Grade 1 winner Go Native.

Five-Year-Old:

Hurricane Fly returned to action in the Grade 1 Evening Herald Novice Hurdle with Ruby Walsh in the saddle. He won by seven lengths beating fellow Grade 1 winners Kempes and Riverside Theatre. It was November of 2009 when Hurricane Fly had his second outing in the Grade 1 Madigans Hurdle he was beaten that day by star staying hurdler Solwhit. That was his only defeat in home soil. Hurricane Fly was then put away for another season. 

Six-Year-Old:

Hurricane Fly made his eagerly awaited return in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle Grade 1 at the Punchestown festival. He gained revenged on old foe Solwhit beating him by a neck. They beat Grade 1 winners Punjabi, Thousand Stars and Dunguib. Hurricane Fly & Solwhit locked horns again in the Bar One Hattons Grace Hurdle. Hurricane Fly emerged triuphant also beating Voler La Vedette. He returned again on the 29th December 2010 where he won the Grade 1 iPhone APP festival hurdle beating Solwhit for the third time by two lengths. 

Seven-Year-Old:

Hurricane Fly remained undefeated in his seven year old campaign. He started the season off by winning the Grade 1 Irish champion Hurdle at Leopardstown beating Grade 1 winners Solwhit, Sublimity, Thousand Stars & Voler La Vedette. After a frustrating few seasons not being able to bring his star to Cheltenham due to injury Willie Mullins finally got the chance. Hurricane Fly faced one of his toughest tasks. The English were well equipped with two equally cracking hurdlers in Peddler's Cross and Menorah both coming to Cheltenham unbeaten over hurdles. It was Peddlers Cross who cased Hurricane Fly up the hill but the latter always found more under pressure and won by little over a length. Hurricane Fly finally proved to the world what a champion he was. He finished that year winning the Rabobank Champion hurdle at Punchestown. 

Eight-Year-Old:

Hurricane Fly started his season off missing his intended run in the Morgiana Hurdle. He returned later that season prompting fears that Willie Mullins was not happy with his stable star. All seemed well when he won the Irish Champion Hurdle in a canter. However there were stills rumors circulating that Hurricane Fly was not the horse he was the year before. Things didn't go to plan in the Champion Hurdle at Cheltenham where he finished third behind Rock On Ruby. It was his first defeat in over three years. The Irish fans came back bitterly disappointed. Hurricane Fly bowed out with a very workmanlike performance in the Rabobank Hurdle in horrendous ground. It was clear after that race that he wasn't right. He returned that November in the Morgiana Hurdle winning by twelve lengths from Captain Cee Bee and followed that up with decisive wins in the Grade 1 Istabraq Festival Hurdle. Hurricane Fly was starting out his new season in much better style.

Nine-Year-Old:

By the Time January came Hurricane Fly was making his third start ahead of the 2012/13 jumps season. The Year before he was only making his seasonal debut in January of 2012. The reports circulating that Mullins was a lot happier with the horses preparation this time around and he was coming back a much stronger horse. That proved to be right. Following a third win in the Irish Champion Hurdle Hurricane Fly was back to try and regain his champion hurdle title. It was a tough task. The last horse to complete the task of Comedy Of Errors back in the 70's. The last three champion hurdle winners were in the field Hurricane Fly, Rock On Ruby the current title holder and Binnocular the 2010 champion. Zarkandar winner of the Grade 1 Triumph Hurdle  and Cinders And Ashes winner of the Supreme Novices both in 2012 added further stiff competiton, The race in the early stages looked to be going horrendously wrong for the Irish champion as he was at one point three or four lengths adrift before being hampered by Grandoet. However Walsh's impeccable riding skills kicked in. He managed to get Hurricane Fly back on the bridle at the top of the hill and as they came down Irish eyes were smiling. He jumped the last two fences and won by just over two lengths. Hurricane Fly had defined the odds and regained his well deserved title. He again came back to Punchestown where he met 2012 champion hurdler and 2013 runner up Rock On Ruby. The Fly as he is affectionalty known put the race to bed in a matter of strides. The Hurricane was back. Hurricane Fly made his seasonal return in the Grade 1 Morgiana Hurdle beating Marito in a workmanlike fashion. He returned again on the 29th December in the Grade 1 Ryanair Hurdle where he would face two young rising stars in Jezki & Our Conor. Jezki trained by Jessica Harrington was the top Novice last year and subsequently finished third in the Supreme Novice hurdle to Champagne Fever and My Tent Or Yours. While Our Conor was an unbeaten juvenile hurdler with his finest performance coming at Cheltenham in the JCB Triumph hurdle  were he annihilated his opposition by fifteen lengths. The race was billed as a mouthwatering clash. However when push came to shove the two promising young stars had no match for the champion as he gunned them down and ran away to win by over two. Jezki was second while Our Conor was third.

Conclusion of a Champion and the future:

Hurricane Fly is the first horse ever to win a record eighteen Grade 1 wins. He has constantly beaten the best Irish and British hurdlers. Willie Mullins has stated that he has settled more in his races and seems to get better with age. It has been confirmed that he will take a similar route to last season starting with the Irish Champion Hurdle, then on to Cheltenham and then finally Punchestown in April. Punters feel that Hurricane Fly won't beat The New One or My Tent Or Yours who both have got off at the top level in the UK. While others believe Jezki & Our Conor will come on for the run. Hurricane Fly is the true champion and I personally think that if he shows up at Presbury Park then The New One, My Tent Or Yours, Jezki & Our Conor won't beat him. The Hurricane will unleash his force once again. He is a true champion and the best we may ever see. 

Sires Profile National Hunt: Imperial Monarch & Recital

Coolmore announced on Monday 23rd December 2013 that they will be adding two new exciting young sires to the national hunt scene. Imperial Monarch an unbeaten two-year-old and Group one winning three-year-old and Recital a Group one winning two-year-old. They will both take up stud duties at The Beeches Stud at a fee of €2,500 each.

Imperial Monarch (IRE

• 09 Bay Colt by Galileo x Ionian Sea (Slip Anchor)
• To Stud: The Beeches Stud
• Fee; €2,500

Imperial Monarch is a superbly bred & superior looking son of Galileo. He was unbeaten in one start as a two-year-old winning in a competitive maiden at The Curragh. He came back as a three-year-old winning the Group three Sandown classic trial in impressive fashion having lost a few lengths. Connections disappointingly swerved the derby and instead took him to France where he won the Group one Grand Prix De Paris beating Main Sequence who was second to Camelot in the Derby. Imperial Monarch didn't win again. He has breeding to make a huge impact in the breeding shed. His dam was a listed winner in France. Ionian Sea has since become a formidable broodmare. She is the dam of dual Group three winner Mount Athos, as well as The Great Gatsby who was second in the Derby. His full sister Roman Empress was third in the Yorkshire Oaks while another full brother Magritte was placed in the Racing Post Trophy. They are all by Sadler's Wells.  Ionian Sea is a half sister to jumps sire sensation Oscar. He was second in the French derby, his full brother Blue Stag was second in the Derby and is a sire in Brazil. They are out of dual Group three winner Snow Day. Imperial Monarch traces back to champion older horse Sakhee. At €2,500 he is a huge bargain sire
and I have full belief that he can make it as a stallion in the ever competive jumps sphere. 

Recital (FR)

• 09 Bay Coly by Montjeu x Dibenoise (Kenmare) 
• To Stud: The Beeches Stud
• Fee: €2,500

Recital was a Group one winning two-year-old winning the criterium saint cloud in France. As a three-year-old he added further black type by winning a moderate renewal of the Group three Derrinstown stud derby trial. He finished sixth to his paternal half brother Pour Moi in the Derby. Sold to connections in Qatar, he made little impact & will return to home soil to stand at stud. Recital has a very interesting pedigree. He is bred on the same Montjeu/Kenmare cross as seventeen times Grade one winner and dual champion hurdler Hurricane Fly. Recital also has a nice pedigree to back him up. He is a brother to Group one Prix Ganay winner  Corre Comino's. While his half siblings include multiple French Group winner Racinger.  The line traces back to French champion two-year-old filly Princesse Lida, who was also joint champion in Europe. 

First Season Sire Profile: Orfevre & Novellist

King George winner Novellist and dual Arc De Triomphe runner up Orfevre both head an exciting list of young sires retiring to Japan. Novellist is one of the first sons of Monsun to stand in Japan while Orfevre has some of the best Japanese bloodlines to offer. These are two young exciting sire prospects who will both take up stud duties at Shadai Stallion Station, Japans most influential and successful stallion farm.


Novellist (IRE)

• 09 Bay Colt by Monsun x Night Lagoon (Lagunas)
• To Stud: Shadai Stallion Station, Japan 

Novellist brings Japanese breeders some of the best German bloodlines to offer. Although he is listed as being an Irish bred horse he carries a strong German pedigree with a good reputation. Novellist is one of the first sire sons of his sire the late great Monsun to stand at stud in Japan. His dam Night Lagoon was champion two-year-old filly in Germany in 2003. She is a half sister to German Derby runner up Night Tango. Novellist remains her best produce to date. Nigh Lagoon has produced two other progeny by Monsun. They are Navajo Queen & Navajo Storm both were winners but neither came close in regards to ability to their younger star sibling. Novellist won four Group one's in total. He ran a brilliant race in the King George beating Irish Derby winner Treading Leather. He also won the Group one Grand Prix Saint Cloud in France. In his homeland of Germany he won the Group one Grosser Preis Von Baden and the Gran Premio Del Jockey club. He was also second in the German Derby. 

Orfevre (JPN)

• 08 Chesnut colt by Stay Gold x Oriental Art (Mejiro McQueen)
• To Stud: Shadai Stallion Station, Japan

Orfevre was a hugely popular horse in his native homeland. He emulated  Japanese sire sensation Deep Impact by winning the Japanese Triple Crown. Orfevre has also won the Grade one Arima Kinen twice in Japan. He was also second in the Japan Cup. Orfevre came to France where he won consecutive running's of the Group two Prix Foy. On each of these wins he became favorite for the Prix De L'Arc De Triomphe. He finished second in the race twice finding the late surge of Solemia too good in the 2012 Arc and this year he had beaten all bar the superb filly Treve. Orfevre is a brother to two time Grade one winner Dream Journey, who was also champion two-year-old colt and champion older horse in Japan. They are out of Oriental Art, a three time winner in Japan. She has become a superb broodmare. She has a yearling full brother to Orfevre and Dream Journey. 

Broodmare Focus: Moonlight Cloud

It was announced on the 8th December 2013 that multiple Group 1 winner Moonlight Cloud was being retired from racing after a sixth placed finish in Hong Kong. The daughter of Irish National Stud stalwart stallion Invincible Spirit carried all before her this year winning a third 

consecutive Prix Maurice De Gheest and adding the Prix Jacques Les Marois and Prix Le Foret to her already impressive tally of wins. Moonlight Cloud is the only horse ever to get as close to Australian sensation Black Caviar when going down by a nose in the Group 1 Diamond Jubilee at Royal Ascot in 2012. 

Moonlight Cloud is from a very successful female line. She is out of the listed placed mare Ventura. She has become a broodmare of considerable note. As well as producing Moonlight Cloud she is also the dam of  Cedar Mountain. A son of Galileo he is a dual stakes winner in America. Ventura has three other progeny  including Satin Box, a daughter of Manduro she was subsequently sold to Coolmore for E400,000 as a yearling in 2011. She has yet to make her debut and is currently in the care of David Wachman. Another foal is When In Doubt. This daughter of Montjeu was second beaten a neck in a two-year-old maiden recently in France. When In Doubt is trained by M Dezangles for Qatar Racing. This year saw the current progeny of Ventura go under the hammer when Oceanic Bloodstock had to part with E360,000 for a filly by first season sire Makfi. 

Moonlight Clouds second dam is multiple stakes winner Wedding Bouquet. She won Group 3 races in Ireland and America. Ventura was her best progeny to run, however her daughters have gone on to become notable broodmares. One of Wedding Bouquet's daughters apart from Ventura to have success in the paddocks in Wedding Morn. A daughter of the legemdary sire Sadler's Wells. She is the dam of Group 2 Railway stakes winner Probably, a son of Danehill Dancer he was subsequently sold to connections in Norway after his two-year-old campaign. His best effort there was when he won a Listed race in August of this year and he hasnt been able to capture the form he once showed in Ireland. Wedding Bouquets other daughters Liege and Maddelina, a sister to Wedding Morn are also blacktype producers. Liege a daughter of Night Shift is the dam of Listed winner Bruges. Liege is also the grand dam of Group winner Talwar. Maddelina meanwhile is the grand dam of Group 3 winner Hawaafez. 

The third dam Doff The Derby made significant impact in the breeding shed. She is the dam of dual derby winner and champion colt Generous. A son of Caerleon Generous wasn't a lucrative sire at stud, his best performer being Catella who was a stakes winner. Doff The Derby's dual classic heroine Imagine had a much better start to her life at stud. A daughter of Sadler's Wells, Imagine won the Irish guineas and epsom Oaks in a lucrative racing career. Her first foal was joint champion two-year-old colt Horatio Nelson. A son of champion sire Danehill, Horatio Nelson won the Prix jean Luc Lagadere in France and was desperately unlucky not to to keep his unbeaten record in tact when just touched off by subsequent derby winner Sir Percy in the Dewhurst. Horatio Nelson never regained his two-year-old form and after finishing unplaced in the 2000 guineas he sadly broke down when travelling well in the Epsom Derby and was subsequently euthanized. Imagine's two other racing progeny Viscount Nelson by Giant's Causeway and Kitty Matcham by Rock Of Gibralter earned their dam more blacktype success as a broodmare. Imagine's full sister Strawberry Roan who was classic placed is the grand dam of Cape Dollar who won the Group 2 Rockfel stakes. 

Moonlight Cloud is from a lucrative family and there is no reason why she cant become a blacktype producer. Her name is sure to appear in the pedigree of future champions. Now the attention is focused on what stallion will cover this superb miler. Moonlight Cloud's sire Invincible Spirit has an exciting future ahead as a broodmare sire and also a sire of sires. Daughters of Invincible Spirit have produced Group 3 winner Perfect Tribute as well as listed scorers Drive To Hell and Melbourne Memories. Interestingly Melbourne Memories is by Sleeping Indian, a horse who shared the same owner/breeder with Moonlight Cloud in George Strawbridge. 

There is one stallion that stands out for me as the potential match for Moonlight Cloud and that is Dubawi. He has already worked with mares by Invincible Spirit with Perfect Tribute being a product of the cross. He also has an excellent record with mares by Moonlight Clouds grand sire Green Desert. 

First Foal of Peeping Fawn up for grabs at Arqana Sales

The upcoming Arqana December Sale held in France gives any buyer the unique opportunity to access a formidable pedigree line. The well named Purely Priceless is sure to have many leading agents attention when she will be auctioned off as LOT 170.

She is the first foal out of four time Group 1 winning mare Peeping Fawn who is from an outstanding female line synonymous with producing champions. Purely Priceless is also by champion sire and upcoming broodmare sire Galileo. The Galileo/Danehill cross is one of the most sought after lines in the world. Among the Group 1 winners bred on this exact cross include Frankel, Maybe, Teofilo, Intello, etc. Although her race record isn't outstanding she was a versatile filly winning twice from five starts and placing third in all her other starts in France. Purely Priceless is rated 88 by Timeform.

Purely Priceless has broodmare potential written all over her and connections also feel she would be a beautiful racing prospect as a four-year-old. Purely Priceless is a half sister to dual stakes placed Sir John Hawkins by HenryTheNavigator. Sir John Hawkins will be a three-year-old in 2014 and it is highly interesting weather he can improve with age. Their dam Peeping Fawn has a colt foal by Tapit and interestingly is in foal to Japanese sire sensation Deep Impact.

Purely Priceless second dam is Maryinsky. She won two races and was second in the fillies mile as a two-year-old. Maryinsky became a top class mare at stud. By numerous champion sire and dam sire Sadler's Wells she produced Peeping Fawn and also TheWayYouAre, who won the Group 1 criterium international as a two-year-old.  TheWayYouAre is currently standing his fourth season at stud in Coolmore. Maryinsky has a yearling filly by champion Australian sire Fastnet Rock and visited him again in 2013.

Blush With Pride the third dam was a formidable mare both on the track and in the paddocks. As a race mare she won the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks and the Susanna stakes Grade 1.  Blush with Pride is the dam of dual Grade 1 producer Better Then Honour, a dual Grade 1 placed mare she went on to produce champion american filly Rags To Riches. A winner of the Kentucky oaks like her grand dam,  Rags To Riches went on to beat the males in the Grade 1 Belmont stakes.  Rags To Riches has produced four foals at stud. Her first a filly by Giant's Causeway is un raced, while her second foal Admirer by HenryTheNavigator hasn't made much of an impact. Rags To Riches has a yearling colt and colt foal both by Galileo and visited him for the third time in 2013. As well as producing Rags To Riches, Better Than Honour also produced Jazil, who would give his dam a second Belmont stakes success.

There are five individual Group 1 winners in Purely Priceless pedigree with many of them becoming champions. The public sale of Purely Priceless gives breeders the unique opportunity to own some of this quality bloodlines. She is sure to be in popular demand when she enters the ring at Arqana.

Goffs Breeding Stock Sale Top Lots (foals)

(1). Bay Colt foal by Rip Van Winkle x Faraday Light (Rainbow Quest)
Price: E420,000
Buyer: David Redvers Bldstk

This colt is from the second foal crop of champion miler Rip Van Winkle. He is out of the Rainbow quest mare Faraday Light. This makes him a half brother to classic winner Just The Judge, his 2yo half brother Obliterator won his only start as a 2yo. Their dam Faraday Light is a half sister to Group 2 winner High Heeled. They are both out of american graded winner Uncharted Haven, herself a half sister to the dam of Grade 1 runner up Ferneley.

(2).  Bay Filly foal by Acclamation x Sogno Verde (Green Desert)
Price: E360,000
Buyer: John Ferguson 

This filly is a sister to leading 2yo Lilbourne Lad whose wins included the Group 2 Railway stakes. He was also 2nd in the Group 1 Middle Park.  They are half siblings to Group 2 placed Bobbyscot. Their dam Sogno Verde a winner of one race is a half sister to dual stakes winner Pugin and Chartres.  The 3rd dam is champion 3yo filly Dark Lomond whose wins included the Pretty Polly and Irish leger. Sogno Verde has a yearling colt by Ravens Pass.

(3). Bay Filly foal by Sea The Stars x Ardbrae Lady (Overbury)
Price: E250,000
Buyer: Lodge Park Stud

This filly is a daughter of group 1 irish guineas runner up Ardbrea Lady. She is a half sister to stakes performers Jakaroo and Jammy Guest. Ardbrae Lady herself is a half sister to stakes winners Obre Gold and Radio Gaga. Ardbrae Lady has a 2yo filly by Galileo named Ardbrae Tara and a yearling filly by Danehill Dancer.

(4). Bay Filly foal by New Approch x Aria di Festa (Orpen)
Price: E250,000
Buyer: John Ferguson

This is the 2nd foal out of Italian Group 3 placed Aria di Festa. Aria di Festa is a half sister to the dam of dual stakes winner Mixed Intention. This is from the family of dual group 1 winner Danseuse Du Soir, herself dam of champion 2yo Scintillo. This is also the immediate family of multiple group 3 winner Jumbajukiba.

(5). Bay Colt foal by Dream Ahead x Love and Laughter (Theatrical)
Price: E200,000
Buyer: Shadwell Estate company

This colt is from the first crop of 5x group 1 winning sprinter Dream Ahead. His price is reflected in his pedigree. He is a half brother to dual Grade 1 winner Wigmore Hall. Their dam Love and Laughter is a half sister to stakes winner Kissing the Camera. They are out of group 3 winner Hoh Dear.

(6). Bay Filly foal by Shamardal x Idilic Calm (Indian Ridge)
Price E195,000
Buyer: Thistle Farm

This filly is a half sister to Grade 2 winners Steel Light & Calming Influence. Idilic Calm is a half sister to Grade 2 hurdler High In the Clouds. The 3rd dam Grenzen was a multiple graded winner in america.  She is the dam of dual Grade 1 winner Twilght Agenda and high class broodmare Market slide. At stud Market Slide produced Group 1 winners Media puzzle and Refuse To Bend. This is from the immediate family of Grade 1 belmont stakes winner Go And Go.

(7). Bay Filly foal by Mastercraftsman x Guantanamera (Sadler's Wells)
Price: E170,000
Buyer: D Farrington

This filly is by champion freshman sire Mastercraftsman. She is a half sister to Maxintius placed in the Group 2 Superlative stakes. They are out of the unraced Guantanamera, a 3/4 sister to Listed winner Really.  They are out of Bluffing a stakes placed half sister to Feminine Waves, herself a multiple stakes placed. This is from the family of champion multiple champion racehorse and sire Law Society.

(8). Bay Filly foal by Montjeu x Festoso (Diesis)
Price: E160,000
Buyer: Merriebelle Stable

This is the 3rd foal out of Group 2 placed mare Festoso, a half sister to Group 1 winner Olden Times. They are out of Garah a stakes winner and placed half sister to the dams of Group 2 winner Dandoun and Listed winner Tennessee Wildcat.

(9). Bay Colt foal by Sea The Stars x Lidakiya (Kayasi)
Price: E150,000
Buyer: Lynn Lodge Stud

This colt is well related being a half brother to dual Group 1 winner Linngari. Their dam is a half sister to Livadiya, a dual Listed scorer she was placed in the group 1 Tattersalls Gold cup, she is the dam of Liska, dam of group 3 placed filly Cape Express. This is from the family of Grade 1 placed Liyoun.

(10). Bay Colt foal by Rip Van Winkle x Ann Tudor (Anaaba)
Price: E145,000
Buyer: Camas Park Stud

This colt looks destined to return to the sales ring next year. He is a half brother to group 2 placed Alhaban. His dam is a half sister to stakes placed Cest  Notre Gris. This is from the immediate family of multiple group winner Maraahel.

Goffs Breeding Stock Sale Top Lots (Mares)

(1). Chicquita (IRE)

• Bay Filly by Montjeu x Prudenzia (Dansili)
• Price: E6,000,000
• Buyer: Peter & Ross Doyle Bldstk ltd

Chiquita smashed the record for a horse sold in Ireland when selling for a record E6M. A winner of the 2012 Irish Oaks, not only did she have the race record and the looks to prove her worth she also has the pedigree. Chiquita was sold at the 2011 Arqana Yearling sale for E600,000 to Badgers Bloodstock. She is by champion stallion Montjeu and is out of the stakes winning Dansili mare Prudenzia. Prudenzia is a half sister to group 3 winner Pacifique, also a daughter of Montjeu. Chicquita is from the family of triple oaks heroine Alexandrova and Group 1 winning 2yo filly Magical Romance. This is also from the immediate family of Gr3 winner Golden Sword. Chicquita's siblings have been highly sought out after at the sales. In 2012 her half sister by Galileo sold for E1,000,000, now named Sinnamary, she is unbeaten in 1 start. Meanwhile in 2013 Coolmore went to E1,000,000 to secure Sinnamary's full sister. Prudenzia produced a colt foal by invincible Spirit this year. 

(2). Fleeting Spirit (IRE)

• Bay Mare by Invincible Spirit x Millennium Tale (Distant Relative)
• Price: E1,100,000
• Buyer: Narvick International

It was obvious that Fleeting Spirit would be in demand. She proved herself to be a top class sprinter winning the July cup. She was also champion sprinter in Europe. Fleeting Spirit was also carrying to champion stallion Galileo for the third consecutive year since she retired from racing. Her yearling & foal both fillies by Galileo were sold at Goffs for E180,000 and E300,000 respectively. Fleeting Spirit is a half sister to Listed placed Alone He Stands. Fleeting spirit is the only Group 1 winner and the best horse to race under her first 3 dams. It was announced after her sale that she had been bought for clients in Japan. She would stay in Ireland to foal then be shipped to Japan for a date with their champion sire Deep Impact. 

(3). Song (IRE)

• Bay Mare by Sadler's Wells x Jude (Darshaan)
• Price: E1,000,000
• Buyer: Friarstown Stud

It is obvious that Song was going to be a hit when she was catloged in the sale. She is impeccably bred mare being a sister to Group 1 winning fillies Quarter Moon and Yesterday. Her other full sister All My Loving is a proven stakes producer being the dam of ill fated Thomas chippendale. Song is from one of the most sought after female families in the stud book. She is an own sister to Alloeutte the dam of dual Group 1 winning mares Alborada & Albanova. Jude dam of Song is a half sister to Last Second dam of Group 1 winner Aussie Rules and Alleliua dam of Group 1 winner Allegretto. Song produced a filly by Dansili, who sold for E300,000. She is also the first mare offered in Europe in foal to world champion racehorse Frankel.

(4). Hazel Lavery (IRE)

• Bay Filly by Excellent Art x Reprise (Darshaan)
• Price: E850,000
• Buyer: Donald Sackville

Hazel Lavery is a dual stakes winning mare. She is a half sister to fellow stakes winner Leo Gali. The dam Reprise has a full sister to Hazel Lavery, a 2yo named Minnie hazel. Further back in the family is american stakes winner Artema & french stakes winner Hello Soso.  Hazel Lavery was sold in foal to Frankel which brought her price up significantly. She was sold in 2012 for E250,000 but made E850,000 at Goffs. Her dam Reprise has a yearling filly by Duke Of Marmalade.

(5). Sparkle Plenty (IRE)

• Bay Filly by Galileo x Gwynn (Darshaan)
• Price: E650,000
• Buyer: Ecurie Des Monceaux

Sparkle Plenty is a beautifully bred mare. Her half siblings include Group winner Gagnoa and Group 1 Derby stakes winner and exciting young sire Pour Moi.  Her full sister was impressive 6 length Navan stakes winner Kissed.  The 3rd dam Royal Statue is the dam of champion filly Awaasif, she in turn is the dam of oaks winner Snow Bride, who in turn produced world champion Lammtara. Gwynn dam of Sparkle Plenty has a yearling colt and filly foal both by Galileo. 

(6). Shawara (IRE)

• Bay Mare by Barathea x Shamawna (Darshaan)
• Price: E550,000
• Buyer: Barronstown Stud

Shawara came to the sale as a Group 1 producer. She is the dam of dual Group 1 winner Shareta. Shawara is a half sister to Irish Oaks winner Shawanda, who is the dam of Group 1 winner Encke and stakes winner Genius Beast. Shawara was sold in foal to Sea The Stars. She has a yearling full brother to Shareta named Shaywan. 

(7). Funsie (IRE)

• Bay Mare by Saumerez x Vallee Dansante (Lyphard)
• Price: E550,000
• Buyer: John Warren Bloodstock

Funsie is also a Group 1 producer and came to the sale with a fierce reputation. She is the dam of European champion colt and derby winner Authorized, he is now the sire of 3 Group 1 winners at stud. She is also the dam of 2012 Tattersalls Yearling top lot Hydrogen, who sold for a then record E2,500,000 to Qatar racing. Funsie is a half sister to Group 3 winner Brooklyn's Dance. She is the dam of 2012 Prix De L'Arc De Triomphe winner Solemia as well as Group 1 placed pair Prospect Wells and Prospect Park. Another of Funsie's half sisters is Princess Dansante who also sold for a record at Tattersalls December Sale. Funsie has a yearling colt and filly foal both by Galileo.  Her filly foal sold for E380,000. 

(8).  Glint Edge Girl (GB)

• Chesnut Mare by Monsieur Bond x Tahara (Cearleon)
• Price: E550,000
• Buyer: Flaxman Stables Ireland LTD

Glint Edge Girl's biggest success came in the Group 1 Prix De L'Abbeye. She was also a dual stakes winner and is by far her sires best progeny. Her half brother Godfrey Street won the group 2 Flying Childers. Their dam Tahara is a half sister to Tariysha the dam of champion 2yo colt Arcano. Glint Edge Girl was the only mare in the catalog sold in foal to champion Australian sire Redoute's Choice. Glint Edge Girl has a yearling filly by Oasis Dream named Mollycoddled, who is due to be sold at Goffs in February. Glint Edge Girl's dam Tahara has a yearling filly by Acclamation and foaled a colt by Galileo this year. 

(9). Bunairgead (IRE)

• Bay Filly by New Approach x Montecito (Seeking The Gold)
• Price: E520,000
• Buyer: Gordon Troeller B/S

Bunairgead is a Listed winner and multiple stakes placed. She is by young sire sensation New Approach. She is a half sister to stakes placed Tawaassol. Their dam Montecito was also a stakes winner and placed. Montecito is out of graded winner Storm and Sunshine, she is the dam of stakes winners Smile Again and Halo Sunshine, both also grade 3 winners in america.

(10). Festoso  (IRE)

• Bay Mare by Diesis x Garah (Ajdal)
• Price: E450,000
• Buyer: Blandford B/S

Festoso proved a valuable addition to Goffs. She was the only mare cataloged in foal to champion stallion Galileo. She is a dual stakes winner including when 2nd in the Group 1 Cheveley Park stakes. She is a half sister to Group 1 Prix jean prat winner Olden Times. They are out of Garah a multiple stakes placed mare. Garah is a half sister to french group 2 winner Dandoun as well as to the dam of stakes placed TennesseeWildcat. Festoso has a 2yo colt by late sire Montjeu named Sahara Desert, a yearling colt by Galileo and foaled a full sister to Sahara Gold this year. 

New To Lanwades Stud in 2014: Leroidesanimaux & North Light

Leroidesanimaux (BRZ)

• by Candy Stripes x Dissemble (Ahonoora)

A triple Grade 1 winner over a mile. He was Eclipse Award champion Turf horse in 2005. Leroidesanimaux has already proved himself at stud. He is the sire of three Grade 1 winners including champion Animal Kingdom as well as Grade 1 winning 2yo Una Cabeza. He was also the Leading Sire by earnings in America. Leroidesanimaux previously stood at Hallmark Stallions in America. Although he ran in America and was bred in Brazil, Leroidesanimaux has a strong European pedigree. His dam is a half sister to Hasili, the dam of Group/Grade 1 winners Intercontinental, Heat Haze, Caqique, Banks Hill, Champs Elysees and stallion sensation Dansili. Another of Dissemble's half sisters is Arrive dam of leading Irish filly Promising Lead and Group 2 winner Visit. Skiable dam of leading 2yo Three Valley's is another half siblings. Leroidesanimaux is an exciting recruit to the European stallion ranks. He is an exciting and perfect cross for Sadler's Wells mares, mares by his relation Dansili will be interesting. 

North Light (IRE)

• by Danehill x Sought Out (Rainbow Quest)

North Light previously stood at Adena Springs in Kentucky. He is the only horse by his great sire Danehill to win the Epsom Derby. North Light is from a very good Ballymaccoll family. He is a half brother to dual Group winner Cover Up. His 2nd dam Edinburgh was joint 3rd champion filly in France. She is the grand dam of Group 1 winner and exciting young national hunt stallion Gamut. This is from the same female family that produced Derby placed pair Golan and Tartan Bearer. North Light's early success at stud was fittingly in Europe when his son Artic Cosmos won the St Leger. North Light has since been champion sire in Canada. He has sired Group winners in 3 continents. Being a son of Danehill out of a Rainbow Quest mare, like Leroidesanimaux he is from a well known European family. North Light should be very appealing to European breeders. 

Tattersalls Oct Book 1 2013: Top 10 Lots

(1). Lot 233 Bay Filly by Galileo x Alluring Park (Green Desert)

Price: 5,000,000gns

Buyer: Mandore International

This filly is a full sister to Group 1 Epsom Oaks winner Was who sold at this sale for £1,200,000 in 2010. Their other full sister made £1,500,000 at the 2012 October sale, she has recently been named Al Jassasiyah. They are out of Alluring Park a dual Listed placed full sister to Shinko Forest. Alluring Park is a daughter of champion mare Park Express winner of the Group 1 Irish Champion stakes. Alluring Park is half sister to multiple Group 1 winner New Approach, winner of the 2008 Epsom derby he is now a leading young sire. Dazzling Park is another half sibling she won the Group 1 Matron stakes and was European champion filly. Her daughter Glinting Desert went on to produce Group 1 Phoenix stakes winner Alfred Nobel. She is the first filly ever to sell for £5,000,000 and will go into training with Andre Fabre.

(2). Lot 144 Bay Colt by Galileo x Shastye (Danehill)

Price: 3,600,000gns

Buyer: MV Magnier

This colt is a full brother to Listed winner and dual Oaks placed Secret Gesture, 2nd in both the Epsom Oaks \& German Oaks. Their dam is the Listed placed Shastye she comes from a top class family. Shastye is out of champion Italian mare Sageneca. Shastye is a half sister to Group 1 Arc De Triomphe winner Sagamix and Group 1 Criterium International winner Sagacity. Sagamix's full sister Sage Et Jole is the dam of Prix d'Ispahan winner Sageburg. Another half sibling Almighty was 2nd in the Group 3 Chester Vase, while their other half sister Sagalina is the dam of Group 1 Prix Saint Alary winner Sagawara.

(3).Lot 180 Bay Colt by Oasis Dream x Tariysha (Daylami)

Price: 1,100,000gns

Buyer: Shadwell Estate Company

This colt is a full brother to Group 1 Prix Morny winner & Group 2 July stakes winner Arcano now a young sire. They are out of Tariysha an unraced half sister to Tahara the dam of Group 1 Prix D'Abbey winner Glint Edge Girl.

(4). Lot 354 Bay Colt by Oasis Dream x Dar Re Mi (Singspiel)

Price: 850,000gns

Buyer: Charlie Gordon Watson

This is the first foal out of Group 1 Yorkshire Oaks, Pretty Polly & Dubai Sheema Classic winner Dar Re Mi. Dar Re Mi is a daughter of Group 1 winner Darara. Dar Re Mi is a half sister to three other individual Group 1 winners including  Group 1 Prince Of Wales stakes & Dubai Sheema classic winner Rewilding, Hong Kong Group 1 winner Diaghilev & Australian Group 1 winner Darazari. She is also a half sister to stakes performers Kilamenjaro & Rhagaas. The 2nd dam Darara is a half sister to Group 1 winner & champion broodmare sire Darshaan as well as dual Group 1 winner Daliapour. They are out of Group 3 placed mare Delsy.

(5). Lot 405 Bay Filly by Galileo x Frappe (Inchinor)

Price 775,000gns

Buyer: MV Magnier

This filly is coupled with a lovely pedigree. She surely has to be considered as a guineas type filly. She is a half sister to dual Group 1 winner Power. He himself won the Irish 2000 guineas as well as the Criterium International as a 2yo.  She is also a half sister to Group 2 Ribblesdale stakes winner Thakafaat. Frappe herself is a daughter of unbeaten Group winning 2yo Glatisant. This makes Frappe a half sister to unbeaten 2000 guineas winner Footstepsinthesand & Group 1 Phoenix stakes winner Pedro The Great.  Glatisant herself is a half sister to Rainbow Goddess & Council Rock the dams of Mahler & Superstar Leo who was European champion 2yo filly.

(6). LOT 302 Bay Colt by Oasis Dream x Briolette (Sadler's Wells)

Price: 650,000gns

Buyer: John Ferguson

This colt is out of a Group 3 placed half sister to champion older horse Pilsudski. Briolette herself is an own sister to Peach Out Of Reach. A listed winner Peach Out Of Reach is the dam of stakes winner Baraka. This is from the immediate family of Group 1 winning half brothers Youmzain & Crachadoir as well as their stakes winning half sister Shreyas. Also from the family is Group 3 winner Luminous Eyes.

(7). LOT 394 Bay Colt by Montjeu x First Breeze (Woodman)

Price 650,000gns

Buyer: John Warren Bloodstock

This colt is out of a winning half sister to Grade 1 handicap winner Twilight Agenda. Another of the dams half sisters Market Slide produced Group 1 winners Media Puzzle and Refuse To Bend. This from the close family of Grade 1 Belmonst SWnr Go And Go and dual derby placed Casual Conquest. 

(8). LOT 359 Bay Colt by Dubawi x Demisemiquaver (Singspeil)

Price: 650,000gns

Buyer: John Ferguson

This colt is out of a winning half sister to Grade 2 winner Miss Caerleona, she herself is the dam of dual Group 1 placed and Grade 3 winning filly Karens Caper. Karens Caper in turn is the dam of Kinglet a Group 3 winner in Dubai. This is from the immediate family of Group winner & Group 1 placed 2yo Bonfire and also Group 1 winners Miss Satamixa and Blue Bunting. 

(9). LOT 390 Chesnut Colt by Galileo x Field Of Hope (Selkirk)

Price: 650,000gns

Buyer: Blandford Bloodstock

This colt is out of Group 1 Prix la Foret winner Field Of Hope. She is the dam of 4 stakes winners/performers including Ransom Hope a Listed winner and Group placed in Rome, dual Listed winner Field Of Dream, dual Listed winner and Group placed Dormello and Group 1 placed Olympian Odyssey.

(10). LOT 262 Bay Colt by Oasis Dream x Annabelle's Charm (Indian Ridge)

Price: £625,000

Buyer: John Ferguson

This is the first foal out of Listed winner and Group 3 placed Annabelle's Charm. She is a daughter of Kylemore who is an own sister to Group 1 winners Ballingarry and Aristotle. Kylemore is of course a daughter to Moyglare winner Flamenco Wave. This makes her a half sister to Group 1 winner Starborough and a half sister to Leaping Water the dam of 6x Group 1 winner the high class Saint Nicholas Abbey and his Graded 3 winning half brother Grammarian. 

Goffs Orby Sale 2013: Top 10 Lots

(1). LOT 331 Bay Colt by Montjeu x Finsceal Beo (Mr Greeley)
Price: €2,850,000
Buyer: MV Magnier
This colt is the third foal out of dual European champion filly Finsceal Beo. He is a half brother to the unraced Finsceal Fior (Galileo) & Too The Stars (Sea The Stars), who cost €800,000 at the 2011 Goffs November foal Sale. To date Too The Stars in unraced. Their dam Finsceal Beo was a multiple Gr1 winner including the Eng/Irish guineas double. Finsceal Beo is a half sister to German Gr2 winner Frozen Power.  Their yearling half brother by Acclamation sold for £180,000 at the Tattersalls  October book 1 yearling sale.

(2). LOT 354 Bay Filly by Galileo x Green Room (Theatrical)
Price: €680,000
Buyer: MV Magnier
This filly is a half sister to Gr1 Prix Jean Prat winner Lord Shanakill.  They are out of the un-raced Green Room. She herself is a half sister to Grade 1 Yellow Ribbon Handicap winner Spanish Fern. They are half sisters to the dams of Hearts Of Fire who was champion 2yo in Germany and to the dam of Grade1 Santa Anita handicap winner Heatseeker, also a leading 2yo in Europe. The 2nd dam Chain Fern is an own sister to champion 3yo Irish mare Al Bahathri, who in turn is the dam of 2000 guineas winner Haafhd.


(3). LOT 341 Bay Filly by Acclamation x Gallistic (Galileo)
Price: €580,000
Buyer: Peter & Ross Doyle
This filly is a half sister to Listed winner Guinnevre. Their dam Gallistic is a stakes winning half sister to stakes placed Jazz Police. This filly comes from the family of Derby winner Sir Percy, Group 3 winners Gracie O Malley & Mikhail Glinka and Listed winning 2yo filly Sandiva.

(4). LOT 198 Bay Filly by Ravens Pass x Albisola (Montjeu)
Price: €520,000
Buyer: Shadwell Estate Company
This filly is out of dual stakes winner Albisola. Albisola herself is a half sister to Tonara, herself the dam of Group 1 winner Most Improvement. There is certainly no shortage of SWnrs under her 3rd dam with Group winners Stagelight & Ivan Lucius to name a few.

(5). LOT 345 Bay Filly by Iffraaj x Give a Whistle (Mujahid) 

Price: €500,000

Buyer: Shadwell Estate Company
This filly is a half sister to stakes winners including Group 3 winner Pasar Silbano & Listed scorer Gerfalcon. Her other half sibling Give Way Nelson was stakes placed. Her 2yo half sister Come To Heel who is a sister to Pasar Silbano was a Listed winner and was placed in the Group 1 Cheveley Park stakes this year. Her 2nd dam Refique is a half sister to dual Group 1 winner Indian Lodge and is a half sibling to Group 2 winner Sarhoob and Listed winners Sifting Gold & Buy Or Sell.

(6). LOT 245 Bay Filly by Galileo x Bonheur (Royal Academy)
Price: E480,000
Buyer: David Redvers
This filly is a half sister to multiple Group 3 winner Caribbean Sunset who was also placed in the Grade 1 Diana Stakes, Coronation stakes and Irish 1000 Guineas. Her full sister is the Listed and Group placed filly Snow Queen. They are out of Bonheur a daughter of Grade 1 winner Queen To Conquer. Bonheur is a half sister to champion German filly Quebrada, later dam of Italian Group 3 winner Quilanga. Another of Bonheur's half sisters Quetena also produced Italian Group 1 winner Querari.

(7). LOT 101 Bay Colt by Galileo x Saoire (Pivotal)
Price E425,000
Buyer: MV Magnier
This colt is out of Group 1 Irish 1000 Guineas winner and Group placed filly Saoire. His half brother Requisition was a Listed winner as a 2yo. He has a 2yo unraced full brother named Sundara. Saoire is the only high class horse to come out of her family line. She is a half sister to Listed placed Awinnersgame. The 2nd dam Polish Decent is a half sister to Group 3 winner Wistful Tune.

(8). Lot 335 Bay Filly by Fastnet Rock x Flashing Green (Green Desert)
Price: E420,000
Buyer: MV Magnier
This filly is a half sister to Listed winners Flashing Colour, Flash Dance and Tha'ir. She also has a 2yo unraced half sister called Tautou Montjeu,a daughter of ill fated champion sire Montjeu. Their dam Flashing Green is a half sister to champion 2yo Italian filly Croeso Cariad and Listed winner and multiple Group placed mare Mona Lisa. Another half sister is Listed winner Photogenic. The 3rd dam is champion broodmare Reprocolor, a dual Group 3 winner she is the dam of Group 1 winners Kayf Tara (a 3x champion older stayer in Europe), Cezanne (Champion older horse in Ireland), Colorspin winner of the Group 1 Irish Oaks and Opera House (Champion older horse in Ireland in 1992 and in Europe in 1993).

(9). LOT 176 Bay Filly by Dubawi x Watership Crystal (Sadler's Wells)
Price: E380,000
Buyer: John Ferguson 
This filly is out of a sister to Group 2 winner Dubai Success and Group 2 Derrinstown derby trial placed Tchalkovsky. Their half siblings include Crystal Music winner of the Group 1 Meon Valley stud stakes, she is the grand dam of Group 2 winner Ocovango. Another of the dams half sisters included Solar Crystal who was placed in the Group 1 French guineas. 

(10). LOT 378 Bay Filly by Dalakhani x Inchmahone (Galileo)
Price: E380,000
Buyer: David Wachman 
This filly is a half sister to dual Oaks placed filly Venus De Milo 2nd in both the Irish & Yorkshire Oaks. She was also a Listed winner when winning the Oaks Trial. Their dam Inchmahome is a half sister to Group winner & Group 1 placed and subsequent Group 1 sire Inchinor, as well as to the dam of Grade 1 winner Miss Keller. This is from the family of Group 3 winners Ursa Major & Hawks Eye.

First Season Sires to Stud in 2014

Every year sees a flurry of Group one winners retired to stud. Next year however seems an exciting year as an interesting batch of champions try to prove themselves as super sires. The following are some of the Group one winners set to retire to stud in Europe for 2014.

Al Kazeem (GB)

• 08 B.C by Dubawi x Kazeem (Darshaan)
• To Stud: The Royal Studs, UK
• Fee £18,000

A triple Group 1 winner Al Kazeem proved himself one of Europe's best older horses by winning three of Europe's prestigious Group 1 races at 10F. He is an exciting recruit to the British stallion ranks. He is one of only a handful of sons of his sire at stud. His paternal half brother Makfi has enjoyed tremendous support from breeders and buyers. Al Kazeem is sure to be well liked by breeders, as he is quite the looker. He is out of minor winner Kazeem, an own sister to Grade 2 winner Treasurer.  The 2nd dam Kanz was placed in the Yorkshire Oaks. Kanz is a half sister to Diomedia and Media Stargate both Grade stakes winners. This is from the immediate family of champion Italian colt Glint Of Gold and Catella a Group 1 winner in Germany. This is also from the family of Armiger winner of the RP Trophy and also placed 2nd in both the St Leger and Prix Lupin. Mares by Sadler's Wells & Danehill and their sire sons look obvious choices. Sire Sons by Danzig and Mr Prospector are also appealing. 

 Camelot  (GB)

• 09 B.C by Montjeu x Tarfah (Kingmambo) 
• To Stud: Coolmore, Ireland
• Fee: E25,000 

This unbeaten 2yo and triple classic winner is a very exciting addition to Coolmore. He will join his paternal half brother Pour Moi at Coolmore. Camelot is an interesting sire prospect by Montjeu. After a few disappointing years with his stallion sons, Montjeu now seems to be working as a sire of sires. Motivator & Authorized, his first sire sons are now starting to shine at stud. Motivator siring unbeaten Arc winner Treve. She is one of two Group 1 winners for her sire. Meanwhile Authorized has recently got his 3rd individual Group 1 winner courtesy of Seal Of Approval in the British Champion Mare stakes. Camelot for me looks to be Montjeu's most exciting new stallion prospect. He looks a sire made for mares by such sire lines  as Danehill, Darshaan, Gone West, Rainbow Quest etc. I can also see a lot of mares from the Sadler's Wells line added to his first book creating a lot of 3x3 inbreeding to the great sire.

 Dawn Approach (IRE)

• 10 CH.C by New Approach x Hymn Of The Dawn (Phone Trick)
• To Stud: Kildangan Stud, Ireland
• Fee: E35,000

Dawn Approach was beautifully handled by his owner/breeder & trainer Jim Bolger. He was an unbeaten dual Group 1 winning two-year-old. He emulated his sire New Approach by becoming European champion two-year-old of his year. Dawn Approach added two more Group 1's to his record as a three-year-old at a mile. His last win proved to be the St James Palace stakes at Ascot in June. Dawn Approach is the first colt to represent his sire at stud. Dawn Approach is out Hymn Of The Dawn also trained by Bolger. She was unsuccessful in 6 starts. Dawn Approach's female family doesn't represent high class horses. He is the only Group 1 winner to come from the the family since Miss Oceana a sister to his 3rd dam. Dawn Approach is inbred 5x5 to Neartic the sire of the great Northern Dancer. Northern Dancer line looks an obvious mating choice for him. One sire line that looks intriguing is breeding from Green Desert who has had success with his sires family.

Declaration Of War (USA)

• 09 B.C by War Front x Tempo West (Rahy)
• To Stud: Coolmore, Ireland
• Fee: E40,000

A dual Group 1 winner Declaration Of War proved himself a top class older miler and middle distance horse. Declaration Of War is the first stallion of his sire War Front to stand in Europe. With his sire creating waves in America, it is certain Declaration Of War will be well supported. He is out of minor winnner Tempo West. Declaration Of War is a half brother to Listed winner Vertiformer while his full brother War Pact was stakes placed in France. Tempo West is a half sister to dual Grade 1 winner Union Rags, whose wins included the Belmont stakes. Mares from such sires lines as Sadler's Wells, Storm Cat & Danehill look intriguing 

Farhh (GB)

• 08 B.C by Pivotal x Gonbarda  (Lando)
• To Stud: Dalham Hall Stud, UK
• Fee: £17,500

Farhh retires to stud as a dual Group 1 winner. Both his Group 1 wins coming as a five-year-old. The older this horse got the better he became. Sire sons of Pivotal have done fairly well at stud. Kyllachy, Captain Rio and Falco to name a few. Farhh is out of dual German Group 1 winner Gonbarda & is from the family of top class older horse Fame And Glory. His dam is a half sister to  SWnrs  Gonfilla & Gonlargo. Gonbarda's  full brother Gorlor was a Listed winner & Group 3 placed. The strong German line means that mares by champion German sires such as Monsun, Lomitas have to be highly considered as potential mates for Farhh. 

Havana Gold (IRE)

• B.C by Teofilo x Jessica's Dream (Desert Style)
• To Stud: Tweenhills Farm, UK
• Fee: £8,500

Havana Gold was a consistent horse. His highest success coming in the Group 1 Prix Jean Prat. He is the first horse to represent his sire Teofilo at stud. He is one of five Group 1 winners for his sire. Havana Gold is from a decent family. His dam Jessica's Dream was a Group 3 winner and multiple Group placed. She is a half sister to Major's Cast who was 2nd in the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes and 3rd in the Group 1 Prix Du Moulin. This is from the family of Grade 1 Hollywood Derby winner Ultimate Eagle. Being a grandson of Galileo, he is open to other sire lines from Sadler's Wells, Danehill, Rainbow Quest, Indian Ridge etc look interesting choices. 

Intello (GER)

• 10 B.C by Galileo x Impressionist (Danehill)
• To Stud: Cheveley Park Stud ,UK (2014-15), Haras Du Quesney, France (2016-17)
• Fee: £25,000

Intello is a very admirable racehorse. In all his nine starts he won six of them and was placed 3rd in all his other races including in the Arc De Triopmhe and Prix Jacques Les Marois. Intello is bred on the sensational Galileo/Danehill line. He comes with a nice stallions pedigree. His dam Impressionist was a Group winner in France. His 2nd dam Occupandiste was champion older mare in France. Intello comes from the female family of Elnadim. His 5th dam was Fall Aspen a high class mare,she became a phenomenal broodmare. This family line is also what produced Dubai Millennium. Intello's breeding is so inundated in Europe that a lot of his progeny will be inbred. I can see a lot of inbreeding to Sadlers Wells and Danehill. Leading young sire Teofilo bred on the same cross produced Group 1 winner Parish Hall from a mare by Montjeu. Although I'm personally not a fan of too near inbreeding it will no doubt be interesting to see what he can produce.  

Lethal Force (IRE)

• 09 GR.C by Dark Angel x Land Army (Desert Style)
• To Stud: Cheveley Park Stud, UK
• Fee: £12,500

Lethal Force proved himself Europe's best sprinter winning twice at the highest level. His exploits have really put his sire Dark Angel on the map. Lethal Force is an interesting stallion prospect. His dam Land Army is a half sister to SWnr Flanders, better known as the grand dam of dual Group 1 winner Flotilla. Lethal Force's pedigree is lacking star quality and there is no top class Group 1 horses in his dam line for some generations. However he is a very interesting future prospect for stud. Northern Dancer line mares look to be the perfect match for him. 

Most Improved (IRE)

• 09 B.C by Lawman x Tonnara (Linamix)
• To Stud: Castlehyde Stud (Coolmore), Ireland
• Fee: E6,000

Most Improved's only Group 1 success came in the St James Palace Stakes. He was also placed in the Dewhurst stakes a two-year-old. He was bought by the Coolmore partners at the end of his three-year-old campaign. Most Improved disappointed slightly as a four-year-old coming last in a Group 3 contest at Tipperary on his penultimate start. He is the second foal out of Tonnara a daughter of champion broodmare sire Linamix. Most Improved's pedigree received another mighty boost when his half brother Ectot, by Hurricane Run won the Criterium International recently. Tonnara is now the dam of two individual Group 1 winners. Tonnara's 2013 foal is a filly by Invincible Spirit. Interestingly this sire is the grand sire of her Group 1 winning half brother Most Improved. He is a good outcross for Sadler's Wells & Rainbow Quest mares  who have worked very well with his own sire Lawman and grand sire Invincible Spirit.

Reckless Abandon (USA)

• 10 B.C by Exchange Rate x Sant Elena (Efisio)
• To Stud: Kildangan Stud, Ireland
• Fee: E10,000

Reckless Abandon was an unbeaten champion two-year-old. He was a dual Group 1 winner. Reckless Abandon could not frank his form he had shown as a two-year-old and disappointed me slightly as a three-year-old. His best performance at three was a 3rd place behind Kingsgate Native in the Group 2 Temple stakes. His dam Sant Elena is a half sister to dual Grade 1 winner Ticker Tape. His 3rd dam Wiener Wald bred RP Trophy winner Crowded House. Wiener Wald's other progeny included Stakes performers On Reflection, Forest Crown & Riotous Applause. Having only shown his best form as a two-year-old I can't see Reckless Abandon making huge head way as a sire. However I would count him as a candidate for Freshman sire honors. Green Desert line notable for producing sprinters sounds an interesting choice. 

Saint Nicholas Abbey (IRE)

• 07 B.C by Montjeu x Leaping Water (Sure Blade)
• To Stud: Coolmore, Ireland

All going well for Saint Nicholas Abbey he will hopefully be joining his paternal half brother Camelot at Coolmore. Saint Nicholas Abbey was a top class race horse and is the highest earning European horse in history. He is also the only horse to win the Coronation Cup a remarkable three times. Saint Nicholas Abbey has a good pedigree to back him up. He is a half brother to Graded winner Grammarian. His 2nd dam is Flamenco Wave is the dam of three individual Group 1 winners including Ballingarry, Starborough and Aristotle. Although none of them could make any impact at stud I have belief that Saint Nicholas Abbey could. Mares by Danehill, Darshaan etc sound appealing 

Sea The Stars & Frankel debate who is the greatest??

This debate has been ongoing ever since both champions had established their greatness on the track. They won 16 Group 1 races between them. Both were victorious in the Group one 2000 Guineas & Juddmonte International. 

Many will personally agree with me that Sea The Stars race record is that bit stronger then Frankel's. Sea The Stars was tried from 8F to 12F and always seemed to be a better horse the further he went. He proved his absolute brilliance when running out a most impressive winner of Europe's top race The Prix De L'Arc De Triomphe. The race went terribly wrong for him from the start off. However with a brilliant jockey guiding him in Mick Kinane & his natural ability he exploded from the pack with less then 2F to run to beat a high quality field. 

Frankel was equally as brilliant. He was a most astonishing winner of the Group 1 Queen Anne stakes. Unlike Sea The Stars Frankel ran as a four-year-old. It was as an older horse that the public really got to see what he was capable of. For many racing fans it was a disappointment that Frankel wasn't stepped up in trip earlier in his career. (His last two runs were both at 10F). It was also a blow that Frankel never ran outside Britain. 

Sea The Stars was trained in Ireland by John Oxx while Frankel was trained in Britain by the late Sir Henry Cecil. Sea The Stars only raced once in his homeland as a three-year-old and also in France. He ran four times in Britain and all his runs were at the highest level. All of Frankel's 14 races were in Britain. Sea The Stars & Frankel are also closely related. Sea The Stars has one of the most sought after stallions pedigree in the world. He is a half brother to stallion sensation Galileo, who is the sire of non other then Frankel. Strictly speaking Sea The Stars could be called Frankel's uncle.  

When you ask people who is the greatest they go by the horses performance, the number of Group 1 winners they beat in their career etc. The votes have always been fairly close. The public appreciate both horses. The answer in my opinion can not be answered. It is impossible to know who was the better horse. Sea The Stars was majestic and only ever done enough in his races. Frankel on the other hand would destroy his rivals. But in my opinion although he beat some very high class horses they weren't of the ability of Sea The Stars. 

Their records prove  they were different horses. Sea The Stars was incredible over a mile while Frankel was breathtaking at a mile. It is hard to know who would come out on top if both had met. Many believe under a mile it would be Frankel and over a mile would be Sea The Stars. 

I honestly cannot say who would win. Sea The Stars won the guineas at a mile. Although he wasn't as visually stunning as Frankel because he only done enough to get his head in front. John Oxx always described him as "a horse who only ever done enough" while Frankel seemed to have a more competitive streak. The answer to who the greatest horse ever was simply cannot be identified. Simply because both were truly high class horses who never ran against each other. We don't know how they would fare against past greats such as Dancing Brave, Shergar, Nijinsky etc. I think people should remember the great days these two stars gave us on the track and appreciate the difference between them. But also how they captured the publics hearts with their stunning performances.