Thoroughbred Owner Breeder

THE £6.95 DECEMBER 2023 ISSUE 232

Stay the course Chris Giles on his enduring association with the Paul Nicholls stable

PLUS

Haras de Beaumont

Normandy outfit making an impact

John Francome

‘Staffing is racing’s biggest problem’

NH Breeders’ Showcase

Inaugural foal sale takes the plaudits

www.theownerbreeder.com

Enduring quality Int ro du cing

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1st Oct, Special Live Foal

FRANKEL

OA S I S D REA M

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An outstanding source of high-class speed

1st Oct, Special Live Foal

1st Oct, Special Live Foal

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£350,000

Contact Shane Horan, Henry Bletsoe or Claire Curry +44 (0)1638 731115 | nominations@juddmonte.co.uk

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Welcome Editor: Edward Rosenthal Bloodstock Editor: Nancy Sexton Design/production: Thoroughbred Group Editorial: 12 Forbury Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 1SB editor@ownerbreeder.co.uk www.theownerbreeder.com X: @TheOwnerBreeder Instagram: theownerbreeder Advertising: Giles Anderson UK: 01380 816777 IRE: 041 971 2000 USA: 1 888 218 4430 advertise@anderson-co.com Subscriptions: Keely Brewer subscriptions@ownerbreeder.co.uk 01183 385 686 The Owner Breeder can be purchased by non-members at the following rates:

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The Owner Breeder is owned by the Racehorse Owners Association Editorial views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of the ROA or TBA Our monthly average readership is 20,000

THE

Racehorse Owners Association Ltd 12 Forbury Road, Reading, Berkshire RG1 1SB Tel: 01183 385680 info@roa.co.uk • www.roa.co.uk

£6.95 DECEMBER 2023 ISSUE 232

Stay the course Chris Giles on his enduring association with the Paul Nicholls stable

PLUS

Haras de Beaumont

Normandy outfit making an impact

John Francome

‘Staffing is racing’s biggest problem’

NH Breeders’ Showcase

Inaugural foal sale takes the plaudits

www.theownerbreeder.com

Cover: Chasing debutant Stay Away Fay and Harry Cobden jumping nearside on their way to victory at Exeter in November for owners Chris Giles and Dave Staddon Photo: Bill Selwyn

Edward Rosenthal Editor

Chris Giles: the man who can’t stay away from jump racing G oodwill seems to be in short supply as we head into the festive period.

Worries over affordability checks and the lack of agreement between racing and betting over levy negotiations continue to cast a shadow over the sport, while a potential online gambling tax increase was the Christmas gift nobody wanted.

Small fields – and the odd walkover – are giving cause for concern on the racecourse, on both sides of the Irish Sea, while at the other end of the number spectrum the bizarre spectacle of Gordon Elliott fielding 14 runners in one race – which, unsurprisingly, he won – got a lot of people talking about the state of the industry.

Thankfully there are some good news stories out there and, in this magazine, I talk to Chris Giles (The Big Interview, pages 31-33), an immensely enthusiastic owner who has made a significant investment in jumping stock in the past two decades – and who has been richly rewarded with some outstanding horses and high-profile victories.

Silviniaco Conti, raced in partnership with Jared Sullivan and trained by Paul Nicholls, is perhaps the horse most closely associated with Giles, his big-race wins including two renewals of this month’s feature race, the King George VI Chase at Kempton.

His three attempts at the Cheltenham Gold Cup failed to deliver anything better than a fourth place behind Lord Windermere in 2014 but perhaps Giles will have better luck with Stay Away Fay, who proved top-class as a novice hurdler last season and has now embarked on a chasing career, producing a fine performance on his first attempt over fences at Exeter in November.

Giles and Sullivan also owned Buveur D’Air until a bloodstock dispersal saw his sale to JP McManus, for whom he claimed the Champion Hurdle on two occasions, which shows that no-one can get it right all the time.

Racing needs its cheerleaders and Giles is

certainly one of those, focusing on the positive aspects of the sport that has provided him with so many magical moments over the years, with the promise of plenty more to come.

Our back-page interview this month is with John Francome, regarded as one of our best-ever jump jockeys having claimed seven championships before his retirement and move into broadcasting, where he became a much-admired member of the Channel 4 Racing team, later becoming involved with the Injured Jockeys Fund.

If anyone has a right to comment on the standard of jump jockeys, it’s Francome. So, what is his view on the present generation?

“I’m afraid the current crop of riders are pretty moderate as a whole,” he tells Graham Dench (The Finish Line, page 88). “Last back-

“His investment has been rewarded with some outstanding horses” end I watched six lads at Sandown all go round the first bend with their whip in the wrong hand, and one of them ran out. Very few know how to ride properly; I can’t count the number of times I see jockeys let their rivals up the inside, which in my day was unforgivable.”

Thoughts with Graham Lee Everyone in racing was saddened to hear about Graham Lee’s serious accident at Newcastle. Graham has been a superb jockey under both codes and everyone at Owner Breeder wishes him all the very best in his recovery.

THE OWNER BREEDER

1

Contents

December 2023

34

News & Views ROA Leader Fighting against affordability checks

TBA Leader Industry transformation required

News Graham Lee suffers serious injury

Changes News in a nutshell

Howard Wright Nick Rust's new role

22 7 9 11 14 20

Features The Big Picture Big Evs strikes at the Breeders' Cup

Haras de Beaumont Normandy farm welcomes Ace Impact

The Big Interview With owner Chris Giles

NH Breeders' Showcase Fabulous foals take centre stage

2

THE OWNER BREEDER

18 22 31 34

STALLIONS BY design

Vadeni

SIYOUNI

Sire of star milers Paddington and Tahiyra €200,000

SEA THE STARS The leading Irish-based sire

by Group 1 winners €200,000

EREVANN

Blue-blooded son of Dubawi and Ervedya €8,000

ZARAK

Group 1 sire with stellar statistics €60,000

VADENI

Champion Three-Year-Old €18,000

Contents 57

Breeders' Digest Finding value in challenging times

Sales Circuit Reports from Europe and the USA

Dr Statz Profitable sires in focus

Caulfield Files Reflections on four decades of change

The Finish Line With John Francome

88

39 41 57 61 88

Forum Vet Forum Stallion soundness in the spotlight

Equine Health Update Nutrition ahead of the covering season

ROA Forum New Board members welcomed

TBA Forum Elite NH Mares' Scheme update

Breeder of the Month David and Yvonne Blunt for Poptronic

4

THE OWNER BREEDER

65 69 74 82 86

Did you know?

Our monthly average readership is

20,000

NE

W

SHAQUILLE

FO R

20

2020 Bay by Charm Spirit - Magic (Galileo) 16.1hh (1.64m) | 2024 Fee £15,000

EUROPEAN CHAMPION SPRINTER OF 2023 • A Superstar Sprinter • Won back to back Gr.1 sprints, July Cup & Commonwealth Cup • A top class Champions pedigree with looks to match

Champion Sprinter of 2023

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July Cup Gr.1, 6f, Newmarket

Commonwealth Cup Gr.1, 6f, Ascot

beating Kinross, Art Power, Khaadem & Little Big Bear

beating Little Big Bear, Swingalong & Lezoo

“A remarkable performance”

“The best sprinter in years” R AC I N G

T IM EFO R M

“You can’t explain how good or how much better he must be than the others.”

I T V

R AC ING

PO ST

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E D Dawn Charger

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SAC KVIL L E

24

FROM THE GALLOPS TO GLORY Join us as we celebrate the brightest stars of 2023 SECURE YOUR SEAT roa.co.uk/awards23

Thursday 7 December 2023 Royal Lancaster Hotel Lancaster Terrace London W2 2TY Black Tie Welcome Reception 7pm Carriages 1am

ROA HORSERACING AWARDS 2023

ROA Leader

Charlie Parker President

Petition tops racing’s list of New Year resolutions T

he Flat season came to both its official and unofficial end with the Breeders’ Cup providing a fitting climax once again, in the process demonstrating that many of the best turf horses in the world ply their trade in Britain and Ireland. In addition, the first four finishers in the Melbourne Cup were bred in Europe, the quartet having started their racing careers on this continent, where they ran a total of 40 times, before being transferred down under.

The Breeders’ Cup also witnessed the culmination of an amazing campaign for owners Steve and Jolene De’Lemos, whose Nunthorpe hero Live In The Dream came so close to penning a fairytale ending to 2023 in the Turf Sprint. Adam West, who trains a small team from a historic yard in Epsom, showed what could be done with limited resources and is already planning to have another crack next year. Another brilliant story from the Breeders’ Cup was supplied by Big Evs, owned by RP Racing and trained

by Mick Appleby, who spearheaded a British/Irish 1-2-3 in the Juvenile Turf Sprint.

On this side of the Atlantic, the jumps season is now in full swing, and it will be interesting to see how the slimmed down fixture list and tweaks to the race programme in 2024 improve both field sizes and competitiveness.

The King’s Speech in November did not reference any legislative plans that would impact British racing in the run up to a General Election, likely to be in late 2024. So, we are left with the familiar items of betting levy reform and the dreaded Gambling Act, exacerbated by the impact of affordability checks. There have been various meetings between the industry group responsible for securing levy reform and the Betting & Gaming Council, the body that collectively represents the bookmakers. It is extremely frustrating that we are now nearing the end of the year and we still don’t have an agreed proposal for the government to action.

The original deadlines for submission of the two sides’ positions was back in the early summer, so to have made so little progress is deeply concerning. The industry has shown that the levy has not kept pace with costs in the high-inflation environment of the past few years, and it is accepted by all that reform is needed. We now just need to get on with it.

Turning to affordability checks and the consultation process that has taken place since the publication of the government’s White Paper, there are both encouraging and discouraging signs.

The BHA survey of bettors received a much greater response than was anticipated and provided clear evidence that the impact of the proposals would either discourage betting or turn punters towards the unregulated black market.

The less helpful aspect is that the Gambling Commission seems to be indicating that the consultation was not going to impact its

already published views; it appears that those employed by the Gambling Commission believe their job is to simply implement the policies published in the White Paper, effectively ignoring the response to their own consultation and also the input from the BHA and others. This simply cannot be right, hence the petition that was launched at the beginning of November, which at the time of writing has reached 90,000 signatures. It is crucial that the 100,000-signature target is reached and passed, which will ensure the matter is considered for debate in parliament.

With 2024 now almost here, the new fixture list will become effective, and the various trials will begin. In the meantime, the

“Reaching 100,000 signatures will ensure the matter is considered for debate in parliament” BHA has published an extensive list of targets and KPIs to judge the impacts and outcomes of its strategy. It is vital that the changes introduced for the two-year trial are given time to bed in, and knee-jerk reactions avoided.

What we have not yet seen are the plans for the format of premier days and core racedays. The promotion and marketing work, alongside understanding the customer and creating new pathways to entry for fans, bettors and participants, is the key to success. The industry must attract new revenue streams and urgently requires a budget to pay for the work described above.

The costs incurred by the BHA on the new strategy cannot simply be paid for by the sport’s shareholders. It must generate significant new funds to make the whole exercise a success.

There is plenty going on in British racing right now, but most importantly I would like to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a New Year full of winners.

THE OWNER BREEDER

7

The highest-rated Prince of Wales’s victory since Dubai Millennium in 2000 Took the Juddmonte International, defeating multiple Gr.1 winners Paddington and Nashwa Official Rating: 128 – the joint top-rated horse in Europe A half-brother to a dual Gr.1-winning miler and from the family of two Champion sprinters

New for 2024

Frankel - Handassa (Dubawi)

The outstanding dual Group 1 winner Stands at Beech House Stud, UK To book a nomination or arrange a viewing contact Will Wright: +44 (0)7787 422901 | nominations@shadwellstud.co.uk View our stallion roster: www.shadwellstud.com

£15,000 January 1st SLF

TBA Leader

Philip Newton Chairman

Bold action necessary to transform our industry J

ust short of two months into my term as Chairman of the TBA and it’s time to set out the main principles that the association will follow in a ‘top-down, bottom-up’ approach aimed at effecting change in the economics and fortunes of British thoroughbred breeding and racing.

The first principle is that prize-money is the only game changer throughout the entire industry structure. It affects everyone, from the smallest breeder to the biggest owner.

Secondly, there is a need to acknowledge that many people have so far suffered disappointing sales returns in Britain in 2023, with results in the market generally falling back significantly from those achieved last year.

We may be coming up to the Christmas period and the traditional season of giving, but uppermost in the principles must be a need to understand that deficiencies in the bloodstock industry can only be fixed with bold, imaginative, radical thinking and self-help.

Looking at the top-down approach first, it must be accepted that premierisation, which was a fundamental upon which the BHA built its strategy in forming the 2024 fixture list, provides a once in a generation opportunity to fix the finances of British racing. It is as important as the introduction of the 1960 Betting and Gaming Act, which with imaginative thinking would have passed on the lasting financial security that the industry needed.

It is as important as the events of 1987, when the industry failed to make the investment to control its picture and media rights.

Premierisation represents the same opportunity to achieve what Britain’s major football clubs did in February 1992, when 20 teams got together to form the Premier League, which has become the most financially attractive league in the world.

British horseracing has more than its fair share of marquee fixtures and racecourses. Put these together in a compelling and attractive programme, marketed and sold with a campaign of consequence, and there is a very valuable product to sell.

Sceptics may ask, ‘Okay, but to whom does this have real value?’ Well, a global betting platform to start with. The World Pool, driven by the Hong Kong Jockey Club and UK Tote, is showing what can be achieved – other markets are now showing interest in our opportunity. With the quality and integrity that British racing offers, our ambition is the only limit. It also has value to a global investment partner. Just as other sports have seized their chances worldwide, British racing’s profile and potential customer reach represents an opportunity to transform its relationship to sponsorship and partners.

Not every racecourse and raceday can qualify as premier.

Indeed, the supply needs to be carefully controlled to encourage demand, but the rewards it will bring can and will carry with

it a responsibility to support, fund and develop the core daily offering.

However, a word of warning. British racing cannot continue to rely upon the income levels it currently receives from the domestic betting market. Ageing demographics and competing gambling options will continue to develop apace, and without significant change British horseracing will get left behind. The sport must think globally.

And so to the bottom-up approach, by using every penny generated to achieve a real return on investment and demanding

“Premierisation provides a once in a generation opportunity to fix the finances of British racing” aggressive financial thinking to make differences at every level and every delivery. Incentive and intervention can and do work in the breeding shed. In three short years, the Great British Bonus has boosted demand for British-bred fillies, with increased sales returns of more than 16 per cent, halving the differential between a colt and filly’s value. The TBA, with the support of the Levy Board, will consider further opportunities to enhance and develop GBB, which is just a single example of what can be achieved through self-help and industry support where money spent achieves a targeted outcome.

Having changed perceptions for breeding, buying and racing British-bred fillies and mares on the Flat and over jumps through GBB, the need now is to look at other areas of thoroughbred production, applying intervention and incentive measures in support of the TBA’s remit as the custodians of the breed.

This will all take bold, imaginative and most of all brave leadership. The TBA will be first in line to support that approach.

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas as we look forward to a year of positive change in 2024.

THE OWNER BREEDER

9

Belardo

GR.1 SIRE BY LOPE DE VEGA

EUROPEAN CHAMPION 2YO Won Gr.1 Dewhurst & Gr.1 Lockinge 25 Stakes winners/performers (11 in 2023) inc...

GOLD PHOENIX

Won Gr.1 Frank E Kilroe Mile Stakes (2023) Won Gr.2 Del Mar Handicap (2023 & 2022) Won Gr.2 Eddie Read Stakes (2023) 4th Gr.1 Breeders’ Cup Turf (2023 to Auguste Rodin)

Bearstone Stud

The source of speed

58% 3yo winners/runners

Only Frankel (£350,000) & Siyouni (€200,000) ranked higher

2023 yearlings sold for €100,000, €80,000, €60,000, 45,000gns, 45,000gns, 40,000gns, €40,000, etc.

 bearstonestud.co.uk Fee: £5,500 X-TWITTER @BearstoneStud Oct 1st SLF  +44 (0)1630 647197  +44 (0)7974 948755 - Mark Pennell

News

Stories from the racing world

Graham Lee makes positive progress after serious injury at Newcastle

BILL SELWYN

G

rand National-winning jockey Graham Lee was reported to be recovering well after suffering serious injuries when unseated from Ben Macdui at Newcastle last month.

The Paul Midgley-trained five-yearold gelding unseated Lee, who turns 48 this month, as the stalls opened for a sprint handicap.

He was initially taken to intensive care at Royal Victoria Infirmary Hospital in Newcastle, where he underwent surgery.

The Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) took on all media inquiries relating to the experienced Galway-born rider, who has always held a dual licence but first made his name over jumps, amassing more than 1,000 winners and securing the 2004 Grand National on Amberleigh House, trained by the late Ginger McCain.

Lee also landed major National Hunt prizes on Inglis Drever, Grey Abbey and Arcalis, but for more than a decade now has successfully

Graham Lee: top class under both codes

focused on the Flat, showcasing his versatility by winning the Gold Cup on Trip To Paris and the Nunthorpe Stakes on Alpha Delphini.

The IJF reported towards the end of last month that Lee had made

“positive progress” and was set to move to James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough, closer to his home.

They said Lee had undergone procedures to stabilise fractures in his cervical spine to further protect his spinal cord, but stated that his long-term prognosis remained uncertain.

The IJF said: “Graham has made positive progress in the last 24 hours and has been able to talk normally with his family for short periods when his ventilator is turned down.

“He has been reviewed by his spinal consultant and when a bed becomes available in the intensive care unit at James Cook Hospital, Middlesbrough, he will be transferred closer to home.

“Graham and his family want to thank everyone for their continued and overwhelming support.”

A JustGiving page set up by daughter Amy had raised over £154,000 at the time of going to press.

Paul Struthers has been appointed Chief Executive of the Professional Jockeys Association for a second time, just under two years after he stepped down from the role citing the toll it had taken on his family and personal life.

The PJA has struggled to find a suitable long-term replacement for Struthers, with Ian McMahon – who had no experience of working in the racing industry – succeeding interim CEO Dale Gibson in April last year.

McMahon’s tenure was marked by unrest among the members, primarily over the issues of the revised whip rules, valets’ pay and the removal of saunas in weighing rooms, which continues to cause division. He left the PJA in June this year, a month after the resignation of Chairman Jon Holmes.

Struthers’ first spell at the PJA lasted almost a decade, during which time he was a popular frontman for the jockeys’ organisation, but it ended in controversial fashion in December 2021 following the conclusion of Bryony Frost’s bullying claim against fellow

rider Robbie Dunne.

A disciplinary panel found Dunne guilty of bullying and harassment and he was subsequently banned from riding for ten months. The PJA was criticised for its apparent lack of support for Frost, having stated that the rider “felt” bullied, which upset Frost, who accused the PJA of “picking sides” in the dispute and saying she was made to “feel like an inconvenience” throughout the process.

Nick Attenborough, PJA Chair, said: “As expected, the role attracted a high calibre of candidates but following a thorough and extensive selection process, Paul was the overwhelming choice.

“He obviously brings unrivalled experience to the role but even without his previous time at the PJA he would have been the strongest candidate given his regulatory knowledge, leadership experience and expertise in membership and stakeholder communications, crisis management and PR. “We look forward to welcoming Paul back in the New Year and I am delighted

GEORGE SELWYN

PJA reappoints Paul Struthers as CEO

Paul Struthers: ‘strongest candidate’

to be working with him, Dale and the team to create an even stronger PJA.” Struthers started his own sports consultancy, Moya Sport, last year and has been advising the PJA for the past few months. His new term at the PJA will begin on January 2.

THE OWNER BREEDER

11

News

Charlie Parker, President of the Racehorse Owners Association, has urged all racing fans to sign the petition against affordability checks.

The government has signalled its intention to implement restrictions on punters as part of its online safety bill, infringing not only an individual’s right to have a bet but also posing a huge threat to racing’s finances, while risking the migration of bettors to unregulated markets.

Speaking at the ROA AGM last month, Parker articulated the frustration and bewilderment felt by many owners and others in the industry regarding the restrictions being imposed by betting companies, often accompanied by a demand for personal financial information.

He said: “The Gambling Commission has stated that the threat of the black market has been overstated and that racing does not accept that any problem gambling exists. This is simply not the case.

“What we do want is a sensible approach to a pastime that millions enjoy with no negative consequences at all, clear segregation of our betting product from online slot games, and a joined-up approach to support the very small proportion of the population (0.3%) impacted by gambling.

“I would ask all of you to sign horseracing’s petition, urging the government to abandon the planned implementation of affordability checks. There are links to the petition on the ROA and Racing Post websites, amongst others, or you can go directly to petition.parliament.uk and search ‘affordability checks’.

“Tens of thousands of people have already done that, with over 90,000 signatures so far. Once that total reaches 100,000, the petition will be considered for debate in parliament. To paraphrase Lord Kitchener’s famous recruitment poster, your industry needs you!”

12

THE OWNER BREEDER

TATTERSALLS

ROA President: sign up to challenge affordability checks

Henrietta Knight is relishing her return to full-time training after an 11-year absence

Knight rides back into training ranks The New Year is set to witness the return to the training ranks of Henrietta Knight, who masterminded the career of Cheltenham Gold Cup legend Best Mate, among other household names.

Knight, who turns 77 this month, aims to be back in the Cheltenham winner’s circle and has teamed up with former trainer Brendan Powell, who will be her assistant.

Knight, based at West Lockinge Farm near Wantage, last had a runner in March 2015, although she returned then only briefly, in order to saddle Calgary Bay in hunter chases, having quit training in the summer of 2012 after sending out more than 700 winners.

“I’ve been wanting to do it for a long time,” she said. “For the last seven to eight years, I’ve been very busy, with pre-training, teaching a lot of horses to jump better, or from scratch, and I’ve had a lot of trainers send me horses.

“There have been some lovely horses in the yard and I thought it would be nice to be training them again, and going to the races myself.”

Speaking to Horse & Hound, she continued: “A lot of the young horses here will stay with me, but I’ve got to get owners. And there’s staffing, which is a problem throughout the horse world, so there’s a lot to take on.

“But I’m fortunate enough to have a very good secretary, Dawn Graham, who was with me before, and is very clued up.

“It’s very exciting but there’s a

degree of butterflies too. You’ve got to get the right horses; and I’m very fussy about the horses I like.

“My ambition is to get back into the winner’s enclosure at Cheltenham; probably not the Gold Cup, but any race there, that’s my aim. Things have changed immensely but I’d be very excited to do it again.”

Asked about three-time Gold Cup hero Best Mate, she said: “There will never be a second Best Mate. But if I could get one even half as good as him, I’d be doing well.

“Some people think I’m mad, but you have to take a few gambles and risks in life to have success. I probably took one when I started training in 1989, but life is a gamble, isn’t it?”

Knight’s plan was to return with a licence from January 1 with a team of around 25 to 30 horses.

Best Mate won the Gold Cup between 2002 and 2004, while his 16 career wins also featured the 2001 Scilly Isles Novices’ Chase, 2002 King George VI Chase and 2003 Ericsson Chase.

Aside from Best Mate, she also hit the mark in Grade 1s previously with the likes of Edredon Bleu (2000 Queen Mother Champion Chase and 2003 King George), Lord Noelie (2000 Royal & SunAlliance Chase) and Somersby (2013 Clarence House Chase).

Knight was married to three-time champion jump jockey Terry Biddlecombe, who died in 2014 after a lengthy illness.

Changes

Racing’s news in a nutshell

People and business John McDonnell

Takes on new marketing executive role at Tattersalls Ireland having previously worked for Bar One Racing.

Denis O’Regan

The only jockey to have ridden a winner at every jumps track in Britain and Ireland calls time on career in the saddle aged 41.

Cieren Fallon

Jockey set for lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering ligament damage in a stalls incident at Newcastle.

Media rights

James Doyle

Will leave the Godolphin team after nine years as a retained rider to take up a new role with rapidlyexpanding Wathnan Racing in 2024.

Harry Bentley

Hong Kong-based rider is suspended for two months and fined HK$300,000 for improper conduct relating to passing on inside information.

RMG and ARC join forces to sell British racing pictures to international tote operators and bookmakers in a five-year deal.

Luca Morgan

Last season’s champion conditional quits the saddle aged 22 after admitting defeat in his battle with the scales. He rode 91 winners in total.

Hayley Turner

Rides 1,000th career winner on Tradesman at Chelmsford on November 21, becoming the first female jockey in Britain to reach the landmark.

Cartier Awards

Arc hero Ace Impact is named Horse of the Year and champion three-year-old after his unbeaten campaign in 2023.

James Horton

Former private trainer to John Dance will relaunch his career from Park Lodge Stables in Newmarket.

Horse obituaries

Matthew Imi

Leaves his position as Chief Executive of At The Races after 19 years; Kevin Robertson will fill the post on an interim basis.

Thyme Hill 9

Top-class performer for the Philip Hobbs and Johnson White stable won three Grade 1s for owners The Englands and Heywoods.

Milton Harris

Trainer is suspended after breaching conditions on his licence. A licensing committee hearing is scheduled for January.

14

THE OWNER BREEDER

Grumpy Charley 8

Five-time winner under Rules for trainer Chris Honour and owner Geoff Thompson suffers a fatal heart attack at Newbury.

Rith Dubh 31

JP McManus’s chaser recorded his biggest win in the 2002 National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival under JT McNamara.

Protectionist 13

German-bred son of Monsun won the 2014 Melbourne Cup under Ryan Moore, later winning the Grade 1 Grosser Preis von Berlin.

QUALITY WITHOUT COMPROMISE Lope Y Fernandez Bay, 16.0hh | 2017 Lope De Vega ex Black Dahlia (Dansili)

Physique - Pedigree - Performance

£8,500 October 1st

Mutasaabeq

Brown, 16.0hh | 2018 Invincible Spirit ex Ghanaati (Giant’s Causeway)

Bred in the Blue

£6,500 October 1st

Rajasinghe

Bay, 15.3hh | 2015 Choisir ex Bunditten (Soviet Star)

Exceptional Value

£3,000 October 1st

Stradivarius

Chesnut, 15.3hh | 2014 Sea The Stars ex Private Life (Bering)

Speed - Soundness - Sireline

£10,000 Live Foal

Time Test

Bay, 16.0hh | 2012 Dubawi ex Passage Of Time (Dansili)

By sire of sires Dubawi

£8,500 October 1st

Contact the team today Joe Bradley 07706 262046 | Joe.Bradley@nationalstud.co.uk Jamie Jackson 07794 459108 | Jamie. Jackson@nationalstud.co.uk

Changes

Racehorse and stallion

Movements and retirements

Asymmetric

Ballyhane Stud is the new home of the son of Showcasing, winner of the Group 2 Richmond Stakes at two. His opening fee is €7,000.

Amhran Na Bhfiann

Group 2-winning son of Galileo will stand at Knockhouse Stud in County Kilkenny in 2024.

Tasleet

Son of Showcasing, sire of King’s Stand Stakes winner Bradsell, is sold by Shadwell to stand at stud in India.

James Garfield

Son of Exceed And Excel will continue his stallion career in India having been recruited by Gee Stud Farm in Jaipur.

Iquitos

Son of Adlerflug moves to Gestut Rottgen for 2024, where he will stand at a fee of €6,000, after a bright start to his stallion innings.

Bouttemont

Talented sprinting son of Acclamation, successful at Group 3 level, will stand his first season at Rathbarry Stud at a fee of €5,000.

Triple Time

Son of Frankel, winner of this year’s Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, will start his stallion career for Darley at Dalham Hall Stud. His firstseason fee is set at £10,000.

Dariyan

Haras du Mont Goubert recruits Group 1-winning son of Shamardal, sire of Group 3 winner Mister Saint Paul, from the Aga Khan Studs.

Expert Eye

Juddmonte Farms sells eight-year-old son of Acclamation, sire of Royal Ascot winner Snellen, to stand at Paardeberg Stud in South Africa.

The Antarctic

Son of Dark Angel, a Group 3 winner at two and three and a brother to champion sprinter Battaash, will stand at Coolmore’s Castlehyde Stud.

Marie’s Diamond

Footstepsinthesand’s son, winner of a Group 3 at two and placed at the top level, is retired aged seven to stand at Diamond Stud Bellewstown.

Capri

Irish Derby winner will continue his stallion career at Willow Wood Farm in Cheshire having previously been based at Coolmore’s Grange Stud.

El Caballo

Son of Havana Gold, winner of the Group 2 Sandy Lane Stakes, is retired aged four.

He will stand for £6,000 at Culworth Grounds Farm in 2024.

Jeu St Eloi

Rathbarry and Glenview Studs acquire Saint Des Saints’ son, sire of exciting prospects It’s For Me and Inthewaterside, from Haras de Cercy.

People obituaries David Brown 79

Trained Frederick Engels to win the Windsor Castle Stakes and July Stakes in 2011. In total he sent out 228 winners over 15 years.

Phil Smith 67

One-time chief photographer at The Sporting Life who later worked for the Racing Post.

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THE OWNER BREEDER

Dallon Holmes 25

Former amateur jockey was a work rider for Michael Bell in Newmarket having also worked for David Simcock and Sean Woods.

Charles Nugent 61

Long-serving steward and owner who had a share in Its A Snip, winner of the 1995 Velka Pardubicka for trainer Charlie Mann.

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The Big Picture

Big Evs, huge performance There were five British and Irish-trained winners at the Breeders’ Cup meeting at Santa Anita in early November – and the first strike for the visitors came via the Mick Appleby-trained twoyear-old Big Evs, owned by RP Racing Ltd, in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint. Tom Marquand utilised the son of Blue Point’s blistering early speed to track Crimson Advocate, taking the lead a furlong out and running on strongly to defeat Amo Racing’s Valiant Force by half a length.

Photos Bill Selwyn

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THE OWNER BREEDER

Santa Anita

THE OWNER BREEDER

19

The Howard Wright Column

Sport can’t afford not to listen to industry veterans

Nick Rust: former BHA CEO is back in the spotlight

reputation, and then was appointed Chair of the Gambling Commission’s Industry Forum, a new body set up, so it said, “to provide the Commission with insight into the views of industry.”

When the formation of the Industry Forum was announced in mid-September, Commission Chairman Marcus Boyle was quoted as saying: “This… will give us another way to work with representatives from the industry we regulate.” Quite how it will work remains to be seen, for Rust was the first appointment on a panel expected to number ten, but, given the Commission’s apparent hostility to betting operators and participants, and therefore by association to horseracing, his being chosen can only be welcomed, if only so that he can keep an eagle eye on that most contentious of topics, affordability checks.

Sound of silence hints at darker side of racing Some of the best racing books have titles that allude to its darker side – Sporting Skulduggery by Graham Sharpe, Rogues Go Racing by William Pennington, Ringers & Rascals by David Ashforth. But there are times when the veil of secrecy hung over the sport seems unnecessary.

It’s understandable that some issues are kept under wraps until the time comes to reveal as much of the truth as is necessary to satisfy public curiosity. The extent of Graham Lee’s injury after being unseated on leaving the stalls is a prime example, with dissemination of news of his condition being controlled in exemplary fashion by the Injured Jockeys Fund.

On the other side of the coin, top of the list of personalities whose tight-lipped response to inquiries is needless and unhelpful are those bloodstock agents who come away from a purchase spouting “he/she is for an existing/new client,” without divulging the client’s name or the horse’s destination.

Come on, Mr/Mrs/Ms Agent; everyone who is interested will discover the identity sooner or later, once an entry is made for the horse in question, so why the secrecy? Unless, of course, your client does not have the money to pay for the horse in the first place, in which case the truth will come out eventually.

Then there are individual cases that crop up every now and again, such as that involving trainer Milton Harris, who has had his licence suspended pending a hearing next month, “as a result of a breach of the conditions on his licence and related matters,” according to the only bit of information the BHA will divulge.

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THE OWNER BREEDER

Harris, who once famously took a mid-season golfing holiday in Thailand, was in his second spell as a trainer, having spent seven years without a licence after being declared bankrupt in 2011. Whatever his alleged misdemeanour, this initial inquiry is not a court matter, and with staff and equine welfare issues in mind, making public more details of the background would have calmed if not entirely stopped the rumour mill from being inevitably cranked.

Whether there was, or even should have been, as much interest in the public affairs of John Dance and Marwan Koukash is debatable, but the eventual disclosure of their perilous financial situations merely emphasised how little had been said previously about their predicaments, the aftermath of which has sorely affected staff and stables into which they had, apparently, invested much.

The full facts have yet to come out in each case, so the trail of misery Dance and Koukash have trodden on the British racing scene remains to be properly assessed.

Of course, some things are best left unsaid. The Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board seemed to take that view over the case it brought against trainer Denis Hogan after his two runners in a Dundalk claimer in March 2020 flip-flopped in the betting and the original outsider beat his stablemate into second place after being backed into favouritism. The IHRB decided not to present evidence when the case came before a referrals committee last month. How very strange.

BHA

O

h dear. First, Mars discontinues the dark chocolate Bounty, then, only a few days later fellow confectioner Nestle decides to pull Caramac bars from the shelves. Those of a certain age will wonder if the world as they knew it has come to an end, adding, as a national newspaper commentator reflected, “Why do they always cancel the ‘dad bars’?”

Thankfully, British racing can come to the age-demographic rescue, partly and temporarily at least. No sooner had Peter Savill galloped over the horizon on his charger as the Prince of Premier Racing, Nick Rust, another former member of the BHB-BHA top brass, emerged from the shadows as the possible Avenger of Affordability Checks.

Rust, who served six years as BHA Chief Executive, had largely kept a low profile from around the time he quit at the end of 2020, which coincided with the first anniversary of his Gretna Green marriage to John McCririck’s former Channel 4 betting sidekick Tanya Stevenson.

He continued for a while as a trustee of the Theatre Royal in York, took a similar position with the Injured Jockeys Fund and joined ex-Jockey Club CEO Simon Bazalgette as a founding partner in the consulting service GVS EQ, before succeeding the inordinately long-serving Lord Donoughue as Chairman of the Starting Price Regulatory Commission.

Nothing there to startle the horses then. Until within a couple of days of each other he gave a keynote speech at a gambling conference organised by Reputation Matters, a consultancy firm that majors on crisis management and upholding business

However, perhaps of more immediate interest to racing are the observations that Rust made at the Reputation Matters conference, which ran to eight close-coupled pages when reprinted on his LinkedIn page. “Bold changes will be required to turn British racing around,” he said, before outlining a series of radical measures for fixture programming and race planning and pointing out there had never been a more important time for racing and betting “to work hand in hand.”

And that’s where Rust can bring his expertise to bear, acting as a bridge between racing and betting, which if he needs to refresh his memory has been put into operation recently in two overseas

“Rust can bring his expertise to bear, acting as a bridge between racing and betting” jurisdictions whose racing operations were in dire need of help.

In South Africa, the national sports-betting company Hollywoodbets took over Cape Racing and Kenilworth racecourse as a wholly-owned subsidiary. “Cape Racing has been in the doldrums for years,” Hollywoodbets CEO Suren Rampersadh said.

“Stakeholders have been neglected and had become disillusioned.

The renaissance of horseracing has begun.”

Hollywoodbets, which plans to take over the other racing

operator Gold Circle next year, already runs Durbanville, Greyville and Scottsville racecourses, with ugly but appropriate naming rights, and a major West Coast training centre. Its branding, which includes websites launched in Ireland in 2018 and the UK the following year, is familiar in Britain. It is the shirt sponsor of Premier League side Brentford, and betting-shop services provider SIS is scheduled to show 2,205 races from 245 South African fixtures this year, when coverage cannot avoid scanning Hollywoodbets’ advertising on the starting stalls.

Then there is New Zealand, where in March the government monopoly to run sports betting, including horseracing, was given to a new operator on a 25-year basis. That operator has come up with a series of initiatives, starting with sponsorship of the boosted New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie. Provision of an on-course betting lounge will complement the arrangement.

Following on, the operator and New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing – the BHA equivalent – have agreed details of a new mile-to-ten-furlong race series to be run in the high season of January to March, offering combined stakes of NZ$3.1m (£1.49m), including a winning bonus of NZ$500,000 (£240,300).

“With that level of prize-money available, we’re expecting the crème of industry to compete throughout,” said NZTR CEO Bruce Sharrock. The sentiment sounds familiar and could be seen reflected in some of Rust’s race programming observations.

If he wants to find out more, from New Zealand at least, his old contacts book could come in handy. The operator in question is Entain, the fancy name whose brands include Ladbrokes and Coral.

Rust spent 22 years of his working life with either company before he landed at the BHA.

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H U M P H R E Y BUT L E R . C O M

13/11/2023 17:51

THE OWNER BREEDER

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Haras de Beaumont

Ace of HEARTS New to the French stallion scene only this year, Haras de Beaumont is now one of the leading acts within a resurgent Normandy breeding industry

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trange to think that two years ago Haras de Beaumont wasn’t even in existence, when it now houses unbeaten Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe hero and Cartier Horse of the Year Ace Impact and fellow multiple Group 1 winner Sealiway. In no time at all, the Normandy stud has gone from nothing to one of the biggest players in the stallion business.

Much about Haras de Beaumont is not new at all, though. For starters, it is based on 100 hectares of the former Haras du Quesnay, where the Head family stood important stallions such as Green Dancer, Riverman and Anabaa, and bred their outstanding dual Arc winner Treve.

The names behind this swiftly rising force in the industry should be familiar, too.

It is owned by Kamel Chehboub, a property mogul from Marseilles who is a longstanding owner and breeder in France, and daughter Pauline, an enthusiastic ambassador for the outfit.

Meanwhile, the stud is managed by Mathieu Alex, an Irish National Stud breeding course graduate who became fluent in English during his time selling nominations for Coolmore, and rose to prominence as part of the team that built Le Havre into a successful sire at Haras de la Cauviniere.

The foundations of Haras de

Beaumont were laid more than 15 years ago, when Alex and Chehboub snr first met.

“I’ve loved racing since I was a small child, and it was the same for my father, who went to the track with his father when he was young,” says Pauline. “Then he started going racing with friends, and as his business took off he took a leg in some horses with them.

“It started with small shares in horses bought from claimers but then he eventually had a mare called Lavayssiere, who ran a lot of times and won some small races, but became a wonderful broodmare. She produced for him his first really good horse, Spirit One, who was the champion in France at two and won the Arlington Million at four.

“Around the time Spirit One was winning his big races, Mathieu was at Coolmore and got in touch with my father to try to sell him a nomination to Galileo for Lavayssiere. That is really the beginning of the story.”

Between then and now, the Chehboub family gradually increased their involvement in the sport and in the past five or so years professionalised their endeavours and ran them under the Gousserie Racing banner.

They really hit the big time in the past few years with Rougir, a €55,000

“The Chehboub family are good horse people and know the game”

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THE OWNER BREEDER

BILL SELWYN (INSET: APRH)

Words: Martin Stevens

Arqana August yearling, winning the Prix de l’Opera and being sold to Peter Brant and Michael Tabor for €3 million, and Sealiway, a €62,000 Deauville yearling buy, taking the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at two and running second in the Prix du Jockey Club before taking some notable scalps in the Champion Stakes at three prior to his retirement to Haras de Beaumont.

Alex meanwhile helped manage the career of Le Havre at Cauviniere, which was later rebranded as Montfort et Preaux and finally became absorbed

by Nurlan Bizakov’s Sumbe operation.

When the chance arose last year for him to help his old friends the Chehboub family set up their new stud further north in Normandy, he relished the challenge.

“I had spent some great years at

Ace Impact: forms part of a formidable stallion roster at Haras de Beaumont

Montfort et Preaux, and was very proud of what the team had achieved with Le Havre, so when the opportunity came up it was a tough decision,” says Alex.

“But the Chehboub family are good horse people and know the game, so I was delighted to join them and start a new chapter at Haras de Beaumont.”

The stud was bought and renovated only just over a year ago, with the Chehboubs’ mares and young stock relocating there from their Haras de la Gousserie in the Loire region and Sealiway retiring there.

The son of Galiway stood there in 2023 alongside Intello, who made the short move from the old Quesnay stallion boxes across the road, and Stunning Spirit, a son of Invincible Spirit who carried the green and yellow

Gousserie silks to victory in the Group 3 Prix Quincey.

“The Head family had been trying to sell the whole property for a while, and then it was split up, and we were just lucky that it coincided with looking for our own place in Normandy,” says Pauline. “It was the right moment, and of course it’s good to know you’re buying good land from good breeders who have produced so many great horses there.

“The location is also perfect. We’re only ten minutes away from Arqana in Deauville, and so very easy to visit.

I think that helped when we showed Sealiway during last year’s Arqana December Sale, and even more so when he showed himself so brilliantly. We’ll be doing the same during this year’s sale, with a stallion show every morning.”

Sealiway was by far the busiest Flat sire in France this year, covering 166 mares – 26 more than the next best tally, belonging to Persian King.

“It was crazy to start off with a champion like him,” says Pauline. “He really seemed to capture people’s imaginations. We were overwhelmed by the support for the horse and for us at our new stud.”

Alex agrees, adding: “I think people respected the fact he was a very talented performer at two and went to England to win the Champion Stakes, and they see Galiway doing very well.

On top of that he’s a very nice looking horse with a great attitude, and people were keen to get behind an exciting new project like Haras de Beaumont.

“I think when people come back and

THE OWNER BREEDER

23

››

Haras de Beaumont

Sealiway: QIPCO Champion Stakes winner was a new recruit to Haras de Beaumont for 2023

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THE OWNER BREEDER

Pauline Chehboub (centre) celebrates at Ascot

for him to keep his routine, as we felt it would be beneficial.

“We’ve only had him a few days and it feels like he’s been here for months, but we’re very strict with our routines here. It helps the horse know what’s expected and calms them, I think.”

BILL SELWYN

blown away by how much he’s changed.

He’s let down into a very powerful stallion now.”

Sealiway was an outstanding horse but for a few years he is going to have to relinquish his title as Haras de Beaumont’s headline act, as he has just been joined by Ace Impact.

The son of Cracksman, who showed a rare turn of foot when slamming Big Rock by three and a half lengths in the Prix du Jockey Club and when swooping to beat Westover by nearly two lengths in the Arc, arrived on the farm from trainer Jean-Claude Rouget’s base in Deauville in mid-November. He received a grand reception, attended by everyone who had played a significant role in his career, and around 20 members of the press.

“We’re just getting to know him since he arrived on the farm, but he seems like a very laid-back horse,” says Alex. “You worry that such a dominant colt might be tricky, but that’s not the case. We left him at Rouget’s for a few weeks in order

BILL SELWYN

›› see him again this December they’ll be

Ace Impact is owned in half shares by Gousserie Racing and his original owner Serge Stempniak, with the Chehboub family having bought into him after his phenomenal win in the Prix du Jockey Club in June.

“His performance in the Jockey Club was extraordinary,” says Pauline. “A lot of horses win Group 1 races impressively, but his turn of foot that day was incredible; something out of this world.

“My father contacted Mr Stempniak after that race. They have a lot in common, and think the same way about a lot of things in racing and breeding.

Both were really keen to keep the horse in France when he retired. That was an important part of the deal for us to buy into him.”

Ace Impact alternated between Stempniak’s and Gousserie’s silks for his last two races: the Prix Guillaume d’Ornano, which he won cosily, and the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, in which he made jaws drop.

“Simply superb,” says Pauline, thinking back to the first Sunday in October.

“The thing I enjoyed most was people coming up to us to thank us, saying we came to see a champion, and we saw one,” adds Alex. “The way he won put him up there with the likes of Peintre Celebre and Zarkava. The fact he retires unbeaten makes it even more special.”

Ace Impact was being considered for the Japan Cup but connections decided to retire him instead. Racing fans’ loss is breeders’ gain.

“It wasn’t an easy decision,” says Pauline. “We love competition, and we did think long and hard about racing him for one more season, but he was on the go from January and won six times, and confirmed himself a true champion. I know some people will be disappointed,

››

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Haras de Beaumont racing on and getting injured wasn’t worth taking.

“We also had breeders in France and all around the world, including Japan, already asking to book nominations, so it made sense to bring him to stud.”

The Haras de Beaumont team predict that they will support Ace Impact with 15 of their own mares in his first season next year, and will be shopping at the major breeding stock sales this winter to find some new blood. The number might have been more, but they are not abandoning Sealiway while he is still at a crucial early stage in his stallion career.

Racing fans might be sad not to witness Ace Impact on the track again, but they will certainly see and hear more of him. Haras de Beaumont and Gousserie Racing have a strong social media presence and are generous in sharing their horses with the public.

“We were overwhelmed by the support for Sealiway and for us” Pauline, who has become the face of the operation and is instrumental in pushing it to the forefront, says: “It’s very important for us to share these beautiful animals with people. We love the horses, and we love the sport, and we want more people to feel like that.

“Racing fans and bettors help fund the sport, they are the foundation of it all, so it’s our duty to share the horses with them. Like any hero in any sport, it’s only right that there is public access through photos and videos.

“I enjoy that side of things, whereas my father is not always very comfortable speaking in public, so we complement each other well.”

Haras de Beaumont has the right horses, and certainly the right attitude, to succeed in the future. It makes you wonder, if it has come this far in the space of just over a year, where will it be in a few more seasons?

“We want a whole football team of stallions,” says Pauline, laughing. “No, we are very clear where we are going.

We only want to stand high-level horses; horses we believe in, and would send mares to ourselves.”

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THE OWNER BREEDER

‘We put our heart and souls into it’ 1 winner and so he’ll always have a special place in my heart and Nurlan’s heart. I know that might sound sentimental but that’s the reason we do it.

“We went to see Angel Bleu as a two-year-old and three-year-old, and we finally managed to buy him as a four-year-old. He’s really grown and strengthened since the first time we saw him. There aren’t many horses who win the two Group 1s at two that he did. He was classy and very tough, racing 18 times, and we’re chuffed to have him.”

Fry says all three horses will receive the same strong home support that its first recruit, Commonwealth Cup hero Golden Horde, has benefited from.

“It’s the same story, we’ll be sending our own mares to them,” he adds. “I can’t ask outside breeders to bring us their mares if we don’t ourselves. You can’t just talk the talk, you’ve got to walk the walk.

“We sent Golden Horde lots of nice mares, and we’re giving the resultant progeny to Andre Fabre, Jean-Claude Rouget, Christopher Head and Jereome Reynier. If he fails, it certainly won’t have been for the lack of trying.

We put our heart and souls into it for everybody’s sake.”

Golden Horde’s first crop of yearlings became a bit of a talking point at this year’s sales, with many buyers seeming to have a sneaking regard for them.

“We’ve got 18 yearlings by the sire going into training,” says Fry. “The interesting thing is that Monsieur Rouget came to look at all of our yearlings by a variety of sires, to pick five that he would train, and he ended up taking four Golden Hordes out of the batch.”

Regarding the surge of new blood in the Normandy stallion ranks, Fry adds: “It makes the job challenging, as all the studs are fighting over the same mares, but I can see the number of mares coming here growing again as British breeders get more and more fed up with prize-money and other things and looking to breed Frenchbreds instead.”

The retirement of Ace Impact and Sealiway to Haras de Beaumont in the space of two seasons is part of a wider influx of high-class new stallions in Normandy in recent years, thanks in large part to leading owners deciding to make their headquarters in the centre of French thoroughbred breeding.

Nurlan Bizakov’s Sumbe, whose stallions are based at Montfort et Preaux, launches three Group 1-winning colts onto the market next year.

Mishriff, a three-time Group 1 winner by Makfi, was ready to go for the 2023 breeding season but ruled himself out after kicking the wall of his box and fracturing his pedal bone. He is back to full fitness and raring to go.

Newly retired are Belbek, Sumbe’s homebred son of Showcasing from the influential Hasili family who won the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere at two and the Prix Perth on his last start at three, and Angel Bleu, a son of Dark Angel out of a Galileo sister to Highland Reel who also won the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere as well as the Criterium International as a juvenile.

“You have to keep trying to find that stallion that suddenly clicks,” says Sumbe general manager Tony Fry. “Mishriff is being treated as a new sire because of his accident and since he’s fully recovered, everybody who’s seen him has said ‘wow, he’s a fantastic looking horse’.

“Belbek is a lovely, kind horse who was our first homebred Group

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Nurlan Bizakov with Tony Fry (left)

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BILL SELWYN

Haras de Beaumont

Mishriff: Group 1-winning globetrotter is being relaunched on the Sumbe roster

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young stallion stakes.

It has just retired Lusail, a son of commercial sensation Mehmas who was a dual Group 2 winner at two and beaten a head into second by Coroebus in the St James’s Palace Stakes at three, while Thunder Moon, a National Stakes winner by Zoffany, was new this year.

Armor, a sharp son of No Nay Never, had first foals in 2023 and Group 1 winners Romanised and Wooded were represented by their first yearlings this year. There are nine stallions on the roster in total.

“Lusail is well priced at €6,000 as he is what the market is looking for: a fast, early two-year-old who trained on well,” says Al Shaqab Racing’s Sebastien Desmontils. “He is very similar to Mehmas in terms of pedigree and racing performance, except this guy stayed in training, and did well at three as well. He’s not overly big but he’s a very strong type.

“Armor was only two when he came here and was still developing, so it took a bit of imagination for breeders in his

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THE OWNER BREEDER

first year. But now he’s let down into a lovely specimen. He’s really attractive, and covered a lot more mares in his second season than the first crop, when he was steady.

“He’s been a bit of a talking horse because every breeder who used him in that first year came back because they loved the foals, and then all their neighbours and friends saw what they had and they came as well, so word spread that he was getting nice types – very strong, deep-bodied horses. He will have to do it the hard way, though, because of that small first crop.”

Romanised, a rare stallion son of Holy Roman Emperor, is best remembered for his victories in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and Prix Jacques Le Marois, while Wooded, a Wootton Bassett full-brother to this year’s Phoenix Stakes winner Bucanero Fuerte, won the Prix de l’Abbaye.

“Romanised isn’t by the sexiest sire but this is what France has done for the last decade,” points out Desmontils.

“Wootton Bassett is by Iffraaj, Le Havre is by Noverre, Siyouni is by Pivotal, who

wasn’t regarded as a sire of sires before him, so we wouldn’t be too worried about that.

“What people recognise in Romanised is he was a tough, sound horse and also very precocious, winning first time and not being beaten far in the Coventry. He’s been covering good books and producing nice looking stock that has been well received at sales. He has every chance.

“Wooded is a big horse, and gets them big, and the market has been a little cautious with his yearlings. They’re perhaps not everybody’s cup of tea.

But if they are as good as he was at two, and they can use themselves as well I think they will, the sales figures might just change a lot next year.

“Blue Point was in a similar boat.

He was also a big horse and a sprinter, and buyers stood off his first offspring at the sales a little, but now it’s hard to buy one by him. I suspect it could be the same with Wooded.”

Reflecting on the Al Shaqab stallion project at Bouquetot, Desmontils adds: “We have a lot of youngsters with different profiles, but this is a numbers game to a degree and we will eventually get a very good stallion out of all the ones we’re bringing in.

“The team has been reinvigorated

by Al Shaqab being strong in the market this year, supporting not just our own stallions, but breeders all around the world by investing a lot in yearlings. It feels like a positive time.”

The same could be said for Normandy as a whole, even after the sale of Wootton Bassett to Coolmore and the early death of Le Havre.

Siyouni still reigns at Haras de Bonneval, alongside the young pretender Zarak, and they are joined by Prix du Jockey Club and Eclipse hero Vadeni and the brilliantly well-bred Group 2 winner Erevann, by Dubawi out of Ervedya, next year.

Haras d’Etreham’s Group 1-winning pair Hello Youmzain and Persian King have been well supported and have first two-year-old runners next year, and the stud launches another topflight winner’s second career in 2024, with the retirement of Frankel’s Grand Prix de Paris-winning son Onesto.

Haras de Colleville continues to punch above its weight, housing stalwart Kendargent and the widely respected Galiway, as well as the proven Goken and promising Soft Light.

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2yo colt WONDERFUL BOY wins Gr.3 Grosser Preis der SWK AG by 10 lengths. A dual winner in 2023, he is the 2024 German Derby favourite.

Yearlings sold in 2023 made 575,000gns, 260,000gns, €260,000, €240,000, etc. info@lanwades.com

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The Big Interview

Chris Giles

Chris Giles looks to have a future Cheltenham Gold Cup contender in the shape of Stay Away Fay

Smiles for

GILES

Chris Giles loves the camaraderie within the jump racing community and his bespoke stable of runners look set to keep the insurance entrepreneur in high spirits this season Words: Edward Rosenthal • Photos: Bill Selwyn

I

handing over a thruppence “ remember to a bookie, thinking this is just the best thing you can possibly do!” It’s a crisp autumn afternoon in central London and Chris Giles is reflecting on his racing adventures from the terrace of an exclusive members’ club in the heart of Mayfair.

That early introduction to horses – and betting, more of which later – came

at Bogside in Giles’s native Scotland, watching point-to-pointers as a young child with his grandmother at the now defunct racecourse.

Over 50 years later and Giles’s pink and purple silks are among the best known in jump racing, associated with a plethora of top-class horses, from four-time Grade 1 winner Zarkandar and dual King George

VI Chase hero Silviniaco Conti through to current stars Greaneteen and Stay Away Fay. “The racing bug came from my mother’s side of the family, who were Italian immigrants from Tuscany,” he explains. “I’d go to my gran’s to walk her dog and end up watching the racing on TV. “When I was older I went to Ayr races.

It’s a great racecourse although I’ve had fewer winners there than at a lot of the southern courses. When Rubaud won the Scottish Champion Hurdle in April it was a very proud and happy moment.”

Despite his Scottish roots, Giles was in fact born in Cheltenham, a quirk of fate related to his father’s job with the Road Transport & General Insurance Company.

When Giles was two, his family made the move back to Scotland, where dad Michael started Giles Insurance Brokers in 1967.

After boarding school in Edinburgh and having studied English at Oxford University, Giles joined the family business in 1988. With his brother, he led a family buyout in 1995 and turned Giles Insurance Brokers from a partnership into a limited company.

Private equity houses Gresham and then Charterhouse came on board as investors in the noughties and in 2013 the business was sold to American brokerage firm Arthur J Gallagher for £233 million.

Giles says: “We were a regional

THE OWNER BREEDER

31

››

The Big Interview ›› company. When I joined in 1988, we had

three offices and 20 staff. When it sold to Gallagher, we had 42 offices and about 2,000 employees.”

Success in the insurance world enabled Giles to indulge his passion for horses, initially north of the border with Lucinda Russell – “I don’t think we had a winner with Lucinda” – before a chance meeting led him to the stable of 14-times champion trainer Paul Nicholls.

Giles explains: “When I came down south, I met a guy called Mark Tincknell. He was involved in a social housing business called Connaught, which eventually came unstuck. But he was friendly with Paul Nicholls and so we had a few horses together, such as Takeroc and Tchico Polos.”

He continues: “Being in Ditcheat, there is a pecking order, as there is in every yard.

A horse called Tricky Trickster came up for sale and I knew he would be expensive, coming from Million In Mind. I bought him – I paid a lot more than I wanted to – but it gave me some status in the yard, and I’ve never really looked back after that.

“Paul has this saying, ‘the good horses find you’. Take Stay Away Fay, for instance.

We were all in Harry’s Bar in the west end, celebrating after Greaneteen won the Tingle Creek Chase. We’d had a few drinks when Tom Malone rings, saying ‘I’ve found this horse and you’ve got to buy it’ – it turns into the most expensive evening ever, but that horse found me. I was in the right place at the right time.

“Of course, you can never buy them all because you’d be bankrupt! But I do think that you make your own luck in those situations.”

Stay Away Fay, owned with Dave Staddon, is the latest top-notcher, winner of the Grade 1 Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the Cheltenham Festival in March, and who made an impressive start to his chasing career at Exeter last month.

His Festival target this season is the Brown Advisory Novices’ Chase – the sixyear-old is unlikely to step out of novice company after his owner was burned in the past from being overly-ambitious with young horses.

“We made that mistake with Hinterland and Ptit Zig, running against the big boys, and I regretted both,” Giles says.

“Hinterland was brought down in the Champion Chase and was never the same horse again, and Ptit Zig fell in the Ascot Chase.

“I leave it to Paul. You’d be a fool to say that Paul and Clifford [Baker] don’t know what they’re doing. We’re also keeping Rubaud over hurdles this year. Constitution Hill can’t run in them all, can he? There’s

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THE OWNER BREEDER

plenty of good prize-money on offer.”

Despite their abundant talent and promise, Stay Away Fay and Rubaud have some way to go to match the exploits of Silviniaco Conti, winner of two King Georges, two Aintree Bowls, two Betfair Chases and an Ascot Chase during a career that yielded over £1.1 million in prizemoney.

Giles owned Silviniaco Conti in partnership with Jared Sullivan. The two later fell out and sold their shared bloodstock interests, which included a Grade 1-winning hurdler stabled with Nicky Henderson, Buveur D’Air. He went on to win a further seven times at the top level, including two Champion Hurdles, in the colours of JP McManus.

Giles says: “Why did we sell Buveur D’Air? Jared ran a very successful recruitment business called Potensis. He had a deal on the table, then Brexit happened – and Brexit was a surprise, of course. That was enough of a change to give the private equity community a fright, so they all downed tools.

“Jared felt he had a lot of bloodstock, so had a dispersal and Buveur D’Air was one of those horses sold, though I bought back Topofthegame.

“You want to win the big pots – I think my record now is 22 Grade 1s, including one with Buveur D’Air before we foolishly sold him. JP is a great supporter and I’m delighted the horse did so well for him.

But it does hurt a bit when you see a horse you’ve sold win two Champion Hurdles.

“Topofthegame was 100% mine, but I was in the middle of my divorce and the lawyers were telling me not to spend too much money. Paul Barber loved Topofthegame and said to Paul [Nicholls] ‘I’ll give Chris x amount for a share’ – that money allowed me to buy Greaneteen.

He was the only horse I bought in 2017 because the divorce was pending.

“I loved Conti – he was just a beautiful horse who relished flat tracks – but the one I love the most is Greaneteen, because I always wanted to win the Tingle Creek.

“Sandown was my home course when I lived in Cobham. I used to look at the famous board with the names of the winning horses and owners and say to myself, ‘I have to get on that board’. It’s sentimental; I bought him in the middle of my divorce after Paul Barber’s payment for half of Topofthegame. I have a strange emotional affection for him.”

He continues: “I enjoyed owning with Jared and we had a lot of success together, but it’s inevitable that you have situations where you don’t agree on everything.

Jared is a very forthright guy with strong opinions. Was there a falling out? Yes. We argued about Silviniaco Conti one summer – it was something fairly trivial – but we fell back in again and Crambo is shared.”

Mention of Crambo, trained by Fergal O’Brien, recalls a famous double for his owner at Sandown in March. After the sixyear-old had taken the novices’ handicap hurdle, the Nicholls-trained Iceo struck in the next race, the Imperial Cup. Not only did Giles collect a hefty chunk of prizemoney, but he had also backed the pair in a double to win a huge sum.

Yet Ladbrokes seemed unimpressed

by Giles’s nous in backing his own horses – he’d also had multiple ante-post bets on Stay Away Fay for Cheltenham – and restricted access to his account.

“Ladbrokes did their damnedest to stop me betting,” says Giles. “They wouldn’t let me access the site and kept bouncing me around. I would call it intentional obfuscation.

“I do think that some bookies are using the affordability checks as a battering ram with customers who clearly know what they’re doing.

“I’ve been asked for three years of tax returns and six months of bank statements.

Chris Giles

Stay Away Fay (pink/purple) produces a spectacular leap on his way to a debut chasing victory at Exeter under Harry Cobden, who also partnered Rubaud to victory in the Elite Hurdle at Wincanton (inset)

People don’t want to provide that – it’s information for your auditor or accountant only. Some bookmakers have been using the guidance to protect themselves.”

He continues: “Betting is a huge part of my interest in racing. I like to bet on my horses, unlike someone like Simon Munir, who told me there’s enough excitement already.

“For me it’s a very important part of the ownership experience and adds to the enjoyment. To a degree we’re back in a nanny state. Smoking’s been banned; I’m not a smoker, but it’s a civil right. This is another example. I’m an entrepreneur, so the less red tape the better.”

Flat no comparison Giles is a National Hunt man through and through but has also enjoyed some highprofile successes on the Flat, notably as one of the owners of Tiggy Wiggy, one of the best juveniles of 2014 who captured the Group 1 Cheveley Park Stakes and was later bought by Coolmore for 2.1 million guineas. Yet even that triumph couldn’t entice the owner to invest further.

“I’ve exited the Flat because I found it frustrating,” Giles says. “We have a place in Lisbon where we like to spend the summer, so I’m not in Britain for those months.

“When Tiggy Wiggy won the Cheveley Park, Jared and I were there at Newmarket.

We went to the winner’s enclosure, but

it all felt quite sterile. There are a lot of people in there but there’s no real warmth, whereas in National Hunt there is. Everyone knows each other, everyone congratulates each other, it’s a nicer community.

“A winner at Cheltenham is just unbelievable. I think the biggest buzz you can get is walking into that winner’s enclosure and seeing those banks of people overlooking the parade ring, cheering, shouting. It’s hairs on the back of your neck stuff.

“It does hurt a bit when a horse you’ve sold wins two Champion Hurdles” “I’ve had three winners at the Festival – Zarkandar, Topofthegame and of course Stay Away Fay. I have a small shrine at home with the trophies. Each one was amazing.”

The breeding game has yet to excite Giles although he does have one broodmare, albeit not by design.

“Paul [Nicholls] persuaded me to buy

a horse called Jenny Wyse, who hacked up in her point-to-point,” Giles explains. “I told Paul he hadn’t won any Grade 1s with mares, which made him a bit grumpy.

“Anyway, she got a leg, so she’s in foal to Walk In The Park. The idea is to sell if it’s a filly and keep if it’s a colt before gelding and taking the store horse route.

“Jenny Wyse wasn’t cheap – she cost €360,000 – and I wasn’t best pleased [when she got injured] but disappointment is part of the game.”

There have been other disappointments along the way; duo Skatman and Huflower cost £370,000 between them but didn’t work out. He had planned to give them a second lease of life with his son-in-law Tom’s Ronnie Racing syndicate, but both picked up injuries before being retired and rehomed.

Among his current 17-horse string, Giles has high hopes for Jetronic, a £200,000 buy from France through Anthony Bromley, though the four-year-old Reliable Man gelding has not set the world alight in his two runs so far this campaign.

In an industry built on behind-thescenes trading and private purchases, Giles is refreshingly open about what he pays for horses – “people will find out eventually” – as he looks to find the next runner capable of taking him to the top level.

Giles says he did “very well” when the broker PIB, which he founded in 2014, sold from The Carlyle Group to Apax in 2021.

“That’s really what’s fuelled a lot of my recent horse purchases and now I feel I have a pretty decent string.”

The insurance entrepreneur, 59, is still an investor in PIB and works with private equity, but he doesn’t take a salary for these roles, “which means prize-money from horseracing is my only regular income – last season I made about £400,000, and you don’t get taxed on it”.

Having not worked a 9-5 day for a decade, he has more time to watch horses like Iceo make their chasing debut at Newton Abbot, although with two small children aged five and two – he has three children in their twenties from his first marriage – duties at his Kensington home with Brazilian wife Debora are also important.

The Rangers and Arsenal fan is excited by what lies ahead for the rest of the season in a sport that has captivated him ever since he saw those first horses pointto-pointing at Bogside in the 1960s.

“There’s so many nice things about the National Hunt scene, from the grooms to the trainers to the people who go racing,” he says. “I take a lot of happiness from this sport. Of course, we’d all like more prizemoney, but it’s a great industry.”

THE OWNER BREEDER

33

British NH Breeders’ Showcase Sale

Cause for OPTIMISM Buoyed by a record-breaking foal and an enthusiastic array of buyers, the inaugural Goffs British National Hunt Breeders’ Showcase Sale offered a slice of positivity for the future of the NH bloodstock industry Words: Carl Evans

O

this country it’s a bad deal.”

Asked for his assessment, bloodstock agent David Minton – whose wife Juliet sold the £90,000 top lot – says: “It went well, and better than I expected. It could have done with one or two more quality lots, but the good foals made good money. The trade was there, the buyers were there.”

Doug Procter of Dorset’s Glanvilles Stud adds: “The show may need time to bed in, but the sale went well. They were a better bunch of horses than you would find in the January Sale, and there were a number of foals who would have gone to Ireland but went to Doncaster instead. The median and average prices were on a par with sales [of jumping foals] in Ireland.

“At that average price [just under £20,000] if you were selling a Nathaniel you broke even, but if you had used a cheaper sire you were on the right side

Statistics Offered: 83 Sold: 65 Aggregate: £1,277,500 Average: £19,654 Median: £15,000

CARL EVANS

ne sale does not a summer make, but the British National Hunt Breeders’ Showcase made for two fine days in Doncaster.

Centred on NH-bred foals and composed of a show one day and a sale the next, it was staged in early November by Goffs at its South Yorkshire sales complex. On its own it could not hope to propel British jump breeding to new heights, but it added another piece to a jigsaw of positivity which suggests this corner of the industry is slowly fighting back.

Jess Westwood, a TBA Trustee and head of Devon’s Molland Ridge Stud which consigned and sold three foals for an average of £31,000, says: “I was really pleased with the outcome. We’ve been pushing for a sale of jumping foals in November and Goffs liaised with the TBA’s National Hunt Committee to put it on. If we cannot sell our own stock in

Fillies by Nathaniel, Blue Bresil and Milan caught the eye of the judges at the foal show

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THE OWNER BREEDER

of the line.”

Simon Cox, the TBA’s NH Committee Chair, comments: “There was a great atmosphere and the social event the evening before provided the ideal platform to hear from an array of breeders, consignors and pinhookers in an informal setting, which brought the British National Hunt community together.

“Feedback from breeders has been positive and setting a British record for a National Hunt foal at the inaugural sale is to be celebrated. The TBA will continue to work across the industry to build a vibrant marketplace for Britishbred jumps stock.”

Go back in time – well before the results to be found on sales companies’ websites – and Doncaster Bloodstock Sales held a pre-Christmas foal sale of jumpers, but the support was not there at that time. With new, more commercially-minded breeders now operating, the time was right to try again. Tim Kent, Managing Director of Goffs’ UK division, says: “Vendors wanted a pre-Christmas sale, we

GOFFS UK

This son of the ever-popular Blue Bresil topped the inaugural sale at a record-breaking £90,000 to Irish pinhooker Richard Frisby

found a date and they backed us with a catalogue of 100 foals, which was more than we expected. It was a big collaborative approach.”

Goffs will be staging its January Sale at Doncaster in the New Year when late jumping foals will get their turn in the ring, but the Showcase has emerged at an interesting time.

You need the patience of a chess player to become good at breeding jumpers, which in a fast-moving world is a hard sell to entrepreneurs, but with the emergence of new money investing in studs and stallions, and promising signs that younger operators – and not just their parents or grandparents – want to get involved, British jump breeding has reason to believe.

The Goffs event contributed in several ways. It provided an opportunity to sell jumping foals in Britain in November, when in recent years horses of that age had to travel to Ireland or be kept back until Doncaster’s January Sale. Selling earlier helps cash flow, provides an opportunity to view the progeny of new sires well in advance of the new covering season, and helps stallion masters gauge the market’s reaction before setting fees. Minton points out that a November date can be too early for many May or June-born foals, although Westwood does not entirely agree, saying: “It’s for me to judge each animal – a later foal, born

when the mare has been doing well on good grass, can be a stronger foal.”

Selling at home reduces costs for British breeders, costs which have soared since Brexit, while the select nature of the catalogue meant the Showcase could live up to its name and offer buyers, particularly those based in Ireland or France, a sound reason to attend.

Irish pinhookers, an absolutely crucial element if the Showcase was to make a good start, were encouraged to do so by Goffs’ offer of travel assistance, but encouragingly most said they felt the journey was worthwhile because the stock and the way it was

“Setting a British record for a National Hunt foal is to be celebrated” presented was worthy of the billing.

Putting figures to one side the Showcase performed an intangible, but no-less important role in giving British breeders occasion to stick their chests out. Many arrived in Doncaster fearing

the event could prove underwhelming, yet were able to enjoy a feel-good vibe while mixing and socialising among themselves and with buyers. The camaraderie among young Irish traders, both socially and in business, is very noticeable at major sales. Generating a similar ‘club’ in Britain, particularly among the traders and breeders of the future, can only be a good thing.

At Doncaster this was helped by staging a show open to each lot on day one; in other words business, but without the anxiety of the sales ring, and that evening Goffs hosted a social event which was open to all.

The show was primarily fun, but it involved £10,000 in prize-money, split between the top three colts and fillies in their respective classes.

Naming the classes after leading jump breeders Richard Aston and Robert Chugg, and asking their widows Sally and Jackie to join the judging panel alongside celebrated Irish traders Warren Ewing and Norman Williamson, with back up from bloodstock agent Mags O’Toole, was a poignant but smart decision.

The judges’ choices may have been influential in the sales ring the following day, but the market did not expressly agree with their decisions.

Trade was topped by a Mill House Stud-consigned Blue Bresil colt who sold to Irish pinhooker Dick Frisby for £90,000 – a British auction record for a NH-bred foal – yet he had been judged second to a Jack Hobbs colt in the show. The last-named, from the Chugg family’s Little Lodge Farm, made £36,000, although selling to such a learned trader as Northern Ireland’s Ian Ferguson was a mark of honour.

Third in the colts’ show was a son of Golden Horn bred by John Lightfoot and consigned by Molland Ridge Stud – he sold for £47,000 to Mark Dwyer of Yorkshire’s Oaks Farm Stables.

The filly who won the red rosette in the show ring was a daughter of Nathaniel from the Aston family’s Goldford Stud. She sold for £44,000 en-route to a racing and likely breeding career under the Mariga family’s Corkbased Coolmara Stables banner. The filly who finished second to her in the

TOP LOTS Sex/breeding

Vendor

Buyer

Price (£)

c Blue Bresil - Scorpio Queen

Mill House Stud

Richard Frisby

90,000

c Saint Des Saints - Only For Love

Yeo Barton Bloodstock

Coolmara Stables Ltd

65,000

c Golden Horn - Akilaya

Outhill Farm

Tally-Ho Stud

60,000

THE OWNER BREEDER

35

››

British NH Breeders’ Showcase Sale

›› show, a daughter of Blue Bresil from

Mill House Stud, made £20,000 to pinhooking syndicate BLF Farm, while Peter Molony of Rathmore Stud parted with £35,000 to secure the third-placed daughter of Milan from Little Lodge Farm.

You will have worked out that Goldford, Mill House and Little Lodge dominated the show, but hungry young stallion masters/breeders looked on with reason to believe they could come to the fore in the future.

Grace Skelton was anticipating showing the first Alne Park Stud-bred Ocovango offspring next year as well as those by the younger Midnights Legacy, while the Futter family will have some Yorton-conceived Postponed foals in 2025.

It was interesting that the foals of sires based in Britain filled six of the top ten places in the sale. The majority were sold to pinhookers from Ireland who planned to resell their purchases as stores.

That top-ten board showed the £90,000 Blue Bresil colt headed trade, ahead of a £65,000 Saint Des Saints colt bought by Coolmara Stables from Sarah Faulks’ Devon-based Yeo Barton Stud. Next up was a £60,000 Golden Horn colt – one of three by the sire in the top ten – from Willie Jenks’s Outhill Farm in Warwickshire, followed by a £50,000 Nathaniel filly from Will Kinsey’s Cheshire-based Peel Bloodstock.

Kinsey experienced mixed results, saying: “This sale has worked well for the right foals. It’s the first one and the market has been selective, as it was last year. We all know the economic picture around the world is going through a funny period.

“I certainly hope this sale has a

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THE OWNER BREEDER

future – we produce good foals in this country and we want to encourage more people to breed and get stuck into these foals. There is genuine value there.”

Kinsey lamented the lack of NH

“Foals of sires based in Britain filled six of the top ten places in the sale” foal pinhookers based in Britain, a very different scenario from Ireland, where the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker will either own, share or have a family member with a foal or two to trade. Ireland is not short of good grassland and there are plenty of farmers willing to offer a home to a store horse.

Procter quotes the case of his amateur jockey son Freddie, a champion in the USA, who wanted to put together a pinhook syndicate with a few mates in the weighing room.

After some analysis they decided the keep costs in Britain made the project financially untenable.

Procter Snr says: “Go to an Irish foal sale and you will see farmers standing by the ring – they won’t go down to the boxes to inspect the foals – and if they like the foal they will bid. You will never get people like that to come to Britain [to buy foals].” It could be added there are few if any farmers like that left in Britain.

Tiny shoots of recovery have been

emerging, however. The Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association’s 2015 study into stayers and staying races was a reminder of the importance of such horses to racing and jump breeding.

Three years earlier the NH Mares Owners Prize Scheme – since replaced by the Great British Bonus scheme – encouraged the racing of Britishbred or sired fillies, and when races restricted to mares became fashionable – including two at the Cheltenham Festival – jump-bred fillies became more popular with improved results in the ring.

There are now as many elite mares in Britain, either on stud farms or racing stables, as there are in Ireland, albeit some racemares will retire to stud on the west side of the Irish Sea. Procter says Glanvilles Stud sent five mares to be covered in France in 2022, but this year they were all covered in Britain.

Looking at the broad picture, Minton says: “It’s very encouraging at the moment. We are in a stronger situation for proven stallions, with Nathaniel and Golden Horn being the obvious pair, but Jack Hobbs coming up and the Irish seem to like him.

“With the deaths of Richard [Aston] and Chuggy [Robert Chugg] we need replacements in Britain, but we have some young people coming along.

“We’re just a bit short of a good cross-section of people. In Ireland every small farmer has a mare, while we haven’t got the numbers of breeders or mares.”

Perhaps that corner, if not being turned, may be just up the road. >> Sales Circuit, pages 41-54

GOFFS UK

CARL EVANS

Jackie Chugg, Norman Williamson and Warren Ewing judge the filly foal class

Juliet Minton is congratulated by Tim Kent

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Breeders’ Digest

Nancy Sexton Bloodstock Editor

Value can still be found in potentially challenging times

BILL SELWYN

I

t had to end sometime. Following several seasons of post-Covid recovery, this was the year where downward trends at the sales became the norm and vulnerabilities were exposed in the market. That’s not to say it has ever been easy – those horses who are the products of cold stallions or physically uninspiring as individuals are always harder to move on. Yet throughout this autumn there has been the sense that trade is so much more selective than before. Only the very top level is seemingly immune.

The European breeding stock sales will reveal more on the pressures facing breeders, especially given that the foal sales are the bread and butter for many smaller operators. As I write, the Keeneland November Sale is closing having undergone a serious correction to the tune of around 20 per cent. That country’s industry is facing its own challenges, including the distrust of some of the racing public following a spate of high-profile breakdowns. However, it doesn’t take too much imagination to envisage the market for foals and mares contracting over here as well.

Several stallion farms have reacted by going on the record that they recognise the challenges facing breeders and have reduced their fees for 2024 accordingly. At the time of writing, fees for 139 stallions standing their second season and beyond in Britain, Ireland and France had been released, of which 50 were standing for a reduced fee. The caveat here is that several of them – 16 to be exact – are in their second, third and fourth seasons, all years where traditionally fees are likely to drop as farms attempt to drum up interest against an unproven horse.

At least another 15 can be regarded as stallions still waiting for a standout runner from a handful of crops of racing age; those such horses would have most likely been handed a fee cut anyway.

As it is, over half the fees released are holding steady or increasing from 2023. The majority of the 18 to undergo an increase are pretty selfexplanatory; for instance, Whitsbury

Mostahdaf: looks value at £15,000

Manor Stud’s rapidly ascendant Havana Grey jumps from £18,500 to £55,000, Darley’s leading first-crop sires Blue Point and Too Darn Hot will stand for career highs of €60,000 and £65,000 respectively, while champion sire-elect Frankel has earned a rise to £350,000 off the back of another outstanding year that yielded 11 Group or Grade 1 winners. At his new fee, Frankel joins Dubawi as the world’s most expensive sire.

So where does the value lie? That is, of course, a matter of opinion but I don’t think breeders can go too far wrong in Juddmonte’s veteran Oasis Dream at £15,000. With 18 Group/ Grade 1 winners on his stud record not to mention his reputation as a widely respected broodmare sire, his new fee surely offers an enticing opportunity, especially to those breeders looking to get a young mare off the ground.

Similarly, Newsells Park Stud’s Nathaniel offers a lot of horse at his revised fee of £17,500, a slight increase on last year. Poptronic and Quickthorn enhanced his record this season to eight individual Group 1 winners, a group highlighted by two real stars in Enable and Desert Crown. Few stallions standing beyond the £30,000 mark can boast that kind of record, let

alone one below £20,000.

The spread of new stallions also makes for interesting reading. The decision by Shadwell to install Mostahdaf at £15,000 reads like a variation of a Black Friday deal. A two-time Group 1 winner by Frankel, with the looks to go with his race record, should ensure that a busy first covering season is in store at Shadwell’s new stallion base of Beech House Stud in Newmarket next year.

A fee of £15,000 also provides access to Cartier champion sprinter Shaquille, winner of this year’s Commonwealth and July Cups.

His acquisition by Steve Parkin to stand at his Dullingham Park Stud in Newmarket is a signal of the level of ambition behind the fledgling operation, something that came across in an interview with this magazine last month. “We’re not going to squeeze Shaquille’s fee to the highest point we think we can reach,” Parkin said. “We’re going to stand him at a fee where we think breeders have a great chance of making a profit.

We’re hoping to grow this place in conjunction with breeders.” At an opening fee of £15,000, he certainly wasn’t kidding.

END OF AN ERA

Owner Breeder has been extremely privileged to have hosted the words of Andrew Caulfield since its first issue in September 2004, when he assessed the career of legendary stallion Danzig.

Andrew is now retiring from his place as the magazine’s pedigree wordsmith and this month’s Caulfield Files, in which he provides a detailed insight into this year’s Weatherbys Return of Mares, will sadly be his last.

Andrew previously compiled pedigree write-ups of Group/Grade 1 races around the world as well as producing his popular Caulfield Files column. Incredibly knowledgable on all aspects of pedigrees with a valuable understanding of the breed to go with it, Andrew can always be relied upon to provide a balanced and interesting insight into his subject. We have been lucky to have had him as a contributor and wish him all the best for the future.

THE OWNER BREEDER

39

STUDY OF MAN Sire of a Group 2 winning 2yo in 2023

Fee: £12,500 (1st October SLF)

A LEADING EUROPEAN FIRST CROP SIRE IN 2023 Sire of: DEEPONE (winner of 3 races including Gr.2 Beresford Stakes, The Curragh), GHORGAN (Gr.3 placed), ALACRITY, BIRTHE, FRANCOPHONE, JUBILEE WALK, LINGUA FRANCA, LOOK UPON and SONS AND LOVERS. The only son of legendary DEEP IMPACT at stud in England, sire of AUGUSTE RODIN winner of the Gr.1 Epsom Derby, Gr.1 Irish Derby, Gr.1 Irish Champion Stakes and Gr.1 Breeders’ Cup Turf, in 2023

DEEPONE wins the Gr.2 Beresford Stakes for trainer Paddy Twomey, owner Vimal Khosla and breeder Andreas Bezzola – 2024 Classic hope.

Lanwades-bred 2yo colt SONS AND LOVERS, won his only race in 2023, over 7f at Newmarket.

Yearlings sold in 2023 made 220,000gns, 100,000gns, etc. info@lanwades.com

LANWADES

•

w w w. l a n w a d e s . c o m •

Te l : + 4 4 ( 0 ) 1 6 3 8 7 5 0 2 2 2 The independent option TM

Sales Circuit • By Carl Evans

International demand key to horses in training market A buoyant racing industry in Australia and an emerging and lucrative one in the Middle East is powering the top end at this famous sale.

Described by Tattersalls Chairman Edmond Mahony as a “unique fixture, the largest and most popular of its type in the world”, it once again proved a magnet to buyers from overseas. They came to spend money at all levels and for horses of wide-ranging ability, but for headline-act horses the Antipodes and Middle East were dominant.

In his close-of-sale summary, Mahony said Australian buyers had accounted for 50 lots, including ten of the top 20, but he took pleasure too in seeing Spanish and Italian buyers mopping up 80 lots at a lower tier. Inflation is a common theme in countries around the world but in the past ten years turnover at this sale had risen from 20 million guineas to 34 million guineas, said Mahony.

With Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain having joined Dubai in establishing and continuing to grow valuable racing programmes, and Australian prizemoney and syndicate involvement driving demand for European bloodstock, buyers from those two groups secured the majority of horses valued at £200,000-plus, which was effectively the top 30 lots, and all but one horse in the top ten. Eight were three-year-olds, and seven of that octet had been gelded, so they could have raced on in Britain or Ireland for several more seasons. Why would their owners choose to do that when in most cases they could sell for more than they were ever likely to earn in prize-money?

A case in point was three-year-old Balance Play, who had gained an official rating of 101 through three wins and three places and had earned a handy £76,000 for his efforts, this after being bought as a yearling by bloodstock agent Alex Elliott for 280,000gns.

Yet when returned to the ring at this auction, he was resold for a sale-topping 575,000gns to Aussie legend Gai Waterhouse and her colleague Adrian Bott. That was a good story in itself, although on this occasion the most

TATTERSALLS

Tattersalls Autumn Horses-in-Training Sale

Balance Play will continue his career in Australia after selling for 575,000gns

interesting angle lay not with the identity of the buyer, but the consignor.

Imperium Sales, selling stock for the first time, had been created by Elliott, a man best known as a poacher, not keeper. As a bloodstock agent he has bought a Cheltenham Gold Cup winner and numerous black-type performers on the Flat, but consigning horses for clients came as a new venture for him, albeit one plagiarised from across the pond.

America’s Jacob West, who buys yearlings, manages their careers and then trades them on via Highgate Sales, is an example, and Elliott felt he too could offer clients a similar start-tofinish package. Having bought “85 yearlings on behalf of various clients this year” he has plenty of future ammunition should he opt to continue his Imperium Sales operation.

Balance Play, who had been in training with Ralph Beckett, had Melbourne Cup written all over his profile, hence his appeal to his Australian buyers who took advice from agent Johnny McKeever.

This was not Imperium Sales’ only notable success, for it sold two further top-ten lots, both three-year-old geldings. He’s A Monster, the winner of

five races for Archie Watson and Lone Star Investments, was sold for 450,000gns to Blandford Bloodstock’s Richard Brown, acting for Qatar’s Wathnan Racing, while Bear On The Loose, a three-time winner for trainer Kevin Philippart De Foy, made 280,000gns and joins Balance Play at the stables of Waterhouse and Bott, as does Royal Patronage, a 300,000gns buy from Highclere Racing.

Other purchases by Wathnan Racing, which is headed by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim Al Thani, included six-time winner Dark Trooper for 500,000gns out of Ed Walker’s yard and the Clive Cox-trained Just Bring It for 300,000gns.

The Simon and Ed Crisford-trained Sea The Casper had shown winning form on quick ground and with opposing Saudi Arabian buyers keen to secure him, his price raced up to 425,000gns before the hammer fell in favour of Mubarak Al-Ruwis. Another export to Saudi Arabia was Carracci, a three-year-old colt from Aidan O’Brien’s stable. Mouse O’Ryan signed for this one, his first purchase on behalf of SBS Global, for 320,000gns.

Other Australian trainers who invested

THE OWNER BREEDER

››

41

Sales Circuit ›› significant sums were Ciaron Maher who

gave 360,000gns for Amleto, and Chris Waller who gained Florida for 300,000gns, the pair having been consigned from William Haggas’s yard.

The one horse from the top ten who broke the mould by not selling to Middle East or Australian interests was Juddmonte’s three-time winner Halfway Line, although he too was bought for export and a place with Philip D’Amato in California. Michael Donohoe of BBA Ireland ensured that plan was set on course with a bid of 320,000gns.

Jumps trainers had to dig deep against such overseas competition, but agent Matt Coleman and Jonjo O’Neill found 260,000gns to purchase three-year-old gelding Circuit Breaker, a

winner over two miles for owner Jeff Smith and trainer Ralph Beckett. Circuit Breaker had stallion appeal, being a son of Nathaniel, and similar could be said of Golden Move, a son of Golden Horn, who left Richard Fahey’s yard bound for a place with Paul Nicholls. Tom Malone bought this one for 215,000gns.

After a full-on five days of selling, during which 1,258 horses walked the ring, 1,089 had been sold, a pleasing clearance rate of 87 per cent, albeit three points down on last year. The 2022 edition had set record figures and by some margin, so while this year’s totals were down across the board, they were not meaningful declines.

Turnover of just under 34 million guineas was a drop of seven per cent,

the average figure, 30,951gns, was a fall of 14 per cent, while the median was clipped six per cent at 15,000gns.

The very large Castlebridge Consignment draft sold 145 horses for 3.8 million guineas to take the position of leading consignor. Leading buyers Blandford Bloodstock spent just over 1.7 million guineas on 13 lots, the same number as Saudi Arabia’s Najd Stud, which invested 1.5 million guinneas.

Statistics Sold: 1,089 (87% clearance) Aggregate: 33,705,774gns (-7%) Average: 30,951gns (-14%) Median: 15,000gns (-6%)

Tattersalls Autumn HIT Sale Top lots Name/age/sex/breeding

Vendor

Price (gns)

Buyer

Balance Play 3 g Lope De Vega – Bezique

Valmont/Imperium Sales

575,000

McKeever Bloodstock/ Waterhouse/Bott

Dark Trooper 3 g Dark Angel – Warshah

Ed Walker Racing

500,000

Blandford Bloodstock

He’s A Monster 3 g No Nay Never - Al Joza

Lone Star Investments/Imperium Sales

450,000

Blandford Bloodstock

Sea The Casper 4 g Sea The Stars - October Queen

Gainsborough Thoroughbreds/Barton Sales

425,000

Mubarak Al-Ruwis

Amleto 3 g Sea The Stars - Holy Moon

Somerville Lodge (William Haggas)

360,000

Ciaron Maher Bloodstock

Carracci 3 c Quality Road – Butterflies

Coolmore

320,000

Aidan O’Ryan/SBS Global

Halfway Line 3 g Zoffany – Midweek

Juddmonte

320,000

BBA Ireland/Stakes Horses

Florida 3 g No Nay Never – Balankiya

Somerville Lodge (William Haggas)

300,000

Chris Waller Racing

Just Bring It 3 g Harry Angel - Just Joan

Atlantic Equine/Imperium Sales

300,000

Blandford Bloodstock

Royal Patronage 4 c Wootton Bassett – Shaloushka

WH Bloodstock

300,000

McKeever Bloodstock/ Waterhouse/Bott

Like its much bigger Newmarket rival, the horses-in-training section of this one-day sale drew buyers from overseas, yet the figures fell back from the good results achieved 12 months ago.

The aggregate of just over €1.2 million was down 12 per cent, the average fell 18 per cent to €13,714, while the median dropped 32 per cent to €7,500. Quality horses were popular, but an eight points decline in the clearance rate to 76 per cent was further evidence that buyers were choosy.

Goffs can count upon an annual draft of horses from the Aga Khan, and once again they proved their worth, the nine-strong squad adding €289,000 to turnover. Three of the top five lots came from the consignment, including Kadeen, a three-year-old New Approach colt who was sold to Gordon Elliott and Bective

42

THE OWNER BREEDER

GOFFS

Goffs Autumn Horses-inTraining and Yearling Sales

Kadeen: part of a strong draft from the Aga Khan Studs, he sold for €100,000

Stud for €100,000. The winner of a Curragh maiden for the stable of Mick Halford and Tracey Collins, the well-bred Kadeen had achieved a rating of 76, not

enough to retain all parts of his anatomy, and he was soon listed as having been gelded ahead of a hurdling career.

Another member of the Aga Khan’s

THE OWNER BREEDER

42

››

Sales Circuit

GOFFS

TALKING POINT

This Havana Grey filly turned a good profit

›› draft, Zariygann, a half-brother to the

Elliott-trained and Bective Stud-owned quality hurdler Zanahiyr, was sold to Joe O’Flaherty for €62,000, while Carol Walsh purchased winning miler Fernao out of Willie McCreery’s yard for €55,000.

John McConnell, who has a growing profile as a trainer for the big occasion, also paid €54,000 for Churchwarden, a three-year-old Parish Hall gelding who had been unplaced, but shown promise, in two runs for Eddie and Patrick Harty.

Overseas buyers were also in evidence at the Goffs two-day Autumn Yearling Sale, although the top six lots were all bought by domestic purchasers. The second session proved the bounciest and contained the sale-topper, a €65,000 daughter of Havana Grey who was sold to Bobby O’Ryan on behalf of Dermot Weld.

The result was a very worthy pinhook for the fledgling operation run in Herefordshire by Victoria Macauley, whose 8,000gns investment in the filly as a foal paid handsomely.

O’Ryan and Weld also teamed up to

• It is galling for Goffs that many horses trained in Ireland are shipped across to Tattersalls’ Newmarket HQ for the horses-in-training, end-of-season exchange, but it is a chicken-and-egg situation.

Which comes first, the horses or the buyers, and while the biggest buyers head to Newmarket, the best horses will go there too. After the last of 121 lots had walked the ring at Goffs’ Autumn HIT Sale, CEO Henry Beeby once again urged more support for the sale, saying: “As is nearly always the case on this day of the year, we reflect on a busy and vibrant day of trade for horses in training, but bemoan the lack of entries.”

Adding that his company’s sale should be “the natural choice for Irish horses in training”, he reeled off a list of countries whose buyers had made purchases and summed up: “So it’s really up to Irish owners and trainers to give us the chance, as we are confident we will deliver.”

It is hard not to feel sympathy for Beeby and his team, but the current highly influential buyers from Australia and the leading racing nations of the Middle East do attend Park Paddocks rather than Kildare Paddocks.

gain the sale’s sole Blue Point colt, consigned by David Byrne’s Rochestown Lodge Stud. Bought for €47,000 at the Goffs February Sale, he crept past that valuation at this auction and was knocked down for €50,000, a sum that was also paid by Johnny Murtagh and Eoin Linehan for an Inns Of Court filly from The Castlebridge Consignment.

Twelve months ago four horses made €70,000 or more, headed by an €80,000 Dawn Approach colt. Since then yearling prices have been clipped back and auction houses have seen lower turnover.

At this sale, trade was down 12 per cent at just over €3.2 million for 385 horses sold while the average was down ten per cent at €8,426.

HIT statistics

Yearling statistics

Sold: 92 (76% clearance) Aggregate: €1,275,700 (-12%) Average: €13,867 (-18%) Median: €7,500 (-32%)

Sold: 385 (87% clearance) Aggregate: €3,243,800 (-12%) Average: €8,426 (-10%) Median: €5,000 (-9%)

Goffs Autumn HIT and Yearling Sales Top lots Name/age/sex/breeding

Vendor

Price (€)

Buyer

Kadeen 3 c New Approach – Kadra

HH Aga Khan Studs

100,000

Gordon Elliott/Bective Stud

Zariygann 3 c Sea The Moon – Zariyna

HH Aga Khan Studs

62,000

Joe O’Flaherty

Fernao 4 g Frankel – Macheera

Rathbride Stables

55,000

Carol Walsh

Churchwarden 3 g Parish Hall – Sparanai

Mulgrave Lodge/Baroda Stud

54,000

John McConnell

Sex/breeding

Vendor

Price (€)

Buyer

F Havana Grey - Nellie Ellis

Erenagh House Stud

65,000

Bobby O’Ryan/Dermot Weld

F Inns Of Court - Wild Mix

The Castlebridge Consignment

50,000

Johnny Murtagh/Linehan Bloodstock

C Blue Point – Elouges

Rochestown Lodge Stud

50,000

Bobby O’Ryan/Dermot Weld

F Invincible Spirit – Condensed

Peter Nolan Bloodstock

48,000

Gerry Hogan Bloodstock

Tattersalls Ireland November National Hunt Sale

It introduced an A-Z style for the catalogue, listings lots in the order of their dam’s names in order to create more room in the barns for showing, and preceded the main event with a stand-alone session devoted to the dispersal of stock from

Top yearlings

With format changes and seven consecutive days of selling, Tattersalls Ireland had to be on its A-game for this long-established sale of jumping stock.

44

THE OWNER BREEDER

Kieran Lennon’s Springhill Stud. Lennon, a noted buyer of foals and vendor of stores whose farm was based in County Carlow, died in April at the too-young age of 57.

Ironically Lennon’s stock was offered on the day one of his brightest graduates,

››

4

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20/11/2023 14:53

Sales Circuit himself as a novice chaser to note with a Grade 2 win at Wincanton for Paul Nicholls’ stable. That was a good omen, and some shrewd buyers were at Fairyhouse to look at the 36 lots on offer, of which 35 found a home.

They were headed by a Getaway two-year-old gelding who realised €75,000 to a bid from David L’Estrange, who also signed for a €62,000 Capri gelding of the same age. The dispersal raised €734,500.

Having warmed their larynxes and gavels, Tattersalls Ireland’s auctioneers then worked their way through four days of foals. The opening session gave an indication that buyers would not hold back for a foal with all the assets, but would be circumspect below that level, and that fashionable sires would dominate. The latter comment could be narrowed down further to Blue Bresil and Walk In The Park, for their progeny accounted for a third of the sale’s entire turnover.

The opening day saw a Blue Bresil colt, bred by Richard and Mai Nolan and consigned from James Sheehan’s Clonmult Farm, head trade when selling to pinhooker Timmy Hillman for €68,000.

Eighteen-year-old Blue Bresil – who stands at the Cashman family’s Glenview Stud and who will always be known as the sire of Constitution Hill – was to become leading sire by aggregate, although he was not short of numbers. His 56 foals turned over just north of €2 million at an average of nearly €37,000.

The Blue Bresil show continued on day two, when two of his colts headed trade when selling for €97,000 and €80,000.

Father-and-son team Kieran and Cathal Mariga of Coolmara Stables in County Cork accounted for the session-topper, who was bred by neighbour Mossy Barry of Ballykineally Stables, while Paul and Alana Cowley, who are based in England, gained the second of the two for their Vanquish Bloodstock.

Walk In The Park’s stock had been popular on the first two days, and he emerged with the sale topper on day three, a session at which, in contrast to the first two days, the figures held steady. Gerry Aherne, no stranger to a Walk In The Park purchase, parted with €100,000 to create the sale’s best in a partnership with Charles Shanahan. The vendor was Oliver Loughlin, whose son Eoghan bred the dam, Posh Trish, a daughter of Stowaway.

Ten years ago the Loughlins sold Posh Trish as a foal at this sale for a humble €1,200, watched her win a point-to-point and be resold for €135,000, before landing six races including two Listed hurdles for

46

THE OWNER BREEDER

TATTERSALLS IRELAND

›› seven-year-old Knappers Hill, announced

Gerry Aherne and Charles Shanahan snapped up this Walk In The Park colt for €100,000

Paul Nicholls. Returned to this sale in the Covid year of 2020 she was bought back by her breeder and has quickly turned a profit on the €118,000 cost. Her first foal, a colt by Walk In The Park, made €85,000 last year, the latest foal trumping that sum.

It makes breeding seem easy.

Day four contained the fewest lots and the weakest trade, with just 82 of 175 foals finding a buyer at a clearance rate of 47 per cent. Kevin Ross signed for the day’s highlight, a Ballincurrig House Studconsigned son of Old Persian who was sold for €60,000 with a view to being reoffered as a store.

When the last of 859 foals had taken their turn in the ring – 70 fewer than last year – turnover had reached nearly €10.2 million, a fall of 16 per cent. The average price dipped four per cent at just under €18,000 while the median was clipped 20 per cent at €12,000.

Pinhookers bossed the leading buyers’ table, headed by Timmy Hillman, who bought seven foals for €309,000, while the Motherway family’s Yellowford & Drumlin sold 25 lots for €715,000 to emerge as leading vendors.

Among sires a new name to note was Santiago, whose first foals – conceived under the Coolmore banner at Castle Hyde Stud – were sold at an average of €19,824, nearly five times his €4,000 covering fee.

Jukebox Jury’s oldest Irish crop are four-year-olds and have been providing their sire with some positive publicity. His fee at Burgage Stud is now private, but his 17 sold foals averaged nearly €21,000, a sure profit for breeders.

Foals by Britain’s twin peak stallions of jumpers, Nathaniel and Golden Horn, had rarity value to aid their profile. Nathaniel’s two representatives sold for a spanking

average of €87,500, while Golden Horn’s six averaged €26,500. His fellow Overbury Stud stallion-mate Jack Hobbs was also represented by six foals: they averaged €18,000.

The November Sale’s final day often produces the overall top lot, courtesy of a classy racemare, but no such quality was in the line-up on this occasion. A €58,000 Blue Bresil gelded yearling from Edmond Kent’s Ballyhampshire Stud headed trade when sold to Kevin Ross, while the 13-year-old mare Bonny Kate changed hands for €40,000 when bought by Maurice Sheehy from the draft of Clonbonny Stud.

Just 36 of 117 lots (30 per cent) found new homes at this session, a quiet note on which to end, although Tattersalls Ireland’s CEO Simon Kerins said the lack of some quality breeding stock reflected “the desire for owners to retain good racemares as breeding prospects”. He acknowledged that the final day’s yearling section needed a rethink, but took pleasure in the foal trade and noted an increase in foals valued at €80,000 (nine in total). On a cautionary note he added: “Undoubtedly there are trade gaps further down the level and there is no denying the current market is selective.”

Kerins and his team drew breath and then went back to work, for on the seventh day there was no rest.

Tattersalls Ireland’s Sapphire Sale of Flat-bred yearlings and foals sprang into life, although trade was tepid at best, and worse than that for yearling vendors. Just 14 of 68 found a buyer as the market proved either saturated or dismissive of the stock on offer.

A Cotai Glory colt foal, a half-brother to Group 1 winner Champers Elysees and

››

BOBBY’S KITTEN Sire of multiple Group winner SANDRINE

Fee: £5,000 (1st October SLF)

Sire of: SANDRINE – Winner of 4 Group races, including Gr.2 Park Stakes (in 2023), Gr.2 Lennox Stakes, Gr.2 Duchess of Cambridge Stakes and Gr.3 Albany Stakes (also Gr.1-placed x2). Now a Group winner at 2, 3 & 4, MONAASIB – Gr.2 placed, KITTY KITANA – Gr.3 placed x 2, FIGHTING KING (Listed-placed), etc.

Two year olds in 2023 include top-rated ALMOTAHED (GB) (in Saudi Arabia) and DARK BLUE SKY (IRE) (in Hungary).

Lanwades bred/owned and Andrew Balding trained SANDRINE, now a Group winner at 2, 3 and 4 following her success in the Gr.2 Park Stakes at Doncaster in 2023.

Two-year-old ALMOTAHED (GB) unbeaten winner of two races (by a total of over 30 lengths) in Saudi Arabia so far winning £48,677 in prize money in 2023.

Outstanding lifetime winners to runners ratio info@lanwades.com

LANWADES

•

w w w. l a n w a d e s . c o m •

Te l : + 4 4 ( 0 ) 1 6 3 8 7 5 0 2 2 2 The independent option TM

Sales Circuit ›› consigned by Railstown Stud, headed

trade when selling for €37,000 to John Foley. Foals accounted for 59 sales from 107 lots, a clearance of 55 per cent. Of 187 horses in total 79 were bought (42 per cent) for an aggregate of €533,100, down 11 per cent.

November Sale statistics

Sapphire Sale statistics

Sold: 606 (62% clearance) Aggregate: €10,660,700 (-23%) Average: €17,592 -2%) Median: €12,000 (-14%)

Sold: 79 (42% clearance) Aggregate: €533,100 (-11%) Average: €6,748 (+13%) Median: €4,000 (0%)

Tattersalls Ireland November National Hunt Sale Top lots Sex/breeding

Vendor

Price (€)

Buyer

C Walk In The Park - Posh Trish

Oliver Loughlin

100,000

Gerry Aherne/Charles Shanahan

C Blue Bresil - Beautiful War

Ballykineally Stables

97,000

Coolmara Stables

C Kapgarde – Cushuish

Quill Farm/Clonbonny Stud

92,000

Jamie Codd

C Nathaniel – Limini

Peel Hall Stables

90,000

NBB Racing/Joey Logan

C Blue Bresil - Fairy Hill

Yellowford & Drumlin

88,000

Kevin Ross Bloodstock/Ben Case

Tattersalls Ireland Sapphire Sale Top lots Sex/breeding

Vendor

Price (€)

Buyer

C Cotai Glory - La Cuvee

Archway Stud/Railstown Stud

37,000

GHS Bloodstock

C Bungle Inthejungle – Mordoree

Rathasker Stud

28,000

Daniel Murphy/Damian Moore

F Ghaiyyath – Arabescatta

Castledillon Stud

26,000

Paragon Bloodstock

Once completed this post-racing auction had created a number of happy Irish point-to-point handlers and British buyers, but seen a downturn in the figures.

There was also an unusual and distinct lack of participation from licensed trainers based in Ireland, for while representatives of Willie Mullins and Gordon Elliott were at the sale, and Henry De Bromhead made an appearance, they did not make any apparent purchases.

That might have left the door open to their fellow countrymen, but they too took a watching brief or were absent.

Lucinda Russell, whose yard in Scotland is becoming increasingly potent, made five investments alongside assistant Paul McIvor, spending £460,000 in the process, while racehorse owners Gwent Holdings gained four lots for a spend of £295,000 with the aim of sending the quartet to Philip Hobbs and Johnson White. Retired champion jockey Richard Johnson assisted Gwent Holdings’ racing manager Martin Durran in this exercise.

Despite their input, turnover fell 44 per cent to £2.3 million, albeit from a catalogue that contained 41 offered lots, 13 fewer than last year. Surprisingly, the reduced numbers did not help the

48

THE OWNER BREEDER

TATTERSALLS CHELTENHAM

Tattersalls Cheltenham November Sale

Tom Lacey struck the winning bid on the £205,000 top lot, Umma House winner Piper Park

clearance rate, which dropped 15 points to 76 per cent, the average price was down 13 per cent at £74,194 while the median dropped 20 per cent to £58,000. Those figures were the lowest since 2016, one year after Tattersalls took on Cheltenham sales from Brightwells.

Not that such historic trivia worried Harley Dunne, Colin Bowe or Robert Tector, to name but three Wexfordbased Irish point-to-point handlers who emerged with a profit. Dunne’s fouryear-old filly Piper Park, a daughter of

Walk In The Park who had been bought by her trainer for €58,000 at last year’s Derby Sale, headed trade when selling to Herefordshire trainer Tom Lacey for £205,000.

She had scored on debut at Umma House in County Westmeath last month, one week before Honky Tonk Highway made a winning start for Bowe at Tattersalls in County Meath. Bowe’s Milestone Bloodstock had bought her for €55,000 at last summer’s Land Rover Sale, but she made £165,000 when reoffered, with agent Ryan Mahon

››

Al Kazeem

By Champion sire DUBAWI

FOUR TIME

GR.1 WINNER TIMEFORM RATED 128 Won Gr.1 Tattersalls Gold Cup (2015) Won Gr.1 Coral-Eclipse Won Gr.1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes Won Gr.1 Tattersalls Gold Cup (2013) Won/placed in 15 Group races inc. 8 Gr.1 races

GR.1 SIRE

10% of WINNERS are STAKES WINNERS inc: ASPETAR

1st Gr.1 Preis von Europa, Gr.2 York Stakes, Gr.2 Grand Prix de Chantilly, etc. Won/placed in 8 Black-Type races.

SAINT LAWRENCE

1st L Denford Stakes, 2nd Gr.3 Pavilion Stakes, 3rd Gr.1 Prix Maurice de Gheest, etc. Won/placed in 6 Black-Type races.

Listed winners HARPER & USAK

Plus Black-Type horses - GOLDEN SPELL, PRECISELY, PERSIAN ROYAL.

59% WINNERS to RUNNERS Lifetime average yearling price £43,000 ASPETAR

Excellent results from strictly limited books Dubawi - Kazeem (Darshaan). Fee: Private.

Oakgrove Stud, Oakgrove Estate, St Arvans, Chepstow, Monmouthshire NP16 6EH  oakgrovestud.com X-TWITTER @OakgroveStud

David Hilton:  07595 951248  david@oakgrovestud.com

Sales Circuit ›› signing the sheet on behalf of a client of

TATTERSALLS CHELTENHAM

Dan Skelton’s.

Russell’s five buys included three that made a six-figure sum, headed by rangy homebred chesnut Moon Phases, who was offered by his breeders, the Tector family of County Wexford. Neil Tector rode the four-year-old’s great, great granddam Love-In-A-Mist to beat no less a rival than Dawn Run when the great mare made her bumper debut at Clonmel. Neil had been given the mare by his father, Neville, and decades later he handed Moon Phases, a son of Ol’ Man River, to his son Robert and said “see what you can do with him” or words to that effect.

Robert trained the horse to finish a

Tattersalls winner Honky Tonk Highway joined Dan Skelton at £165,000

close fourth on debut in a maiden point-to-point a few days before the

TALKING POINTS

• Several theories could be suggested for the downturn in trade at Tattersalls Cheltenham November Sale.

The first is that it was a blip caused by a catalogue which was just short of quality in depth. Another is that Ireland’s point-to-point season, with its riches of young equine talent, kicked off on October 1, six weeks ahead of this auction, and, given that easy ground had enabled point-to-point trainers to run some of their better horses, had they been sold privately in the meantime?

Conversely, this sale heralded the start of a busy period for events of its type, with auctions designed around pointto-pointers scheduled for the first two weeks of December at Newbury (Goffs), Sandown (Tattersalls) and then back at Cheltenham (Tattersalls). Licensed trainers and their owners

sale – the winner was trained by Gordon Elliott and the first three had all been substantial store purchases – and given the promise of that run he opted to go to market. It paid off when Russell brought the hammer down at £150,000, a sum which the Tectors agreed was way beyond the sort of price they might have achieved if they had offered the gelding as a store.

Statistics Sold: 31 (76% clearance) Aggregate: £2,300,000 (-44%) Average: £74,194 (-13%) Median: £58,000 (-20%)

know there are plenty more buying opportunities to come.

• Warwickshire’s Dan Skelton has an edge that few if any other trainer colleagues can boast.

If an owner wants to race jumping fillies or mares with a view to retiring them to stud, Skelton can offer the complete package, for his wife Grace runs Alne Park Stud.

Not only can the stud board such a mare on a considerable acreage, it now has four stallions to cover her, Ascot Gold Cup winner Subjectivist being the latest member of the roster.

Skelton’s purchase via agent Ryan Mahon of four-yearold filly Honky Tonk Highway at Tattersalls Cheltenham’s November Sale was said to be for a client who had a breeding plan in mind.

Tattersalls Cheltenham November Sale Top lots Name/age/sex/breeding

Vendor

Price (£)

Buyer

Piper Park 4 f Walk In The Park - Shannon Theatre

Harley Dunne Racing

205,000

Tom Lacey

Honky Tonk Highway 4 f Milan - St Gregory

Milestone Stables (Colin Bowe)

165,000

Ryan Mahon/Dan Skelton Racing

Saint Kristobal 4 g Jeu St Eloi - Belle Josee

Bernice Stables (Warren Ewing)

155,000

Tom Malone/Paul Nicholls

Moon Phases 4 g Ol’ Man River - El Eighty Twelve

Coolbawn Stables (Robert Tector)

150,000

Lucinda Russell/Paul McIvor

Magical Annie 4 f Jukebox Jury – Mwangaza

Old Leighlin House Stables (Barry Fitzgerald)

140,000

Ben Pauling Racing

Diagon Alley 4 g Flemensfirth - Whizzzey Rascal

Jonathan Fogarty Racing

140,000

Tom Malone/Syd Hosie

Reflection Of You 4 f Jack Hobbs - Gold Reef

Bernice Stables (Warren Ewing)

140,000

Lucinda Russell/Paul McIvor

Fasig-Tipton November Sale

No fewer than 25 seven-figure lots helped fuel a memorable evening at the FasigTipton November Sale in Lexington, Kentucky, writes Nancy Sexton. When all was done and dusted, 154 horses had turned over $101,281,000 for an average of $657,669 and median of $295,000. The third straight year that the sale had turned over in excess of $100 million, the average and median rose by ten per cent and 18 per cent respectively, thereby reversing the

50

THE OWNER BREEDER

negative trend seen regularly this sales season.

Given the sale’s high-flying nature, it is always going to attract the world’s leading buyers keen to secure the array of top-flight winners and producers on offer.

As such, it is rarely going to be as vulnerable to market forces as other sales; even the weakness of the yen against the American dollar failed to dampen the enthusiasm of Japanese buyers.

Two Grade 1-winning racemares,

Goodnight Olive and Nest, brought $6 million apiece and in a treat for American racing fans, early indications are that both will stay in training for 2024.

Fresh off her second consecutive win in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, her fourth Grade 1, Goodnight Olive attracted the attention of industry newcomer John Stewart, who plans to send his new acquisition back to trainer Chad Brown for a six-year-old campaign.

Lexington local Stewart, the founder

››

Fee Private

Fee €12,500 (1st Oct terms)

Fee €10,000 (1st Oct terms)

Fee €6,000 (1st Oct terms)

Fee €2,000 (in advance of covering)

Fee €2,000 (in advance of covering)

Contact: Cathal Beale, Gary Swift +353 (0)86 6031979, Conor Hyland +353 (0)85 1299236 Tel: +353 (0)45 521251 @IrishNatStud irishnationalstudandgardens www.irishnationalstud.ie

A4-2024-Roster.indd 1

09/11/2023 15:06

Sales Circuit Capital, jumped into the business in a big way during the Keeneland September Sale when signing for $8.425m worth of yearlings alongside advisor Gavin O’Connor.

On the cusp of purchasing the Midway arm of Shadwell’s operation in Kentucky during Fasig-Tipton, Stewart came away from the sale with $13.35m worth of stock including Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner Pizza Bianca, who realised $3m in foal to Into Mischief, and Queen Caroline, the dam of champion two-year-old Forte who was sold in foal to Flightline for $3m.

Overall, the covering average for Flightline checked in at a mighty $1.64m.

“Once I’ve decided to buy it, I’m buying it,” Stewart announced to the press. “They could have bid what they wanted but that horse was going home with me.”

Mike Repole, meanwhile, bought out his partners Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners and Michael House at $6m to secure the brilliant filly Nest. Trained by Todd Pletcher, Nest won the Grade 1 Ashland Stakes at three prior to running second in the Kentucky Oaks and Belmont Stakes.

The daughter of Curlin subsequently landed the Grade 1 Coaching Club American Oaks and Grade 1 Alabama Stakes en route to being crowned champion three-year-old filly. Although compromised by a fever that delayed her four-year-old campaign this year, she returned to win the Grade 2 Shuvee Stakes and run third in the Grade 1 Personal Ensign Stakes.

“I wanted to bring her back - I think she has some unfinished business,” outlined Repole. “If not, I have a couple of stallions, including Uncle Mo. She could have a date with him.”

As ever, the sale was highlighted by

FASIG-TIPTON

›› and managing partner at MiddleGround

Goodnight Olive: Breeders’ Cup winner was the highlight of John Stewart’s spending spree

strong participation from Japanese interests including Grand Farm, which went to $4.2m for this year’s Prix du Moulin winner Sauterne. The daughter of Kingman was unsold at £1.2m at the Goffs London Sale in June, since when she has continued to progress, with placings in the Prix Jean Prat and Prix Rothschild preceding her Moulin win over Big Rock.

Emmanuel De Seroux and Grand Stud also teamed up to purchase Grade 1 winner And Tell Me Nolies for $2.3m.

Katsumi Yoshida, meanwhile, came away with the Grade 1 Acorn Stakes winner Search Results at $3.6m and last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies heroine Wonder Wheel at $3.2m.

Shadai Farm signed at $2.3m for Grade 2 winner Ain’t Easy in foal to Curlin and at

$1.3m for Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes winner Shantisara; the daughter of Coulsty had once been a 10,000gns breeze-up purchase by Federico Barberini.

It was heartening to see Shadwell Farm active within the foal section, with the operation going to $500,000 for the session-topping youngster, a Munnings filly out of Grade 3 winner Summer In Saratoga.

Statistics Sold: 154 (75% clearance) Aggregate: $101,281,000 (-0.07%) Average: $657,669 (+10%) Median: $295,000 (+18%)

Fasig-Tipton November Sale Top lots Name/age/sex/breeding

Vendor

Price ($)

Buyer

Goodnight Olive 5 m Ghostzapper - Salty Strike

ELiTE, agent

6,000,000

Gavin O’Connor, agent

Nest 4 f Curlin - Ravenwood

Highgate Sales, agent

6,000,000

Repole Stable

Sauterne 3 f Kingman - Silicone

Nicky Drion Thoroughbreds, agent

4,200,000

Narvick International/Grand Stud

Faiza 3 f Girvin - Sweet Pistol

Hill ’n’ Dale at Xalapa, agent

4,000,000

Godolphin LLC

Search Results 4 f Flatter - Co Cola

ELiTE, agent

3,600,000

Katsumi Yoshida

Wonder Wheel 3 f Into Mischief - Wonder Gal

Taylor Made Sales Agency

3,200,000

Katsumi Yoshida

Keeneland November Sale – Book 1

The intense demand for top-end stock was again on show during Book 1 of the Keeneland November Sale, albeit at a lower level than at the previous

52

THE OWNER BREEDER

evening’s Fasig-Tipton display, writes Nancy Sexton.

The presence of 11 million-dollar lots and sizeable median rise of 29 per cent to $375,000 were factors that led Keeneland Vice President of Sales

Tony Lacy to describe it as “a strong market”. But a glance at the figures suggests that it wasn’t all plain sailing, notably the clearance rate of 65 per cent, which was down from 73.5 per cent in 2022. The 65 horses that failed

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Sales Circuit ›› to sell in the ring included two of the

KEENELAND

sale’s most anticipated lots in Puca, the dam of this year’s Kentucky Derby winner Mage for whom bidding stalled at $2.8m, and Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner Caravel, who was bought back on a bid of $2.4m.

Puca did, however, find a new owner outside the ring in big new spender John Stewart, whose representative Gavin O’Connor later signed for the mare at $2.9m. Still only 11-years-old, Puca was originally bought by Grandview Equine for $475,000 and is already an important producer as the dam of three stakes horses from as many foals of racing age.

In addition to Mage, the trio also includes high-class juvenile Dornoch while her yearling colt by McKinzie sold for $1.2m at the Keeneland September Sale. Back in foal to Mage’s sire Good Magic, she sold through Case Clay Thoroughbred Management, for whom it capped a memorable sales debut; Clay also sold the Grade 1 Beverly D Stakes winner Dalika for $1.65m to Pursuit Of Success LLC. Not including Puca’s private sale, Keeneland sold 120 horses through the ring for $54,340,000 for an average of $452,833, down eight per cent from last year, and a median of $375,000, up 29 per cent.

In the ring, the action was topped by

Unsold in the ring at $2.8 million, high-flying producer Puca later sold for $2.9 million

KEENELAND

Bobby Flay’s Grade 1 producer White Hot sold for $2.1 million to BBA Ireland

wound up with three bought for a total of $1.56m, including the session’s top-priced youngster, a colt by Gun Runner out of the winning Galileo mare Sea Hill, for whom they gave $750,000.

KEENELAND

the sale of the Galileo mare White Hot for $2.1m to BBA Ireland. Dam of the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner Pizza Bianca and in foal to leading sire Into Mischief, the half-sister to Pour Moi formed part of a sizeable draft of horses catalogued this winter by celebrity chef Bobby Flay, in this case from Stone Farm.

Summer Wind Equine, meanwhile, came away with the Grade 2-winning Frankel filly Skims at $1.8m while Juddmonte went to the same price for Ack Naughty, dam of this year’s Grade 1 winner Practical Move in foal to that colt’s grandsire Into Mischief.

European-based buyers were also active including Barronstown Stud, who paid $1.45m for Champagne Lady, a stakes-placed Uncle Mo sister to Coolmore sire Mo Town in foal to Flightline, and Ecurie des Monceaux, who paid $675,000 for Irish Listed winner Perotan, a Churchill sister to this year’s Dante Stakes winner The Foxes in foal to Justify.

As at the Fasig-Tipton November Sale, Shadwell Racing were busy shopping for foals. That operation

Stone Farm’s Arthur Hancock congratulates Michael Donohoe of BBA Ireland

Statistics Sold: 120 (65% clearance) Aggregate: $54,340,000* (-19%) Average: $452,833* (-8%) Median: $375,000* (+29%) * does not include private sales

Keeneland November Sale – Book 1 Top lots Name/age/sex/breeding

Vendor

Price ($)

Buyer

Puca 11 m Big Brown - Boat’s Ghost

Case Clay Thoroughbred Management

2,900,000

Gavin O’Connor, agent

White Hot 10 m Galileo - Gwynn

Stone Farm, agent

2,100,000

BBA Ireland

Skims 4 f Frankel - Royal Decree

Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services Inc.

1,800,000

Summer Wind Farm

Ack Naughty 11 m Afleet Alex - Dash For Money

Sequel New York, agent

1,800,000

Juddmonte

Dalika 7 m Pastorius - Drawn To Run

Case Clay Thoroughbred Management

1,650,000

Pursuit Of Success LLC

Champagne Lady 6 m Uncle Mo - Grazie Mille

Lane’s End, agent

1,450,000

Barronstown Stud

54

THE OWNER BREEDER

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16/11/2023 10:30

M AYSON GROUP 1 WINNING SIRE

BY INVINCIBLE SPIRIT

GROUP 1 SIRE OF TOP CLASS SPRINTERS OXTED AND ROHAAN

Yearlings made up to €120,000 in 2023 54% Strike Rate of Winners to Runners

NEW TO IRELAND

2024 Fee €4,250and October 1st Horses SLF 85% Strike Rate of Winners Placed to Runners

Dr Statz

John Boyce cracks the code

S

tatistics for the four combined books at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sales tell us that the average price of 103,571 guineas for a yearling in 2023 fell by 21.6% from 12 months ago, on the face of it a seismic shift. But when we contextualise this average price against the previous five years, a different less drastic picture emerges.

This year’s average price was higher than the 98,352gns of 2021 and the 91,751gns of 2020. True, it was also lower than the three years leading up to Covid year, but less drastically so. Moreover, when we assess the market by median price, we find that 2023’s 52,000gns is at least the second best on record.

It is tempting to view last year’s record numbers as the odd man out and indeed as last year’s October Sale progressed from Book 1 to Book 2, it felt unreal at the time, a suspicion that was confirmed when we totted up the bullish spending by the likes of Sheikh Mohammed who gave £26.8 million for 36 yearlings. It was never on the cards that this was going to be repeated this year and in fact it wasn’t, as Godolphin forked out £13.4m, still a hefty sum, at this year’s October Sale. Allied to that, a further 10.45 million guineas was pumped into last year’s October market by Saleh Al Homaizi through agent Richard Knight. He would later default on those payments.

For the record, failing to keep up with bloated and unsustainable demand happened only at Tattersalls as the Goffs Orby, Goffs Premier and Arqana August Sales all increased their average price in 2023. Taken as a whole, the average yearling price in Europe fell back from £77,444 in 2022 to £69,001 this year but was still well ahead of the £62,836 average in 2021.

The scaling back of demand was most keenly felt in the top 10% of the market and in the bottom 30%. The top 10% segment of the market, comprising 485 yearlings, averaged £336,268 this year, which was 15% short of the average in 2022. But every 10% segment was down on the corresponding one 12 months ago ranging from a 4% deficit to the aforementioned 15%. The good news was that every 10% segment of this year’s market was also up on that of 2021, the top two deciles up by 12% each.

Another piece of good news was that production costs actually fell in 2023 compared to last year. Remarkably, the sires with ten-plus yearlings sold produced improved profitability figures in 2023 compared to last year. The average advertised fee for this year’s crop stood at £28,587, which was 4.1% lower than the average of £29,806 last year. All told, the 4,303 yearlings by stallions with ten-plus sold featured 2,082 who theoretically made money after a £20,000 upkeep fee is levied. That amounts to 48%, which is well ahead of the 41% profitable a year ago.

On the foal-to-yearling pinhooking front, 1,083 yearlings (21%) were sourced at last year’s foal sales, but they featured only 419 (39%) that turned a profit after we add £10,000 for interim costs. Last year, bearing in mind it was very much a sellers’ market, 1,005 – or 56% – of the pinhooked yearlings made a profit after £10,000 was added to their purchase price. It will be interesting to see what, if anything, the harsher conditions of 2023 does to the confidence of foal-to-yearling traders.

Looking at individual stallion performances by fee range is always insightful and offers the best evidence on whether a stallion is competitively priced.

Among the elite stallions, those who stood in 2021 for £50,000 or higher, it was between Dubawi and Frankel for the top spot and it was Dubawi, backed by eight Godolphin purchases, who ended up with the highest average price, and the most profitable yearlings with 18 of 20 making the fee plus £20,000 upkeep costs.

Dubawi matched his previous best of five juvenile Group winners headed by the National Stakes winner Henry Longfellow

GEORGE SELWYN

Some brightness in a softer market

Pinatubo: first yearlings have been popular

and Racing Post Trophy victor Ancient Wisdom, himself a €2m Arqana August graduate. Frankel, who looks set to regain his Britain and Ireland sires’ title this year and leads all European sires by number of stakes winners, posted the biggest average profit of the group, so it was no surprise to see the Juddmonte sire’s fee rise from £275,000 to £350,000 next year.

The proven duo of Teofilo, now sire of three Melbourne Cup winners, and Camelot show up very well in the £20,000-£49,000 fee group, both siring plenty of profitable yearlings. It is also this cohort that features most of the best first-season sires at the yearling sales this year. Pinatubo, like the red-hot freshman Blue Point a son of Shamardal, posted the highest average profit and the highest percentage of profitable yearlings of any freshman sire.

Ghaiyyath had some big prices, including 19 six-figure yearlings and one for over a million, bought by Godolphin.

Too Darn Hot’s first yearlings outsold those by Blue Point last year, but the positions are reversed this year with Blue Point’s yearlings averaging £154,000 compared to Too Darn Hot’s £119,000. Both Darley sires have done brilliantly with their

YEARLING SALES BY DECILE Decile 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

2021 300,249 107,599 69,650 48,661 34,701 25,550 18,058 12,450 6,886 2,880

2022 397,472 129,030 78,001 53,734 39,430 29,537 21,484 14,671 8,232 3,164

%Ch21 32% 20% 12% 10% 14% 16% 19% 18% 20% 10%

2023 336,268 120,504 73,565 51,376 37,492 27,589 19,587 13,098 7,359 2,765

%Ch22 -15% -7% -6% -4% -5% -7% -9% -11% -11% -13%

%Ch21 12% 12% 6% 6% 8% 8% 8% 5% 7% -4%

THE OWNER BREEDER

57

››

Dr Statz ›› first runners this term, but the two Group 1

winners by Blue Point – a feat not achieved by a European first-season sire since the Sadler’s Wells colts Prince Of Dance and Scenic dead-heated in the 1988 Dewhurst Stakes – outrank Too Darn Hot’s single winner at the highest level.

Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere winner Rosallion is an ideal advertisement for his young sire in that he is sure to stay a mile next year, which could be crucial to how breeders and yearling buyers perceive Blue Point going forward. And in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint winner Big Evs, Blue Point surely has a top-notch sprinter in the making. No surprise then that he was one of only eight European stallions to record an average profit of over £100,000 in any fee category.

In the £10,000-£19,000 category, the clear leader is Ballylinch Stud’s Dubawi stallion New Bay. His 2023 yearlings are from the first crop produced after his first two crops did so well in 2020 and 2021, featuring Group winners New Mandate, Saffron Beach, Bayside Boy and Bay Bridge. His yearling average has soared to €127,000 this year and his average profit is well clear of anything else in the fee group, as is his number of profitable yearlings.

The leading freshman among this group is Darley’s Earthlight, whose yearlings averaged £90,920, some 5.3 times his initial fee of €20,000. Only fellow Darley stallions Pinatubo and Ghaiyyath, plus Coolmore’s Sottsass, recorded higher average prices in the sales under review.

We should also commend the French pair Zarak and Galiway, both of whom delivered profitability scores over 70%, second only to New Bay. In the sub-£10,000 category, it was no surprise to see Havana Grey and Sioux Nation come to the fore. It was impossible not to be impressed with Havana Grey’s progeny this year. Among his many second-crop juvenile winners is the dual Group 1 winner Vandeek, rated the best two-year-old sprinter in Europe following victories in the Prix Morny and Middle Park Stakes. With an average profit of £72,000 and a profitability percentage of 93.5, he is the clear winner among the sub-£10,000 cohort.

Havana Grey’s chief rival last year was Sioux Nation, and he too falls into the category of cheaply produced yearlings selling well after he’d created a favourable impression with his first runners. As many as 16 (76.2%) of Sioux Nation’s 21 yearlings sold made a profit. It is another son of Scat Daddy in first-season sire Sergei Prokofiev who produced the third best average profit among this group.

58

THE OWNER BREEDER

EUROPEAN SIRE YEARLING PROFITABILITY 2023 (Leading sires by average with ten or more sold arranged by fee price range) Sire Sold High £ Avg £ Fee £ Fee £50,000-plus DUBAWI 20 2,048,918 610,145 250,000 FRANKEL 28 2,100,000 578,754 175,000 KINGMAN 28 945,000 294,724 150,000 SIYOUNI 41 1,878,175 260,090 119,664 WOOTTON BASSETT 95 1,312,500 247,545 85,475 LOPE DE VEGA 62 1,155,000 235,446 106,843 SEA THE STARS 55 682,500 218,813 128,212 NIGHT OF THUNDER 45 563,453 190,046 64,106 NO NAY NEVER 71 525,000 177,310 106,843 DARK ANGEL 82 892,500 86,699 51,285 INVINCIBLE SPIRIT 41 546,000 76,562 68,380 KODIAC 122 367,098 71,462 55,559 Fee £20,000-£49,999 BLUE POINT *PINATUBO CAMELOT TEOFILO *GHAIYYATH TOO DARN HOT

FASTNET ROCK *SOTTSASS LE HAVRE MEHMAS SEA THE MOON CHURCHILL *HELLO YOUMZAIN SHOWCASING *KAMEKO OASIS DREAM ACCLAMATION *PERSIAN KING AUSTRALIA *MOHAATHER

Avg Profit £

In Profit

%

Xfee

340,145 383,754 124,724 120,425 142,070 108,603 70,601 105,940 50,467 15,414 (11,818) (4,097)

18 24 19 28 74 42 34 36 41 36 11 38

90.0 85.7 67.9 68.3 77.9 67.7 61.8 80.0 57.7 43.9 26.8 31.1

2.4 3.3 2.0 2.2 2.9 2.2 1.7 3.0 1.7 1.7 1.1 1.3

73 53 41 19 55 55

1,575,000 525,000 725,659 420,000 1,102,500 472,500 420,000 448,201 273,189 433,758 603,750 325,500 273,000 388,500 264,652 351,750 242,904 315,000 189,000 173,250

154,274 148,840 141,807 133,219 129,616 119,159 100,274 91,164 80,307 78,256 75,631 71,770 67,157 65,670 61,884 59,082 56,500 51,803 50,299 47,304

34,190 35,000 38,464 25,642 25,642 45,000

100,084 93,840 83,344 87,577 83,974 54,159 37,536 45,521 26,117 36,887 33,131 26,127 25,789 670 16,884 19,082 12,994 6,161 8,930 7,304

67 47 29 13 36 36 7 33 16 100 37 36 47 20 22 21 27 32 16 24

91.8 88.7 70.7 68.4 65.5 65.5

4.5 4.3 3.7 5.2 5.1 2.6

66 62 62 25 17 36

45 47 57 67 31 19 13 24 33 25 34 59 22

1,431,400 341,250 252,000 430,500 446,250 363,299 273,000 420,000 273,000 256,115 138,400 105,000 116,775 231,000 131,250 162,750 75,000 136,500 115,500

111,609 90,920 83,092 80,679 76,419 73,712 68,278 59,690 50,480 49,789 39,151 37,654 37,038 35,780 35,337 35,325 33,374 33,147 32,992

17,095 17,095 19,232 17,500 15,000 10,257 10,257 17,095 12,500 17,095 10,000 14,000 10,684 12,500 14,958 12,500 13,676 12,821 12,821

74,514 53,825 43,860 43,179 41,419 43,455 38,021 22,595 17,980 12,694 9,151 3,654 6,354 3,280 379 2,825 (302) 326 171

54 43 43 13 12 27 32 25 30 34 17 7 7 10 11 8 13 22 9

81.8 69.4 69.4 52.0 70.6 75.0 71.1 53.2 52.6 50.7 54.8 36.8 53.8 41.7 33.3 32.0 38.2 37.3 40.9

2.3 5.3 4.3 4.6 5.1 7.2 6.7 3.5 4.0 2.9 3.9 2.7 3.5 2.9 2.4 2.8 2.4 2.6 2.6

62 21 74 61 15 36 20 31 18 21 50 36 40 39 33 29

630,000 268,930 231,000 157,500 112,450 117,115 160,000 105,000 68,297 129,750 199,500 145,132 78,076 86,752 98,177 68,000

98,165 67,556 39,568 38,009 36,598 34,845 32,655 31,827 31,254 31,047 30,417 29,558 27,783 27,741 27,660 26,617

6,000 8,547 6,500 5,128 6,838 4,274 5,000 7,500 8,547 5,128 6,411 5,983 4,000 6,838 5,983 5,983

72,165 39,008 13,068 12,881 9,760 10,571 7,655 4,327 2,707 5,919 4,006 3,575 3,783 903 1,677 634

58 16 38 36 8 22 8 14 10 7 18 12 20 17 12 10

93.5 76.2 51.4 59.0 53.3 61.1 40.0 45.2 55.6 33.3 36.0 33.3 50.0 43.6 36.4 34.5

16.4 7.9 6.1 7.4 5.4 8.2 6.5 4.2 3.7 6.1 4.7 4.9 6.9 4.1 4.6 4.4

16 49 35 145 61 74 72 67 44 45 48 66 40 49

42,737 25,642 34,190 21,369 22,500 25,642 21,369 45,000 25,000 20,000 23,506 25,642 21,369 20,000

43.8 67.3 45.7 69.0 60.7 48.6 65.3 29.9 50.0 46.7 56.3 48.5 40.0 49.0

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20/11/2023 16:58

Caulfield Files

Bloodstock world views

Busy stallions headline a very different world

TALLY-HO STUD

B

ack in May 1985, in my role as editor, I was in the Pacemaker offices in London working on the first edition of the Thoroughbred Breeder, the official publication of the TBA. Now, getting on for 40 years later, I am in my home office, bringing down the curtain on my writing career by penning the last of many years’ editions of the Caulfield Files in Owner Breeder.

I think it’s fair to say that it was a very different world in 1985, although there are some constants. In 1984, Northern Dancer had owed a great deal to his son Sadler’s Wells in landing his fourth Anglo-Irish sires’ championship in 15 years. Sadler’s Wells was busily covering his first mares at Coolmore in the spring of 1985. My memory is that Sadler’s Wells was asked to cover quite a big book of mares for a new sire in that era but the reality is that the Weatherbys Return of Mares credits him with the grand total of 59 mares.

The title of busiest Flat stallion of 1985 was shared by Thatching and Red Sunset, with 76 mares each, and the busiest stallion in Britain was sprinter Absalom, who covered 69 mares at Dunchurch Lodge Stud. Le Moss and Deep Run were the busiest of the National Hunt stallions, with 193 and 185 mares respectively.

Sadler’s Wells has been one of the most reliable constants in recent decades. His first sires’ championship came in 1990, when he had just three crops racing, and he and his male line descendants have exerted a very effective stranglehold on the title ever since. In the 34 years from 1990 to 2023, the title of champion sire has been taken 28 times by either Sadler’s Wells, his son Galileo or Galileo’s son Frankel. The only stallion to provide serious opposition was Frankel’s broodmare sire Danehill, with his three consecutive championships, soon followed by Danehill Dancer’s sole title.

But while the names have stayed pretty much the same, the nature of the breeding industry has undergone enormous change, fuelled by innovations from the veterinary community. The latest edition of the Return of Mares highlights the scale of the change.

The busiest National Hunt stallion, with a tally of 319 thoroughbred mares and another 16 non-thoroughbreds, was Sea The Stars’ champion son Crystal Ocean.

Over the years we have become quite

Mehmas and his sons are very popular

accustomed to seeing National Hunt stallions covering eye-watering numbers of mares, and now it seems as though we are also going to have to get used to it in the Flat sector. The 2020s have already seen Churchill, Inns Of Court and Night Of Thunder break the 200 barrier in 2020, with Kodiac, Mehmas and Wootton Bassett following suit in 2021.

I should point out that the year-end figures for number of mares covered, which appear in the Return of Mares Supplement, are provisional and the figures published after the mares have foaled tend to be lower. For example, Mehmas’s total for 2021 was initially given as 294, but that was reduced to 265 in the 2022 Return of Mares. Mehmas’s popularity has continued and the 2023 return credits him with having covered 231 mares in 2022, a year which also saw Starman, Wootton Bassett and Sioux Nation respectively cover 250, 232 and 221 mares.

According to the provisional figures for the 2023 covering season, Mehmas was again extremely busy, with a book of 244, but even so he was outpointed by Sioux Nation, with 289 mares and Saxon Warrior with 264. Four other stallions – Churchill, Wootton Bassett, Ten Sovereigns and Calyx – exceeded 200 mares.

Altogether, 39 Flat-oriented stallions covered more than 150 mares, but I have excluded Nathaniel from this sample, as his 165 mares included a proportion of jumping mares. Between them, the remaining 38 stallions were mated to 7,076

mares – a very sizeable proportion of the mares in the Flat sector.

I thought it would be interesting to divide the mares by looking at the distances over which the 38 stallions were successful. The highest number, 3,239, were covered by stallions that won only over five or six furlongs. Another 2,251 visited stallions that won at up to seven furlongs or a mile. Then there were 707 mares covered by stallions that won at up to a mile and a quarter, and another 879 whose mates were successful at up to a mile and a half. Of the busiest 16 stallions, ten were specialist sprinters, such as Blue Point and No Nay Never, while another five did their winning at up to a mile. Of the 16, only Frankel actually won beyond a mile, though a couple of others – Saxon Warrior and Churchill – also stayed beyond a mile.

Incidentally, none of these 38 indemand stallions won beyond a mile and a half, which goes some way towards explaining why Hukum has been retired to Japan and why Frankel’s stamina-packed sons Hurricane Lane, Westover, Adayar and Logician have either been exported to Japan or retired to the jumping sector.

Health of the breed

The American Jockey Club sought to impose a limit of 140 mares per stallion a few years ago, citing declining genetic diversity, and saying that its goal was to preserve the health of the Thoroughbred breed for the long term. However, the stallion cap fell foul of Kentucky’s State Legislature in February 2022 and the Jockey Club rescinded its rule Consequently, some 51 Kentucky-based stallions covered more than 140 mares in 2022, with 16 covering 200 or more, topped by Gun Runner’s 248 mares. The 2023 season saw 54 stallions exceed the 140-mare cap, including 14 that covered 200 or more. This time the table was topped by two first-season sires, with turf sprinter Golden Pal covering 293 mares and champion Epicenter tackling 262.

Back in 2013, only one stallion – Into Mischief – covered more than 200 mares.

One difference between the US and the Anglo-Irish industry is that the American foal crop has been falling in dramatic style.

From more than 40,000 foals in 1990, the total began to fall below 20,000 foals after 2017. So, if the crop size is falling but

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››

Caulfield Files ›› stallions are covering more mares, critics

could be excused for wondering whether the Jockey Club’s fears about declining genetic diversity may someday be realised.

Sire lines tend to come and go, or at least they did before Northern Dancer shaped the breed. It looks as though Northern Dancer’s great-grandson Frankel is set to carry on the outstanding work done by Galileo and Sadler’s Wells. With sires’ championships in 2021 and 2023 and an honourable second place to Dubawi in 2022, Frankel has finally earned equity with Dubawi where fees are concerned. Having covered nearly 200 mares at a fee of £200,000 in 2022 and a similar number at £275,000 a year later, Frankel will stand the 2024 season at £350,000, putting him beyond the reach of a great number of breeders. Fortunately, those breeders have the option of using a growing number of Frankel’s Group 1-winning sons.

The omens must be good, now that Cracksman – his first stallion son – has sired Ace Impact, Europe’s outstanding middle-distance colt, in his first crop.

However, Cracksman – despite being a two-time champion – didn’t find things easy once the first flush of popularity wore off. Having attracted 134 mares in 2019, his subsequent books numbered 95, 74 and 61, so he is going to have a difficult time numerically over the next few years.

However, the emergence of several black-type winners from his first crop earned him a book of 167 in 2023.

Even Frankel struggled to maintain support in his early years at stud, with his first four crops containing 121, 109, 89 and 86 foals, but his impressive first crop soon reversed this trend. Other Classic-winning sons of the exceptional Galileo weren’t nearly so quickly off the mark and paid the price in an industry where the knee-jerk reaction is king. For example, the 2021 crop

by Australia amounted to 45 foals from a book of 58, while Gleneagles received only 31 mares in 2021. Another dual Guineas winner, Churchill, was penalised for siring nothing better than Listed winners among his first two-year-olds in 2021 and his book went from 170 in 2021 to 90 in 2023.

At present, the future of the Galileo male line in Britain and Ireland seems to rest heavily on the shoulders of Frankel and his sons, but France now has Ace Impact making his debut at €40,000, as well as Galiway, whose fee rose from €3,000 to €30,000 with help from his son Sealiway. And while this male line is famed for its achievements over a mile or more, there is now a very popular exception to this rule in the form of Teofilo’s grandson Havana Grey. This five-furlong specialist – now priced at £55,000 – has always

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covered more than 100 mares a year, with around 160 in 2022 and 2023, so he is well placed to build on his early successes.

Green Desert flourishing

The Danehill branch of the Danzig line still has some reliable flagbearers but its highest-priced representatives in 2024 will be Starspangledbanner at €45,000 and Kodiac at €35,000.

Kodiac’s son Kodi Bear and Exceed And Excel’s son Cotai Glory have both also received recent large books at increased fees.

The Green Desert branch, on the other hand, continues to flourish and seems likely to do so for many years. In Ireland, Sea The Stars has had his fee raised to €200,000, while Kingman remains at £125,000 in England, and both stallions are showing promise in the role of sire of sires. Sea The Stars’ son Sea The Moon has had his fee raised to £32,500 on the strength of a strong team of Group winners in 2023, and

“Dubawi’s legacy is already secure thanks to several of his stallion sons” Baaeed received a warm welcome in his first year, with a book of around 160 mares at £80,000. Then there’s Stradivarius, with his initial book of around 120.

Kingman, for his part, is the sire of Calyx. This extremely fast colt soon found support ebbing away, despite fee reductions, with his second book numbering 93 mares and his third just 66.

Fortunately, a fast start by his first crop helped revive interest, to the extent that he covered around 200 mares in 2023. It’s going to be interesting to see whether Kingman’s top milers Persian King and Palace Pier can also impress when their first runners race in 2024 and 2025.

The ever-consistent Dubawi landed a deserved first sires’ championship in 2022, prompting his fee to be raised to £350,000. As he will be 22 in 2024, he cannot have many years left but his legacy is already secure, thanks to the exploits of several of his stallion sons, the latest to shine being champion Too Darn Hot. There was constant demand for the services of Dubawi’s stallion sons in 2023, with Space Blues covering 198 mares,

Ghaiyyath 188, New Bay 177, Night Of Thunder 170, Too Darn Hot 157 and Naval Crown 119. I believe Zarak covered 130 mares in France, while the English-based Time Test had a book of 166 in 2022.

Dubawi’s team will be boosted by Modern Games in 2024, and we also have grandsons of Dubawi to look forward to.

We’ve already seen Make Believe sire Mishriff and Bayside Boy covered around 130 mares in his first season alongside his sire New Bay at Ballylinch Stud.

Dubawi is a great-grandson of Mr Prospector, while Wootton Bassett is a great-great-grandson. Both are free of Sadler’s Wells and Danzig, which makes them all the more valuable, and each now shares the title of being the highest-priced stallion in his respective country. Thanks to King Of Steel and a powerful group of 2023 juveniles, Wootton Bassett has joined Sea The Stars at €200,000.

Scat Daddy was another stallion with no Sadler’s Wells or Danzig blood in a pedigree which featured 4 x 2 inbreeding to Mr Prospector. Although he died tragically early, Scat Daddy left a magnificent legacy, with his Triple Crown-winning son Justify giving every indication that he is going to be an outstanding stallion. Scat Daddy is also well represented on this side of the Atlantic. His sons No Nay Never and Sioux Nation respectively covered 190 and 289 mares in 2023, when the inexpensive English-based Sergei Prokofiev covered 155. Four of No Nay Never’s sons also covered more than 100 mares in 2023, the leaders being Ten Sovereigns (209), Blackbeard (150) and Arizona (180).

Two other branches of the Northern Dancer male line also have more than enough ammunition to shine in the future.

Shamardal’s 2023 team was led numerically by Blue Point with 190 mares, followed by Lope De Vega with 177. Lope De Vega also had a couple of popular sons that covered their first mares in 2022, with the strongly-supported Lucky Vega covering 144 and 147 mares in his first two seasons and Lope Y Fernandez covering 127 and 152.

The popularity of fast-maturing juveniles is also evident in the support given to sons and grandsons of Acclamation. Dark Angel attracted 187 mares in 2022 and 166 a year later, while his son Harry Angel was rewarded for some early success with a 2023 book of 161. It is Mehmas, though, who looks set to make a huge impact on the two-year-old/ sprint scene in coming years. In addition to his own huge books, young sons such as Supremacy, Minzaal, Persian Force and Caturra have also been in demand.

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01668 213467 07/07/2023 16:50

Vet Forum: The Expert View

Sarah Moore MRCVS

Pre-season breeding soundness examinations: getting the most out of your stallion

T

he stallion breeding soundness examination has historically been used during the pre-purchase stage, yet performing examinations and tests prior to the breeding season should become a routine part of any stallion’s preparation in order to maximise his fertility and detect any problems before the season starts.

The pre-season breeding soundness exam

Physical exam Natural cover stallions require physical fitness in order to perform their duties in the breeding shed. This puts strain on their hocks, hindlimb suspensories and lower back. They also repeatedly land on both front limbs when dismounting from the mare. As well as auscultation of the heart and lungs, a brief orthopaedic examination including hindlimb flexion is advised. Particular focus should be on any previous racing injuries.

Older stallions are more likely to have osteoarthritis in the small hock joints, which may not present as a significant lameness but may cause some discomfort when mounting the mare. Orthopaedic pain can result in issues with libido as the continued discomfort results in a reluctance to mount the mare. Stallions with low grade pain can cover the mare normally but the chronic nature can impact fertility through sperm production. Depending on the normal sperm output for the individual stallion, this can have an impact on the overall per cycle pregnancy rate and therefore the numbers of mares in foal at the end of the season.

Testicular ultrasound and measurements Testicular size is an important parameter in determining potential sperm output and is a key element of a breeding soundness exam.

Examination of scrotal contents carries particular importance when performing examinations for firstseason subfertility insurance, when vets are precluded from examining other aspects of reproductive performance including assessment

Figure 1 Ultrasonographic measurement of the testicle

of libido, mating ability, ejaculatory function or semen quality.

Testicular size can be measured using callipers to establish the total scrotal width (TSW) or total testicular volume (TTV). More commonly these measurements are taken using a linear ultrasound probe (Figure 1). This allows a more accurate measurement without including the scrotal skin but also allows an assessment of the scrotal contents.

Accurate testicular measurements and assessment should be performed using sedation to allow the testicles to descend fully into the scrotum, although some stallions who are regularly examined for insurance purposes will tolerate this without sedation. The length, height and

width of each testicle are measured and the TTV calculated using the formulas shown in Figure 2. TTV can then be used to calculate a predicted daily sperm output (DSO), the number of sperm in the ejaculate in a 24-hour period.

Information gained from the DSO calculation can be used to advise on the potential book number as well as the number of covers per day that would result in an acceptable pregnancy rate. Based on previous research, mature thoroughbred stallions (aged between four and six) have an average TTV of 250cm3. At this size, the predicted DSO would be 4.74-5.24 billion sperm. In an ideal world, an accurate measurement of DSO would be obtained by collecting from a stallion daily into an artificial

Figure 2 Equations for calculating predicted DSO in stallions

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››

Vet Forum: The Expert View ›› vagina (AV) and monitoring the total

sperm number until it plateaus. This can take between seven and ten days.

The implication of this regarding time and financial commitment is impractical and therefore rarely performed. An alternative is to perform two collections, one hour apart, to ascertain an approximation of the actual DSO. The comparison between actual and predicted DSO is important as the predicted DSO calculation, the efficiency of the testicular tissue, cannot be determined.

Some stallions may have testicles that measure smaller on the scale but have tissue that is very efficient, producing above average numbers of sperm per gram of testicular parenchyma. A decrease in spermatogenic efficiency could be transient, i.e. associated with a traumatic injury or a period of pyrexia/illness, or permanent, i.e. associated with age-related testicular degeneration. Changes in spermatogenic efficiency may be the earliest indication of a problem before a reduction in testicular size is noted.

Testicular size changes seasonally, in conjunction with the seasonality of equine breeding, and therefore testicles should be monitored both as part of the pre-season breeding soundness examination and six months later for early detection of potential problems. Equally, there can be a significant improvement between a stallion at the point that he first leaves training to the beginning of the subsequent breeding season. Stallions who have borderline or small testicles in training should be monitored every one or two months in the interim so an accurate prediction of book number and daily cover number can be produced to maximise the stallion’s seasonal pregnancy rate.

Semen collection and analysis As previously mentioned, semen collection and analysis is not part of a pre-purchase examination for firstseason fertility insurance but should be part of the pre-season breeding soundness exam. The majority of natural cover stallions cope well with collection into an artificial vagina when used alongside a tolerant in-season mare. Collecting semen allows the penis to be assessed both prior to collection and whilst erect,

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THE OWNER BREEDER

these tests prior to starting the season not only provides a baseline for comparison if a problem occurs during the breeding season but also allows treatment for any ongoing issues. Semen samples can also be stored for further analysis if required.

A small sample can be flash frozen in liquid nitrogen, leaving it available for further testing for DNA integrity if indicated in the season.

Figure 3 Collecting semen samples for diagnostic tests

as well as libido whilst teasing and mounting the mare and the stallion’s ability to mount, thrust and ejaculate into the AV. Although some natural cover stallions may not collect into the AV as well as they cover a mare, it is a good indication for further investigations if required.

Semen analysis includes volume, visual colour and turbidity, concentration, total and progressive motility, morphology (microscopic assessment of individual sperm characteristics, i.e. detached heads and bent tails) and any other tests indicated through clinical history or from the results of the above.

For example, further staining of the sample would be indicated if abnormal cells such as white blood cells were detected in the morphology sample.

Abnormal and non-motile sperm within an ejaculate can still result in normal pregnancy rates providing the stallion is ejaculating enough normal sperm to compensate. However, certain characteristics can indicate clinical disease. Large numbers of detached heads can be associated with blockages such as plugged ampullae or ‘accumulator’ stallions.

In this case, an ultrasound scan of the accessory sex glands would be indicted and further pre-season ‘flushing-out’ breeding in order to clear the blockage.

The presence of white blood cells in the ejaculate could indicate infection within the reproductive tract and the presence of a large volume of blood could indicate trauma to the urethra. Performing

Seasonal data analysis There is a lot more to stallion fertility data than the published seasonal pregnancy rate. Per cycle pregnancy rates and first cycle pregnancy rates give a much better indication as to a stallion’s performance. A stallion can have a 90% seasonal pregnancy rate, indicating that at the end of the season 90% of the mares were in foal, but if the per cycle pregnancy rate is 25% it has taken that stallion four covers to get each mare in foal, which is much less successful.

Looking further into the records, we can compare maiden, barren and foaling mare rates, look at variation in cover times (morning/ afternoon/evening) and the impact of the stallion covering one, two, three or four mares per day. This, along with chronological mapping of pregnancy rates versus the number of covers, can give us an indication as to whether the stallion is overbred, or even if there is a longevity issue.

Given the minimal input we can have in managing subfertility in natural cover stallions compared to stallions used for artificial insemination, where samples can be purified using centrifugation, the breeding records of a stallion offer a vital insight into management to achieve the best fertility rates possible.

Conclusion

Electing to perform pre-season breeding soundness exams on thoroughbred stallions provides the most accurate and up to date information for the best management to maximise pregnancy rates for the horse. It allows regular data collection of semen parameters and testicular size, which show the comparison as a stallion ages and a ‘normal’ baseline in the event of an unexpected fertility decline, as well as letting us be proactive in our management rather than reactive when pregnancy rates are not as expected.

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ROR’S DEDICATION TO WELFARE: SAFEGUARDING THE WELLBEING OF FORMER RACEHORSES

B

ehind the glamour of the RoR parades and the excitement of the competition series lies an essential pillar of the Retraining of Racehorses (RoR) charity – its profound commitment to the welfare of retired racehorses. RoR’s welfare responsibilities are focused on the safeguarding the wellbeing of former racehorses and it believes that every former racehorse deserves a life well lived throughout every stage of their life.

From its establishment in 2000, RoR has provided a safety net to provide charitable support for any former racehorse in need. Today, this support is primarily channelled through RoR’s Vulnerable Horse Scheme (VHS). The VHS operates in conjunction with RoR’s charitable partners and well-equipped private operators, ensuring that former racehorses in need of assistance are identified and placed under the care of experts who can provide them with the support they require.

One such case emerged in early 2023, when an owner reached out to RoR expressing that they were no longer able to afford to keep their horse and support his recovery from a kissing spine operation. In response, RoR provided the financial support and coordinated the collection and transfer of the horse to a partner retraining centre, HEROS, where they knew he would receive the care and attention his previous owner could no longer provide.

Another crucial component of RoR’s welfare work is the Retraining Assessment Programme (RAP), launched in early 2022, in collaboration with HEROS. The RAP seeks to work with racehorse trainers, owners, and retraining centres to assess those former racehorses deemed as potentially more difficult, and support their first steps out of racing. RoR is actively working on a sustainable funding model in conjunction with the industry, to support initiatives like the RAP and other key elements of RoR’s aftercare strategy. RoR is set to launch its three-year strategy in January 2024, which sets out it’s focus on welfare, retraining and accreditation, traceability, education and communication, in alignment with the recommendations in the Aftercare Funding Review.

Figure 2 Leaving HEROS

Figure 1 Arrival at HEROS in early 2023

On arrival, the horse was very dull and thin, with severe muscle loss over his back. However, within just a few months, thanks to the diligent care provided by the HEROS team along with their vet, dentist, and chiropractor, he made a speedy return to health and re-embarked on his retraining journey. During his time at HEROS, a lady visiting the facility developed a strong bond with the horse. After repeated visits to ride him, she made the heartfelt decision to take him home, where he has seamlessly adapted to his new life.

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The welfare of retired racehorses remains a matter of significant public interest, with ongoing questions and discussions regarding what happens to these equine stars after their retirement from racing. While many former racehorses enjoy long and happy lives in their post-racing years, it remains a reality that not every story is a success story. RoR is working diligently to ensure that every former racehorse is set up for the best possible life.

None of the vital work that RoR does would be possible without generous supporters like you.

To find out more information about the work we do and/or to make a contribution, please visit www.ror.org.uk or by scanning the QR code provided.

Your support is vital in safeguarding the lives and well-being of former racehorses n

+ Equine Health Update Nutritional support for stallions ahead of the covering season Words: Laura Steley

M

eeting the nutritional requirements of the thoroughbred stallion is a vital component for health and breeding success. Insufficient or incorrect feeding can affect a stallion’s covering efficiency, behaviour, fertility and overall wellbeing.

Understanding stallions’ nutritional needs can be complex, with many factors to consider, such as age, experience, number of mares, dayto-day management, temperament, climate, forage quality, pre-existing health conditions, exercise regime and body condition. During the covering season, stallions will require additional energy to support their reproductive activity. It is hard to put a true value on the additional energy requirement, as every stallion will be different, however it is thought to be increased by approximately 20% compared to out of season. Stallions will also require increased amounts of protein, lysine (amino acid), selenium, vitamin E and omega 3.

There are many nutritional options available to meet a stallion’s specific needs. First and foremost a highquality forage with increased digestible energy (9.5MK/Kg minimum) and high protein levels (13%) is advised. Dr Andy Richardson, Veterinary Director at NAF, advises: “A base diet should revolve around good quality forage, supported by a balanced ration of concentrate.”

Often hay which has been cut early, or a mixed meadow hay containing alfalfa, is a useful option. Not only does it deliver nutritionally, it is also palatable and readily available.

In an ideal world, stallions will have access to ad-lib forage all year round (they should consume 2.5% per day – never below 1.5%). Daily turnout is something which not only benefits the horse nutritionally but also mentally and should be the ultimate stallion management goal where possible.

Access to forage and grazing will greatly decrease the risk of gastric ulcers. It is highly unlikely that forage alone will provide a thoroughbred stallion with the nutrition they require during the covering season, therefore

Daily turnout not only benefits the stallion nutritionally but also mentally

the gap must be bridged via a balancer and/or a complete feed.

Regarding energy, it is recommended to meet the increased requirement via fibre and oil intake.

There are many options on the market, which include sugar beet pulp, rice bran, chopped alfalfa, micronised linseed, linseed oil, corn oil and rapeseed oil. These energy sources are easily digested by the horse’s gastrointestinal tract and provide slow-release energy, which can help prevent overexcitable behaviour. When selecting an oil to feed as an additional energy source, attention should be paid to the omega 3 and 6 fatty acid levels. Omega 3 is naturally anti-inflammatory, while omega 6 is pro-inflammatory, therefore the ratio always needs to be in favour of omega 3.

It has been shown that we are able to feed oil in rather large quantities – 100mls of oil per every 100kg of body weight per day. Oil is also a readily available energy source for the horses’ muscles and is preferred over a cereal-based diet, which can increase the risk of gastric ulcers and laminitis. Dr Richardson agrees, saying: “Supplemental oil is a good

option for stallions that need to put on condition, especially in advance of the breeding season.” It is important to note that if feeding additional oil in the diet, this must be balanced with an increase in vitamin E, as this is needed to aid utilisation within the body. If not balanced, it can cause oxidative damage. The introduction of oil in the diet should be gradual – adding around 100mls a week is recommended.

Proteins are made up of small building blocks called amino acids, lysine being one of the most important for stallions and often seen in low quantities in pasture and forage. During the covering season, a stallion will require between 12% and 16% crude protein in their diet. If you are looking after a younger stallion, a three or four-year-old for example, then protein levels will be even more important to support their growth and development alongside their stallion duties. Alfalfa, soya and flaxseed are common and effective high protein sources and are often incorporated into commercial feeds.

Once energy and protein requirements have been met, the next important area of the diet to consider

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››

+ Equine Health Update most vital antioxidants are vitamin E and selenium. Both have been proven to be heavily involved in supporting fertility and therefore sperm quality/ production. Vitamin E has been shown to support not only sperm quality but also increase libido and reduce DNA fragmentation (damage to the DNA housed within the stallion’s sperm cells).

Studies undertaken by Kentucky Equine Research have shown that providing a natural source of vitamin E, as opposed to synthetic, is much more beneficial due to improved bioavailability. The other notable antioxidant for stallions is selenium.

Selenium is instrumental in the production of testosterone and normal testicular function. Care must be taken when supplementing selenium as the range between deficiency and toxicity is relatively small. Reputable feed companies will ensure the correct balance in supplements and complete feeds.

Researchers have also analysed other antioxidants and their role in fertility. We now understand that vitamin C and L-carnitine may also help to reduce the quantity of abnormal sperm in stallions with low semen quality. L-carnitine supplementation in sub fertile stallions has also been shown to improve characteristics such as sperm motility, count and membrane integrity. The coenzyme Q10 has also received attention from nutritionists in recent years. This antioxidant is

“Trace minerals like zinc and copper play a role in supporting fertility” naturally occurring and is relied on heavily by other antioxidants, such as vitamin E and C. Due to the widespread use of Q10 within the body, levels can become depleted and a negative effect on sperm quality has been recorded.

Q10 is an approved feed additive in the USA, but not in the UK or Europe.

Certain trace minerals also have a role to play in supporting fertility. Zinc is involved with testosterone production

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GEORGE SELWYN

›› is antioxidants. With stallions, the

The late, great Pivotal exhibits excitable behaviour at stud

and secretion, spermatogenesis and sperm motility. Copper is linked to libido and semen quality. Dr Richardson continues: “Fertility issues are not usually related to nutrition, although specific targeted nutrients such as vitamin E, selenium, zinc, omega 3 fatty acids and L-carnitine have all been shown to positively influence semen characteristics. Spermatozoa are particularly prone to oxidative stress, so an antioxidant formula can help support the maintenance of healthy sperm cells.”

As touched on previously, the essential omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids must be correctly balanced.

They cannot be synthesised by the horse and therefore it is essential that they are provided in the diet. Grass contains adequate levels of omega 3 and horses living out most or all of the time will usually be provided with the correct ratio. However, stallions during

the covering season will be stabled for many hours of the day and deficiencies are common. There is evidence to suggest that omega 3 fatty acids, predominantly docosahexaenoic acid DHA, can help support stallion fertility by influencing sperm motility and total sperm count.

As we approach the end of the year, stallion and stud managers will be looking ahead to the 2024 season.

Established stallions may be looking a little too well after a richly deserved let-down period, while first-season sires may be settling into a new lifestyle. At this point, its is important to assess their body condition – an ideal score would be 6 using the 9-point Henneke scale. Irrelevant of a stallion’s condition, supplementation of the key fertility supporting nutrients should begin around mid-December, roughly two months before the start of the covering season. This will help to ensure the

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December deadline to complete British Racing’s Thoroughbred Census #ThoroughbredCensus2023

H

ave you completed Britain’s first ever Thoroughbred Census? Launched by British Racing’s Horse Welfare Board, in partnership with research experts at Hartpury University, the ambitious six-month project aims to improve traceability of thoroughbreds after they have been retired from racing, a key commitment from the sport’s welfare strategy, ‘A Life Well Lived’.

Census Eligibility

By taking part people will be helping British Racing improve traceability, shape aftercare initiatives, and collect invaluable data on thoroughbreds in their life after racing. The census closes on 31st December 2023.

How can you help?

- Do you own a former racehorse?

Complete the census at www.ror.org.uk/ registration Or use the QR code below to access the census directly

- Former racehorses who have been registered with a licensed British trainer - Horses bred for racing in Britain that will never race - Horses that have moved abroad and are no longer racing - Horses actively point-to-pointing - Retired broodmares and stallions Excluded from the census: - All horses that are intended to go into training or are currently in training

Supported by

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- Have you sold racehorses into private ownership?

- Have you gifted racehorses in their retirement?

- Do you know anyone with a former racehorse?

Promote the census and actively encourage people to participate.

If you would like to contact the Horse Welfare Board about any of its ongoing work, please get in touch via info@racehorsewelfare.co.uk

+ Equine Health Update ›› stallion’s sperm is in its optimum

vary for the stallion that is known to either lose or gain weight during state. New stallions will usually need the season; knowing the individual is additional calories around this point in important.” time too, to ensure they have sufficient The likelihood of injury and/or condition ahead of the season. lameness is greatly increased if the As well as the reproductive energy stallion is too heavy. Stallions put an expenditure, new stallions will often enormous amount of pressure on burn more energy than older stallions their hind quarters and limbs when due to increased behavioural responses, covering; any extra weight will only which will have been supressed during exacerbate this. Veteran stallions may training. Dietary changes must be need targeted feeds to help support implemented gradually to help prevent them due to decreased appetite, the occurrence of colic. poor dentition, muscle stiffness and If the stallion has become too heavy, detrimental microbiome changes. PPID an attempt should be made to obtain (Cushing’s disease) should be carefully a healthier body condition prior to the monitored for. Often older stallions will start of the season. Obesity in stallions cover limited books to help ensure their can cause a variety of problems, health and longevity. ranging from menial to life threatening.

All stallions will have varied calorific Dr Richardson says: “It can be requirements – some may maintain their easy to overestimate their energy weight all year round, whilst others requirements. Stallions with an may drop weight during the covering excessively high body condition score season regardless of how much their can be more prone to insulin resistance feed is increased. In an ideal world, and laminitis. That said, they should not we would be able to maintain our be too thin either, and should enter the stallions at the optimum body condition breeding season with a body condition throughout the year by ensuring we score of 6/9 ideally, although this may naf-racing-fertility-180x128mm-22-haworth-V2.qxp_Layout 1 15/11/2022 09:42 Page 1

provide what they need when they need it. This might mean having a set diet, including supplements, for in and out of season, or some may remain on the same dietary components with only the quantity changing. With many reputable feed and supplement companies providing products backed by clinical trials, the way we meet our stallions’ needs is ever improving.

Research into stallion nutrition, particularly within the thoroughbred industry, is ongoing.

Aside from nutrition, there are other management practices which can help when preparing stallions for the season ahead. Just like mares, stallions’ fertility, sperm production and libido are directly linked to their circadian clock. The use of artificial lights, specifically blue light (and red light overnight) has been shown to help prepare the stallions for covering earlier in the year than is natural for them.

Allowing stallions freedom to exhibit natural behaviour is also a pivotal factor in running an efficient and successful covering barn.

IMPROVE MOTILITY • SPERM PRODUCTION • LIBIDO NAF HAS IT COVERED “Last season we fed all our stallions NAF Five Star Fertility as a matter of course. We found Fertility maximised conception rates throughout the season.

It has become part of our routine to keep each stallion performing at his best and we will be keeping them on it next year for sure!”

Phil Haworth, Whitsbury Manor Stud

Feed Five Star Fertility prior to the stud season and throughout to maintain and develop fertility in hard working stallions. Five Star Fertility is especially beneficial when fertility limiting behaviour is seen or when previous seasons have resulted in poor performance.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Sammy Martin, Racing Manager, NAF. Call 07980 922041 or email smartin@naf-uk.com

R A C I N G F I V E S TA R T R E AT M E N T FOR THE GOOD OF THE RACEHORSE

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ROA Forum

The special section for ROA members

New Board members welcomed

T

he ROA held its 79th Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, November 15 with all five resolutions approved by its members.

The resolutions included the nominations to the Board of President Charlie Parker and Vice-President Alan Spence, the elections to the Board of Dr Jim Walker and Stephen Applebee, and the re-election to the Board of Gay Kelleway.

The AGM took place at Kempton Park, with ROA members also able to join online via a live feed. Racehorse Owners Association Chief Executive Charlie Liverton opened the meeting by sending the best wishes and thoughts of the ROA and all present to injured jockey Graham Lee and his family.

In his President’s address, Charlie Parker outlined the challenges posed to racing by the unsettled economic climate while stating that the changes to the governance structure were a positive development for the sport.

He warned of the potential disastrous impact of across-the-board affordability checks and urged all of racing’s participants to sign the petition, with a view to gaining 100,000 signatures so that the matter has a chance of being debated in parliament.

Stephen Applebee and Dr Jim Walker were elected to the ROA Board

Parker, who declared that the sport’s move to staging premier fixtures required significant marketing and promotion and that the core product must not be overlooked, also discussed the review of the levy system and said he hoped agreement would soon be reached between racing’s representatives and the Betting & Gaming Council regarding a united submission to government.

Passion for horseracing

The two new incoming Board members are engaged in highly successful business careers and share a passion for horseracing. Between them they have owned or part-owned around 90 horses over a cumulative 58 years.

Dr Jim Walker said: “I have been passionate about horseracing for the past 60 years and have been an owner in both the UK and Hong Kong since 1999. The contrast between Hong Kong, where prize-money is exceptional and owners are treated as the key element in racing provision, and the UK, where prize-money on average covers less than 15% of training costs, is stark. Owners deserve a loud voice for change and recognition in our sport.”

Fellow new Board member Stephen Applebee added: “I have been a racehorse owner for 34 years, starting in clubs and syndicates, and since 1999 in partnerships and in my own right. In that time, I believe that the 50-60 horses I have owned have provided me with the full spectrum of the ownership experience, from having a runner in the Irish 1,000 Guineas at the Curragh, to the first win in my own colours at Taunton on a wet winter Tuesday afternoon. Owners are subsidising the industry and we need to work out why and fix it.”

Gay Kelleway was re-elected for a second term on the Board, having been first elected in 2020. A full replay of the AGM can be found on our YouTube channel at roa.co.uk/youtube.

Jockeys’ insurance costs in focus Changes to the Professional Riders Insurance Scheme (PRIS) and the Career Ending Insurance scheme (CEI) are set to provide savings to racehorse owners.

PRIS, established in 1974, serves as a crucial safety net for all licensed jockeys in the event of temporary disablement and capital benefits in cases of death or permanent disability.

The scheme is financed by a fixed surcharge on riding fees payable by owners in accordance with the Rules of Racing at the current rate of 13% for both Flat racing and jump racing.

As at April 5, 2023 (the scheme’s financial year-end), reserves were £3,048,997, with annual income from the current surcharge expected to exceed forecast expenditure.

Following recent discussions between the ROA, led by Board

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member Ken McGarrity, and the Trustees of PRIS, it was agreed that the current reserves and annual forecasts for income and expenditure are sufficient to allow the surcharge linked to the riding fee to be reduced from 13% to 11%.

The Trustees of PRIS have agreed that even allowing for an increase in expenses through payments and insurance costs, they have sufficient reserves to operate the scheme. If they believe at some point in the future that the reserves and income are no longer sufficient, the ROA has agreed that it will support the percentage deduction increasing to cover the operating costs of the scheme. The annual saving to owners through this reduction being applied is £305,000.

Owners also financially support CEI, which is a scheme that provides a lump sum benefit to a jockey in the

event of a career ending injury. This is also funded through a levy on each riding fee of £3.91.

As a part of the recent discussions, it was agreed with the Professional Jockeys Association that there would be an increase in the per ride fee for CEI from £3.91 to £4.50, in order to meet the expected shortfall in funding for the CEI scheme. This would see an additional £50,000 cost to owners.

Therefore, the estimated annual net saving to owners as a result of these changes is £255,000, which is a £305,000 saving from a reduction in PRIS contributions and an additional £50,000 cost for CEI. The agreed changes were formally approved by the British Horseracing Authority Board at its recent meeting and will be implemented from December 1.

Our contact details:

www.roa.co.uk • 01183 385680 • info@roa.co.uk @racehorseowners

RacehorseOwnersUK

Racehorseownersassociation

Were you one of the 22,060 who logged on between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day to submit a tax return last year?

It is not too late to appoint the ROA VAT Solution team to submit your outstanding VAT returns for 2023, giving you time to enjoy both the sport that you love and the festive season without having to worry about HMRC deadlines.

If you choose to instruct ROA VAT Solution as your agent, we can become authorised the same day. All we need is a copy of your VAT certificate and previous VAT submission.

BILL SELWYN

Don’t let VAT tax your festivities

Members should enjoy the Christmas racing and not worry about tax returns

Why choose ROA VAT Solution?

- Expertise in the registration scheme for racehorse owners (VAT Notice 700/67): ROA VAT Solution specialises in the racehorse owners scheme. This expertise ensures that clients benefit from a solution

designed to address the nuances and complexities of VAT within the context of racehorse ownership.

- Maximising VAT reclaims: optimising VAT returns on behalf of owners ensuring that eligible expenses are accurately accounted for and included in the VAT reclaim.

- Timely and accurate submissions: providing clients with the necessary support to ensure timely and accurate VAT submissions. This is crucial for avoiding penalties associated with

late submissions and maintaining compliance with HMRC regulations.

- Streamlined processes: each owner is provided with their own unique email address, which also stores all their VAT documents. Our document retrieval processes allow owners to save time and effort, allowing them to focus on their horseracing interests.

To appoint the ROA VAT Solution as your agent email vat@roa.co.uk or call 0118 3385685 to speak with Davina or Glen today.

News in brief

owner’s ROA membership is up to date, the payment will be made automatically.

Raceday Curtailment payouts The Raceday Curtailment Scheme was once again called into action in recent weeks. The storms and wet weather saw Catterick lose the last two races of its Flat season on October 31, whilst a day later Fakenham was called off after just one race after horses had slipped over on one of the bends.

Twelve horses qualified for payment from Catterick’s meeting, whilst 26 horses at Fakenham’s meeting will also be receiving the £100 payment, which goes to any members who own at least 51% of a horse that had been due to run at a meeting that is abandoned after at least the first race has taken place.

The scheme has been set up in collaboration with Weatherbys Hamilton, insurance brokers for the ROA’s third-party liability insurance scheme.

Members do not need to apply for this scheme. As long as the affected

Marshall scoops pot Racegoers Club member David Marshall has scooped first prize in our Ten To Follow League for the 2023 Flat season, which climaxed on British Champions Day. He collects the winning prize of £100.

This is not the first time David has been successful in the competition, as back in 1989 he was one of three winners when the Racegoers Club ran a Twelve To Follow competition – with no small help from Nashwan that year – and he won the National Hunt contest during the 1997/98 season.

If you have already set up a stable for the Tote’s National Hunt Ten To Follow which started on November 18, you can still join the League this winter.

Open to both ROA and Racegoers Club members, the winner will once again receive £100. All you need to do is go to the Tote website and join the ROA and Racegoers Club league using the

PIN number 000060.

Stables can then pick up points all the way through to Grand National day at Aintree on Saturday, April 13, 2024.

Members can only have one stable in the League.

Thoroughbred census closes this month The first ever thoroughbred census, developed by the Horse Welfare Board and Hartpury University, closes at the end of December.

Over 4,500 owners of former racehorses have already completed the census, which will help build an improved data bank on former racehorses and the lives they go on to lead, improving traceability and aiding Retraining of Racehorses to better support owners.

The census will request information on each horse’s equine passport number, microchip number, age, current residence, second career and more, to provide a robust view of the current retired racehorse population.

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ROA Forum

MAGICAL MOMENTS

Peter Beadles has Grade 1 aspirations for exciting hurdler Lookaway

W

hen Lookaway won the feature race on the first day of Cheltenham’s 2023-24 season, the spotlight on course focused on trainer Neil King, for whom the success underlined his return from the previous campaign’s doldrums.

The Wiltshire trainer’s ten winners had been his lowest score since 2006-07, while Lookaway himself had reflected the troubles by failing to get anywhere near winning in three starts having been unbeaten in two bumpers the season before, including the race after the Grand National at Aintree, a Grade 2.

“We had such a dreadful time last season,” admitted King. “We just couldn’t put a finger on it and we spent a fortune trying to find out what’s wrong and doing our best. Lookaway showed again at Uttoxeter in May that he’s a serious horse and I’m over the moon.”

But the victory wasn’t just a boost for the trainer and his yard, it was a tonic too for owner and ROA member

Lookaway and Jack Quinlan (right) take the Sky Bet Novices’ Hurdle at Cheltenham in October for owner Peter Beadles and trainer Neil King (left)

Peter Beadles, who was unable to be at Cheltenham due to undergoing a course of chemotherapy, but made his delight known to his television.

Explaining his background, Beadles says: “I lived in Liverpool from the age of five to 19 and the Grand National was the most talked about event of the year – at that time possibly more than the

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Liverpool-Everton derby.

“My father wasn’t interested in football, but we always got involved in a sweepstake at the National. When I was 19 I went to study agriculture at Wye College in Kent; they had a jumps racecourse and I frequented that on a regular basis.

“Then when living in Essex, I was

a member at Newmarket for many years. I have a very good friend who told me I should see some jump racing and he took me to Huntingdon, which I thoroughly enjoyed.”

So much so that Beadles’ interest and passion led into ownership, and he has been involved in eight horses now, the early ones via shares and more recently having his own red and yellow silks carried by Lookaway – who went up 10lb to a mark of 132 after winning at

Wiltshire I decided I’d stay with him and I believe that’s been the best move in racing that I’ve made.”

Asked for his magical moments to date, Beadles replies: “I’ve always wanted to win at the big racecourses. In March 2019, Princeton Royale was entered at Ascot – I didn’t know Ascot had jump racing – in a two-mile-five-furlong chase.

“Jonjo O’Neil Jr was on board and it was the first time he had seen the horse.

He was the outsider but led virtually throughout and won the race in a course record time, which he still holds. It was

BILL SELWYN

“I can’t think how many times I’ve watched the replay from Aintree”

Cheltenham – and others.

He continues: “It was at a Huntingdon meeting that Neil King’s operation in Newmarket was promoted, and I got permission from my wife to go and see him.

“I bought a leg in Outback and found that one of the other shareholders was a farmer I’d known through Round Table and not seen for about 40 years. He was a very keen horseman, so I felt somewhat reassured.

“I knew nothing about horses and needed guidance. Neil did that for me, we got on very well, he makes my racing decisions for me. When he moved to

such an unexpected pleasure and the Ascot staff were all delightful and looked after us very well.

“Next there was the bumper on Grand National day at Aintree, for which Lookaway was 28-1. All the top trainers were represented, yet the horse won going away. The hospitality was great and it showed me what a good choice Neil had made when buying him.

“I can’t think how many times I’ve watched the replay. I was in trouble with some of the annual members I know at Cheltenham because I’d messed up their multiple bets!”

He adds: “And then there was Cheltenham at the end of October, and the Grade 2 Sharp Novices’ Hurdle, Neil had had a bad time last season but this year his horses seemed to be coming back on form.

“Lookaway had been running well and again led from the front, was going away at the line and Jack Quinlan – a great jockey – had trouble stopping him. Unfortunately, I am not too well at the moment and on a course of chemo,

so crowds are out. I was, however, fit enough to shout at the television!”

Beadles found himself shouting at the television again last month, when Lookaway returned to Prestbury Park for the Greatwood Hurdle and acquitted himself superbly well to split the Nicky Henderson-trained pair Iberico Lord and Luccia in finishing runner-up.

“I was very happy with his performance, he was giving 6lb to the winner and beat 13 pretty good horses,” says the proud owner.

“I spoke to Neil this morning [the day after the race] and the horse ate up last night and is in good shape. We’re just trying to decide where we should go next.

“This is what I always hoped racing would be about and am delighted to be in the situation I find myself in. I’m also very pleased for Neil, who got me here!”

As well as being forced to miss in person his horse winning or running really well in big races in his silks, there are other enjoyable aspects of ownership Beadles has had to forego too.

He explains: “You can’t beat that winning feeling – I’ve had one at the Grand National meeting and would quite like one at the Cheltenham Festival now too! – but another really nice thing about being a racehorse owner is the companionship of other owners and members at the racecourses.

“I know some of the annual members at Cheltenham backed the horse when he won in October, knowing I was the owner, and two of them went out in the rain to video the winner’s enclosure and send it to me.”

He adds: “As for the downsides, I would say that weather, ground and injuries are the worst.”

Beadles, a minor shareholder in a travel business he sold to his management team in 2014, and who has an interest in a few other Essex businesses, initially chatted to Owner Breeder between Storms Babet and Ciaran – so not the best time of year for weather or ground.

However, fingers are crossed that his horses steer clear of injury, and that Lookaway especially continues to give him something to look forward to.

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ROA Forum

THE RACEGOERS CLUB COLUMN This is a good time of year to review the Flat season. What have Chaldean, Auguste Rodin, Paddington, Mostahdaf and Ace Impact got in common?

Between them, they won the six Group 1s that Sea The Stars captured in his three-year-old season. Some years it takes six horses to do what Sea The Stars did on his own. In case you need reminding, he won the 2,000 Guineas, Derby, Eclipse, Juddmonte International, Irish Champion Stakes and Arc. If there was a Sea The Stars award for the horse who came closest to emulating him this season, the winner would be Auguste Rodin for claiming two of the races.

Sea The Stars retired to stud at the end of his three-year-old season and I dare say there were people complaining about that at the time, similar to the wailing and gnashing of teeth that occurred when it was announced that Ace Impact was retiring to take up stallion duties. I can see why some racing fans may feel short-changed, as the brilliant Arc winner retires to stud after just a six-race career. But, as Owner Breeder readers, you know how important it is to have the best stallions available to produce the future champions. The sad loss of last year’s Derby winner, Desert Crown, puts into perspective how difficult it must be for owners to make the decision to retire or keep their champion in training as a four-year-old.

Ace Impact taking up stallion duties after his three-year-old career has parallels with another new stallion, Justify, who has made a brilliant start to his stud career after a single season of racing. He has produced the best two-year-old colt of the year in City Of Troy, as well as the best two-year-old filly in Opera Singer. Added to that he had two juvenile Grade 1 winners at this year’s Breeders’ Cup. If the bookmakers were betting on who will get closest to emulating Sea The Stars next season, City Of Troy would be a short-priced favourite. His early season campaign looks like taking in the 2,000 Guineas and the Derby.

If successful, I wonder if ‘the lads’ may be tempted to try and match the 2009 champion. Now wouldn’t that be

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BILL SELWYN

Tony Wells looks at the racing scene

Ace Impact: stud career beckons for the unbeaten son of Cracksman

something to keep us warm throughout the winter.

This is the time of year when the stars of the jumping game start to reappear. Gerri Colombe has thrown his hat into the Gold Cup ring after a late surge secured him the Champion Chase at Down Royal, and there have been several promising novices out already.

It’s also the time of year when I go racing hoping the sun doesn’t shine.

A friend of mine refers to Aintree as “the course where they only jump half the fences”. I have written extensively about the low sun in previous Racegoers Club articles, so I won’t go over old ground. But I heard recently that in France they never omit fences due to the low sun. I wonder if the BHA have asked their Gallic counterparts why they don’t have a problem with ‘le soleil’. It would be interesting to find out.

My race-going recently has taken in jumps meetings at Cheltenham, Newbury and Plumpton. Cheltenham was the highlight, as I took in the Showcase meeting with three fellow Racegoers Club members and we included a visit to Jackdaws Castle.

The facilities there are second to none and we were given a fabulous welcome

by Jonjo and Jacqui and O’Neill. I will be following their younger horses this season as they appear to have a lot of promising sorts – Mt Fugi Park looks a particularly exciting novice hurdler and is extremely well thought of.

On the course, the Irish served notice of what’s to come with a double from Henry de Bromhead and a treble for Gavin Cromwell. The Irish trainers appear to be sending more of their horses over for the Saturday meetings in Britain, which makes for more competitive racing, but it could also mean that some of our top autumn and winter prizes will be disappearing across the Irish Sea. My visit to Plumpton was a joy, as usual. It’s my favourite small racecourse. We always get a warm welcome there. The racing is good, as they put up good prize-money for a Monday. The food in the restaurant is excellent and very good value. The sun shone all day, they jumped every fence/hurdle and not one horse fell. If you haven’t experienced the delights of Plumpton, I can highly recommend it.

SUPPORTING OWNERS EVERY STEP OF THE WAY ROA MEMBERSHIP PROVIDES: Third party liability insurance* Access to Tote Ownership Sponsorship Scheme VAT reclaim help and advice from ROA VAT Solution 20% discount on BHA registration fees Complimentary badge scheme

Scan QR code to view membership benefits www.roa.co.uk/benefits 01183 385 680

* Terms and Conditions apply.

See roa.co.uk/insurance for more details.

ROA Forum OUR PARTNERS SECTION

BILL SELWYN

World Pool enjoys record season

The Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, won by Khaadem (nearside), produced record turnover for a single race

World Pool, the largest globally comingled horseracing pools created and powered by the Hong Kong Jockey Club, has closed its season with a 24% year-on-year increase in turnover totalling HK$7.4 billion.

Starting and finishing at Flemington racecourse in Australia and reaching out to eight countries for a total of 222 races (up from 154 races in 2022), World Pool has enjoyed a recordbreaking 2023.

For the first time, World Pool was active in Germany, Saudi Arabia, Argentina and Australia, while extra races were taken from the UK and Ireland. The inaugural inclusion of

Cox Plate day in Australia marked a significant milestone where the Group 1 Cox Plate, won by the Hong Kongtrained Romantic Warrior, amassed an impressive HK$60 million in bets to secure a place in the top five of World Pool’s highest single-race turnovers.

Another highlight was the prestigious Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot, which saw a new single race turnover record set at HK$66.2m, overtaking the 2022 Derby at Epsom which totalled HK$66.1m. King George day at Ascot saw the biggest jump in turnover for a UK or Irish raceday, rising from HK$253m to a new record of HK$287m,

an increase of over 13%, while 2,000 Guineas day as well as days one and three of Royal Ascot also posted yearon-year increases.

Dubai World Cup night saw the second highest growth, with turnover up from HK$280m to HK$315m.

Michael Fitzsimons, Executive Director, Wagering Products of the HKJC, said: “World Pool was created to unite the world’s best racing events and provide racing fans with a value product that has never been seen before.

“We are absolutely delighted with how World Pool has performed in 2023. We’ve not only seen records

Racing Welfare case study: Daphne’s story Daphne has been receiving befriending calls through Racing Welfare’s Check-in and Chat service for several years since her husband, a former racing industry employee, passed away. She’s received regular phone calls from a couple of different volunteers during that time, and is currently paired with Louise, a volunteer from Newmarket.

Every three weeks, Daphne receives a call from Louise. She finds herself looking forward to those Wednesday afternoons and says: “I just clicked

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with Louise, we talk about anything and everything – not just racing but my gardening or bowling. She always remembers what I’ve got going on and asks me questions, it’s just so easy to talk to her.”

Daphne admits that when Racing Welfare had initially suggested the service, she hadn’t been completely sure whether to sign up. She recalls: “You don’t know at first, because you’re a bit lost, when you’ve had a partner for 47 years and then all of a sudden they’re not there. It gets a bit lonely sometimes, especially during the winter.”

Recognising those feelings of loneliness, Daphne decided to give the service a go and still notices the benefits several years on.

She says: “When you’re a bit low it’s nice to know there’s someone friendly on the end of the phone.

“It’s been nearly nine years, but you still have your ups and downs.

You can feel on top of the world one day and feel lousy another day. It all depends, if you’re not feeling well or feeling a bit down, or things haven’t been going right – [Louise] just cheers me up! We do laugh, she’s a lovely lady. All the volunteers have

ROA partnership continues to flourish

The latest Bid to Give auction prize – available exclusively to ROA members in partnership with Racing Welfare – is a package for four at Chelsea Football Club. The winning bidder will receive tickets for four places in a private box at Stamford Bridge for the Chelsea vs Fulham match on Saturday, January 13, including hospitality and drinks.

Following on from the West London derby, you’ll enjoy an overnight stay at a central London 4* hotel with two twin or double rooms and breakfast included.

All funds raised will help Racing Welfare to provide their vital support services for racing’s people, which have never been more needed.

The auction closes at 5pm on Monday, December 18.

Head to www.bidtogive.co.uk for more information and place your bid now.

Following a second year of working together as official partners, the ROA and Racing Welfare continue to develop an even stronger relationship which unites racing’s owners and the people who work behind the scenes to make our days at the races possible.

Throughout the course of 2023, the partnership has seen the ROA directly contribute more than £30,000 to Racing Welfare through various initiatives, sponsorship and events, helping the charity continue to be there for racing’s people as demand for their services continues to grow.

The events season kicked off in April with the ROA and Racing Welfare joining forces for an Aintree lunch for the first time. In previous years, each organisation would host separate events but combined efforts this year, which saw 450 guests gather in the Hospitality Pavilion on the Thursday of the Grand National meeting.

The success of the event will see it replicated for 2024.

The ROA also fielded teams at Racing Welfare sporting fundraisers, firstly in May at the charity’s annual Woburn Golf Day, which saw them play 18 holes on the Marquess course.

In July, ROA staff members Louise Norman and Ruth Diver were among almost 100 people to take on Racing Welfare’s Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge. Despite most of the group not completing the final two peaks on safety advice with threatening thunderstorms and lightning strikes, they still completed a gruelling hike of around 20 miles, covering challenging terrain and more than 3,000ft of ascent in less than favourable weather conditions. A varied group of individuals took part, from racecourse and racing yard employees to members of the media and racehorse owners, with many participants commenting on the positive benefits of connecting with other like-minded individuals during the challenge.

New for 2023 has been the development of a monthly auction, with a variety of money-can’t-buy lots sourced by Racing Welfare available exclusively to ROA members. Bid to Give launched in July and at the time

broken and growth in countries where World Pool was already in operation, but a very promising reception in new jurisdictions too.

“We’d like to thank all of our partners around the world for their commitment and passion in helping us to grow World Pool. This is just the beginning.”

been lovely.”

Louise has been volunteering with Racing Welfare for two years and finds being a Check-In and Chat caller to be a rewarding experience. She says: “I feel very comfortable about making the calls and feel that I am putting something back, having taken a lot out of racing over my life. I like the thought of volunteering.

It makes you feel better about yourself if you’re giving something back.

“I look forward to talking to [my befriendees], it’s always pretty easy really and you feel you get to know them as a friend.”

RACING WELFARE

Bid to Give: hospitality for four at Chelsea Football Club

Woburn Golf Day: popular event

of writing has already raised over £10,000 through lots sold, which have included Glorious Goodwood and Aintree packages, golf hospitality, and bespoke tailoring and millinery packages.

Finally, the year concludes with Racing Welfare’s Northern Racing Awards and Epsom Owners’ and Trainers’ Awards. These annual events celebrate the successes of those racing communities at glittering black-tie ceremonies, and as in previous years, the ROA has supported the event through headline sponsorship.

In addition to raising awareness of Racing Welfare’s services, the total raised through the partnership over the past two years has now exceeded £50,000 in vital funds for racing’s people. To put it into context, that sum could enable Racing Welfare to provide: - Approximately 225 courses of physio treatment, or; - A welfare officer for 15 months, providing direct support to individuals and workplaces in racing’s communities, or; - A full decorate and recarpet ten units of Racing Homes accommodation, which provides safe, affordable housing to young people aged 16-24 just starting their careers in racing, and the retired racing community.

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TBA Forum

The special section for TBA members

Elite NH Mares’ Scheme 2024

A

s of December 1, applications are being taken for the TBA/HBLB Elite NH Mares’ Scheme and will be accepted until January 31, 2024.

The scheme, open to TBA members who own mares rated 130+ or who have produced a runner of a defined performance level (see below), features subsidised nominations to Britishbased stallions which are eligible and nominated by their managers under the terms of the scheme.

Created to highlight to breeders the quality of National Hunt stallions standing in Great Britain, so far 26 eligible stallions have been made available.

Scheme details Category 1a Mares that achieved a peak Official Rating of 150 or more

Category 2a Mares that achieved a peak Official Rating of between 140-149

Category 3a Mares that achieved a peak Official Rating of between 130-139

Category 1b Mares who have produced a NH horse officially rated 155 (mare) OR 165 (gelding) or more, in Great Britain, Ireland or France

Category 2b Mares who have produced a NH horse officially rated 145-154 (mare) OR 155-164 (gelding) or more, in Great Britain, Ireland or France

Category 3b Mares who have produced a NH horse officially rated 135-144 (mare) OR 145-154 (gelding) or more, in Great Britain, Ireland or France

Winners of black-type races over obstacles in Great Britain, Ireland and France will be treated as having the following minimum ratings, if these are above those actually awarded: Mares

Geldings

Grade 1 winners or winners of three Grade 2 WFA races

150

160

Winners of Grade 2 WFA races

140

150

Grade 3 or Listed WFA winners

135

145

Winner of Graded/Listed Handicaps

130

140

A winner of an additional race as specified above will be treated as having achieved a rating 5lb above that defined by the single win, e.g. 2 x Listed/Grade 3 WFA wins = OR 140 = Grade 2 WFA win.

When these measures are applied, a horse relying on winning a race that is confined to three-year-olds or four-yearolds only will be treated as having achieved a rating 5lb below that derived as above.

A mare that qualifies for the scheme by satisfying multiple criteria (either as a race mare and producer, or as producer of more than one qualifying horse) will be regarded as having achieved an Official Rating increased by 10lb for every additional qualification.

Grants Owners of mares nominated for the scheme will receive a grant entitling them to a discount on the nomination fees of

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Gold Cup hero Subjectivist is available to elite mare owners

any of the stallions which are included in the scheme. The grant value is determined on the category of the mare: • Category 1a/1b: £4,000 • Category 2a/2b: £3,000 • Category 3a/3b: £2,000 These grants, which are paid direct to the stallion owner on receipt by the TBA office of a positive October 1 pregnancy certificate, apply to the 2024 breeding season only and cannot be carried forward to any future season.

What to do next?

For a full list of eligible mares, visit the Elite Mares' Scheme page on the TBA website (www.thetba.co.uk) where an online application form can also be found. If you have a mare which you believe has attained the necessary credentials but is absent from the list, please contact Rob Davey at rob.davey@thetba.co.uk.

Stallions in Elite Mares' Scheme 2024 ARRIGO BANGKOK CANNOCK CHASE CAPRI DARTMOUTH DINK FALCO FRONTIERSMAN GENTLEWAVE ITO JACK HOBBS KINGSTON HILL LINDA’S LAD

LOGICIAN MARMELO OCOVANGO PASSING GLANCE PETHER’S MOON PLANTEUR POSTPONED SADDLER’S ROCK SCHIAPARELLI SUBJECTIVIST TELESCOPE YORGUNNABELUCKY

The new digital tool will prove most useful to breeders in Britain

TBA and Racing Foundation launch stud farm carbon calculator Believed to be the first carbon emissions calculator developed specifically for use with horses, the TBA launched its carbon calculator last month. This digital tool will support breeders with baselining the carbon footprint of their stud farm and modelling scenarios for reducing their future negative impact on the environment.

The calculator will enable breeders to examine their use of resources across the breeding operation, with targeted changes to land management practices and energy usage likely to cut carbon emissions and save money.

ADAS, who were appointed by the TBA to support with the development of the tool, ensured that the calculations were based on robust and established frameworks (Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol PAS 2050 methodology and IPCC guidelines for evaluating scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions), which will give breeders confidence in the data and enable them to anonymously compare their carbon emissions with studs of a similar size and business emphasis.

With the valued support of the Racing Foundation, the TBA has been well-placed to continue raising

awareness of the importance of protecting and enhancing the natural environment, as an integral component of stud management policy, which should harmonise with the primary consideration of breeders, in producing and raising healthy equine athletes for the racecourse.

The Climate Change Act (amended 2019) pledged to reduce all GHG emissions to net zero by 2050 and if this is to be achieved, all individuals will have to progress to carbon neutrality. The Thoroughbred Breeders' Association looks forward to supporting members on this journey.

Introducing the Business Essentials Programme The TBA has launched a brand-new range of educational courses, the Business Essentials Programme, on its digital learning hub, TB-Ed. Free to TBA members and ACCESS subscribers, the programme features exclusive industry insights to support breeders in establishing the fundamental building blocks for good practice and processes. The programme’s in-depth courses cover key aspects including employment, leadership, finance and marketing.

TBA Chief Executive Claire Sheppard said: “The Business Essentials Programme has been created off the

back of feedback from our members.

Whilst these are the building blocks, our future plans include the development of additional content exploring some of these topics in greater detail and we hope these courses prove useful tools for the smaller and medium-sized breeders in particular.”

From recruitment best practices to building client loyalty in preparation for bloodstock sales, the courses are currently free for all TBA members and ACCESS subscribers until the end of January 2024. Each course features fully narrated video-based modules with a downloadable script, allowing people to

work through at their own pace and in their own time.

Courses are available for non TBA members at a cost of £250 per course, but people can sign up to TBA ACCESS for the year for just £60, with a range of benefits including networking events, latest industry news, webinars and virtual events, mentoring opportunities and much more.

For further information on the Business Essentials Programme visit www.tb-ed. co.uk or email clare.daniels@theTBA. co.uk. For those interested in signing up to ACCESS, visit the ‘Become a member’ section of the website – thetba.co.uk.

THE OWNER BREEDER

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TBA Forum

Memorable month for Newsells Park BILL SELWYN

O

ctober was a big month for the Newsells Park Stud team. Once again, they ended Book 1 as the leading consignor, whilst they exited Future Champions Weekend as the breeder of the Fillies’ Mile scorer. Bred in partnership with Craig Bennett’s Merry Fox Stud, Ylang Ylang, a Frankel first foal out of the stakes-placed Shambolic, relished the step up to a mile for the first time and was going away come the line.

The following weekend and it was resident stallion Nathaniel whose star shone, courtesy of his four-year-old daughter Poptronic, who made just about all the running to win the QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes.

Trained by Karl Burke, she is a homebred for David and Yvonne Blunt.

Much later in the month and Nathaniel was represented by Understated in the Prix Solitude at Saint-Cloud. Stakesplaced earlier in the season, the threeyear-old Al Shahania Stud-bred bay saw out the 2,000m trip well.

The week before Ylang Ylang’s success, another daughter of Frankel entered the winner’s enclosure after scoring at the highest level. Cheveley Park Stud homebred Inspiral readily went clear when required entering the dip and powered home for a fifth – she made it six at the Breeders’ Cup – Group 1 victory.

Another Frankel on the scoresheet was the North American-based McKulick.

Bred by Essafinaat UK Ltd, she collected a further Graded score when taking the Waya Stakes at Aqueduct. Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum’s breeding enterprise was also represented by the win of Kingman’s daughter Cell Sa Beela in the October Stakes at Ascot.

Sam James drives Poptronic (left) to Group 1 glory in the Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot on Champions Day

Along with Ylang Ylang, the Friday of Future Champions Weekend witnessed the Cornwallis Stakes go to the Glebe Farm Stud-bred Inquisitively, also breeders of the Premio Eupili winner Royal Grey (Havana Grey), and the Oh So Sharp Stakes go to the Godolphin homebred Dance Sequence, a daughter of Dubawi.

The following day on the Rowley Mile and the Boadicea Stakes was won by the improving Havana Grey filly Funny Story, who was bred by Whitsbury Manor Stud and Mrs E Slade.

On the continent there was a number of Group wins by British-breds. The Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte, now run at Chantilly, was captured by the Petches Farm-bred Classic Flower. Later in the month and the Prix de Flore went to the Malih Al Basti-bred Village Voice for Mrs Patrick Cooper and Jessie Harrington.

In Italy the Premio Lydia Tesio was won by the Manfred Wurtenbergerbred La Gite, whilst the Premio Verziere Memorial Aldo Cirla was won by the GB Partnership-bred Moonu, a daughter of Sea The Moon.

There were a pair of Shadwell breds who scored on either side of the world. Mutasarref was victorious in the Knockaire Stakes at Leopardstown, whilst a week later Maktoob took the Sale Cup in Australia.

Also Down Under, Future History, a son of Showcasing, ran out the winner of the Bart Cummings Handicap.

At Keeneland, Romagna Mia, bred by Cavendish Bloodstock, won the Dowager Stakes.

In the Rockingham Stakes at York, Purosangue, a son of Aclaim, gained a deserved win – he was bred by Hellwood Stud Farm & RC Dollar, whilst the Lady Bamford homebred filly One Evening proved toughest in the Beckford Stakes at Bath.

Middle Earth, a son of Roaring Lion, bounced back from a below-par effort in the St Leger to win the Noel Murless Stakes at Ascot. The following day and the Rabbah Bloodstock-bred Emaraaty Ana took the Rous Stakes.

Sparks Fly has been an absolute star for her owner-breeder David Lowe and gained her eighth win of the season and maiden stakes success in the Prix Isola Bella, a race in which she was the 12-length victor. In Toulouse, the W&R Barnett Ltd-bred Rainbow Sky won the Prix Panacee.

Bred by David Futter and Will Kinsey, High Class Hero (Sulamani) won the Rathsallagh Country House Novice Hurdle at Limerick, whilst over at the big Far Hills meet, Zabeel Champion, bred

by Hascombe & Valiant Studs, took the Appleton Hurdle Stakes.

Results up to and including October 31. Produced in association with GBRI.

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THE OWNER BREEDER

Common Health Entry Document (CHED)

Paul Nicholls's Ditcheat yard hosted TBA members in October

Final regional day of 2023 a hit with members Paul Nicholls and Glanvilles Stud played host to the TBA’s South-West regional day, the final one of 2023, in October.

Thirty TBA members gathered at the Manor House Inn at 10am before walking up to the famous Manor Farm Stables in Ditcheat that have sent out over 3,600 winners and nearly 150 Grade 1 victories.

The open morning was hosted by Charlie Davies, currently assistant trainer to Paul. Charlie provided a fascinating and honest insight into the daily routine and success of the team at Ditcheat. Paul’s training base is spread over three different yards and attendees were shown around the main yard which houses the likes of Bravemansgame, Frodon, Stage Star and promising novice hurdler Captain Teague.

After hearing about the daily routine and seeing some of the horses from the third lot being washed down, Charlie introduced the stable stars in their boxes before sheltering away from Storm Babet, which did its best to disrupt the morning.

A brief question and answer session followed before members got back into their cars to drive the other side of the A303 to Glanvilles Stud, breeders of Grade 1 winners

Traceability requirements

Honeysuckle and Sam Spinner. Upon arrival at the Wootton Glanvillesbased stud, Doug Procter and his team had put on a tremendous lunch set in his foaling barn alongside his foals destined for Doncaster’s NH Breeders’ Showcase Sale.

Doug had carefully planned the afternoon to give members a full tour of the stud and show some of his best stock. After lunch had finished, members were treated to a foal show, particularly two foals by Brave Mansonnien and Spanish Moon.

Doug also spent time going through their conformations and what makes a NH foal ‘fashionable’ at the sales. Afterwards, the Glanvilles' resident vet came in to show members a pregnancy scan and give members an insight into their high fertility strike-rate over the past couple of years. Despite battling the elements, members were then shown several horses including Roc Royal, a Motivator half-sister to Honeysuckle.

As the weather closed in, the day came to an end and members made their way home. The day was very well organised and a great experience for our TBA members.

We look forward to providing our next regional day in the New Year.

Readers will find the latest guidance for breeders regarding administration and traceability requirements as an insert in this issue. We hope it is of help to breeders and can also be found on the website by visiting tba.co.uk.

Members are reminded that from November 2, when logging into the Import of Products, Animals, Food and Feed System (IPAFFS), you will be prompted to complete the Common Health Entry Document (CHED) Part 1 import notification if you are moving live animals from EU and EFTA countries to Great Britain.

This is in place of the previous IMP notification. This change aligns the import notifications for both EU and non-EU countries, with just one process for both.

The import notifications must be submitted one working day before the animal(s) arrives in Great Britain, using the IPAFFS, which can be accessed via the Gov.uk website.

Dates for your diary Tuesday, January 23 NH Stallion Showcase, Goffs, Doncaster Taking place during the Goffs January Sale, the ever-popular event will take place on the first day of trading. Hospitality will be provided, including warming refreshments.

The online silent auction of NH nominations will run alongside the event.

Thursday, January 31 Stallion Parade, Tattersalls, Newmarket Ahead of the February Sale, the TBA’s Stallion Parade will take place in the sales ring and can be viewed in Left Yard after parading, providing the ideal opportunity for breeders to finalise mating plans.

Monday, May 20 NH Awards, Hilton Garden Inn, Doncaster Come join us as the TBA celebrates the tenth anniversary of its NH awards, held on the evening of the first day of trade at the Goffs Spring Store Sale. The event will celebrate successes from the 23-24 NH season, as well as from the previous ten years.

THE OWNER BREEDER

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Breeder of the Month Words Howard Wright

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BREEDER OF THE MONTH (October 2023)

In football terms, Poptronic’s success in the QIPCO British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes at Ascot, which earned David and Yvonne Blunt the nomination as the TBA’s Breeder of the Month for October, was the equivalent of scoring the winning goal against Arsenal or Manchester City in an FA Cup final.

The South Yorkshire-based Blunts have just three mares, who were housed on their son Philip’s farm at Wath upon Dearne when Poptronic was foaled in 2019. The trio have since been transferred to Newmarket and into the care of Dwayne Woods at Brook Stud.

The soccer analogies are deliberate, and appropriate, since David Blunt is chairman of Doncaster Rovers FC, a position he took on in August 2014, two years after a duo of life-changing events.

In January 2012, he announced his retirement after 35 years with the social housing company Keepmoat, where he had risen to become Chief Executive, following its merger with Apollo, and in early-June, he and Yvonne saw their predominantly blue and yellow colours carried to success for the first time, when Mollyvator, a Motivator filly bought for 55,000gns from the Tattersalls Book 1 October Sale, won at Haydock.

“I’ve always been interested in horseracing,” Blunt reveals, “but it wasn’t until around 2012 that we decided to get involved seriously by buying to race and then breed, so we’re relative newcomers to the business.”

The Poptronic story begins at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale in November 2013, when the Blunts bought the Dream Ahead filly out of the Lowther

BILL SELWYN

David & Yvonne Blunt

Poptronic with her delighted connections, including Yvonne Blunt (right), at Ascot

Stakes winner Infamous Angel for 40,000gns. Named Alpine Dream and initially trained by William Haggas, she won a Thirsk maiden, along with a Plus 10 bonus, on her debut, before moving north to Tim Easterby for her three-year-old career onwards.

A further two wins followed, before Alpine Dream went off to visit Nathaniel on the first step of her owners’ new breeding enterprise. Poptronic – “always a big girl,” according to Blunt – was the result.

After going down by half a length to the late Queen’s Silver Screen on her Wolverhampton debut, earning a Racing Post Rating of just 69 for the effort, she opened her account at the second attempt and has since been guided by trainer Karl Burke and his family through the divisions like a National League side making its way up to the Premier League.

Blunt points out: “She won as a twoyear-old, won the Group 3 Hoppings Stakes as a three-year-old and this year went from the Group 2 Lancashire Oaks to the Group 1 at Ascot. I don’t think many Nathaniels have done that, apart from the great Enable, of course.

“It’s been amazing for us, a lifetime ambition but, even so, way beyond our

expectations, and we have to thank Karl and his wife Elaine and their daughters Kelly and Lucy for looking after her so well.

They’ve all done a terrific job.”

Next outing for Poptronic is at the Wembley of sales auctions on December 5, when she will take her place at the elite Sceptre Session at the Tattersalls December Sale, the day before her threeyear-old Brazen Beau half-sister Beautron is also likely to go through the ring.

Blunt explains: “We’re only small breeders and Poptronic deserves a decent cover. The cost of going to the bigger names is quite expensive, so we think she will be better looked after by others. And we’ve still got Poptronic’s dam and two of her produce, who are both fillies – a New Bay yearling and a Zoustar foal. Added to that, although she was barren in 2021, she’s in foal to Too Darn Hot. So, we have plenty to look forward to.”

However, ever the canny Yorkshireman, Blunt adds: “Of course, it’s everyone’s ambition to breed and own a Group 1 winner, and we’ve been very fortunate; we’re living the dream because Poptronic has taken us to places we couldn’t have imagined possible. But if we don’t get the price we’re hoping for, we’ll keep her and look for the best covering we can find.”

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A GBB win is not just for Christmas 28th January FAIRFIELD FERRATA lands her fifth bonus – a total of £90,000 22nd February Original ‘queen of the scheme’ BLACKBERRY has her first foal – a colt by SERGEI PROKOFIEV

30th March Multiple-bonus winner DRAGON BONES has her first foal – a filly

by LOGICIAN

2nd April Multiple-bonus winner CHILLI FILLI has her first foal – a filly by WALK IN THE PARK 30th July Superstar COMMISSIONING lands a £20,000 bonus on her debut run 14th August MAPMAKER lands her third GB Bonus – one of only eight Flat fillies to do so

28th April GBB passes £10 MILLION milestone 31st May Bumper yearling registrations

31st August Bumper Stage 3 NH registrations – a 14% increase on the previous year

17th October ADAAY IN DEVON wins her fourth bonus.

The first flat filly to win £80,000 4th November YOU WEAR IT WELL wins her sixth bonus – a total of £95,000

30th September Bumper foal registrations for GBB, including some exciting prospects such as ENABLE’s first foal 18th November GBB passes £13 MILLION milestone

#BREEDBUYRACE greatbritishbonus.co.uk TBA GBB TOB Mailers A4_December.indd 1

Information correct at time of going to press

23/11/2023 15:42

The Finish Line with John Francome It’s been 38 years since John Francome won his seventh and final champion jockeys’ title, 13 since he published the last of more than 20 books, and 11 since his long and happy association with Channel 4 Racing, but he still keeps his finger on racing’s pulse and his forthright views remain well worth listening to. He owns Clive Cox’s Beechdown Farm stables, and as a practical man who can seemingly turn his hand to almost anything he finds plenty at the yard to keep him occupied. He is also involved in various businesses as well as the Injured Jockeys Fund, but he is probably happiest on the golf course.

Interview: Graham Dench

I

had a fantastic life in racing – I had just two jobs and in both I was working for and with nice people. Besides the racing I learned so much in terms of general life skills from Fred Winter, Brian Delaney and Richard Pitman, and then I was very lucky again in broadcasting with Highflyer at Channel 4. Everyone who worked for Highflyer, from the boss John Fairley, whose success with Highfield Princess has been so great to follow, to Andrew Franklin, my fellow presenters and all the unsung support team. Every one of them was a quality person you would be happy to spend time with away from racing, and I’m still in touch with a lot of them. I did it for 27 years and I loved it, but when I watch them now standing out in the cold at Wincanton, I don’t miss it at all.

made it as a jockey, but they were given responsibility and incentives and they had an interest in the horses and in how the stable was doing. There’s an exceptional system at Andrew Balding’s, but it’s all too rare. Lads there are taught how to conduct themselves, different aspects of riding and stable management. It’s all geared up to furthering their education, and if they are good enough they get opportunities as well. If I had a horse in training, I’d want to know who was going to be riding it every day. Most lads just sit on a horse and then bring it back in again. They don’t teach them anything. I’m sure there’s still a nucleus of good lads who enjoy their jobs and give it their all, but it’s not what it was.

When I stopped riding I did a lot of books, but they were hard work and I absolutely sweated over my first, Born Lucky. With the fiction I had a lot of help from a lad called Tom Shields, and also from others with the editing, but I did all of the plots and racing scenes and quite a bit of the rest, so they were still really hard work.

I just wasn’t a gifted writer and that annoyed me. I wouldn’t be fit to fill Alastair Down’s pen with ink!

GEORGE SELWYN

Staffing is racing’s biggest problem by a mile. In my time staff would work their way up and might go from being a lad to a head lad or a travelling head lad. Very few

John Francome steers Burrough Hill Lad to victory in the 1984 King George VI Chase

88

THE OWNER BREEDER

I don’t think we’ll ever stop the growing trend towards super stables of 200-plus.

It’s a shame it’s become so tough for the smaller operations, but you can’t stop people from running successful businesses and nor should you try to. The bigger stables won’t be right for every owner, and perhaps some horses slip through the net and get lost, but they attract the better riders, which is a big plus.

I’m afraid the current crop of riders are pretty moderate as a whole. Last backend I watched six lads at Sandown all go round the first bend with their whip in the wrong hand, and one of them ran out. Very few know how to ride properly; I can’t count the number of times I see jockeys let their rivals up the inside, which in my day was unforgivable. Harry Cobden, Charlie Deutsch, Bryony Frost and Rachael Blackmore are what I’d call proper riders, and you could add Brendan Powell, Gavin Sheehan, James Davies, Kielan Woods, Harry Bannister and Adam Wedge to that list.

Having Harry Cobden on your side is like taking 7lb off a horse’s back and I wouldn’t look further than last year’s winner Bravemansgame in the King George. Harry just lets them get on and jump, and it was just tiredness in the

ground that got Bravemansgame beat in the Charlie Hall. He was probably beaten by a decent horse anyway in Gentlemansgame – I was pleased to see Mouse Morris win such a nice race.

I was lucky enough to win the King George twice, on Wayward Lad in 1982 and on Burrough Hill Lad two years later. Wayward Lad won a strong King George, featuring Silver Buck, Little Owl and Night Nurse, but the horse we beat was Fifty Dollars More, owned by Sheikh Ali Abu Khamsin and trained by Fred Winter, so that was particularly sweet.

Wayward Lad was also in the race when Burrough Hill Lad won. We were all out to win by a short head from Combs Ditch, but the track didn’t suit Burrough Hill Lad. He was a class horse who won a Hennessy with top-weight and a Gold Cup, although I wasn’t on him at Cheltenham.

I was President of the Injured Jockeys Fund for a few years and I’m now what they call a Vice Patron. The IJF does brilliant work, and its importance has been brought into sharp focus by Graham Lee’s accident at Newcastle. To ride 1,000 or so winners over jumps, including in a Grand National, and then have an accident like that leaving the stalls in a Flat race just underlines the fact that you never know what’s around the corner – in life in general but in a sport like racing in particular.

Every sport in the country looks up to racing in terms of how we deal with injured sportsmen. Besides Oaksey House, Jack Berry House and Sir Peter O’Sullevan House, there’s also a facility in Taunton, and the almoners work tirelessly supporting those with long-term needs and also some who have simply fallen on hard times. There is always a spike in donations when a jockey is badly injured, but the lead up to Christmas is traditionally a vital time for fundraising. I’d encourage everyone to have a look online at the wide range of Christmas cards, calendars and gifts available.

STUD FEE: £15,000 OCT 1ST SLF

averaged over 4 times his fee.

Colt x Golden Spell

160,000gns

to Blandford Bloodstock

Colt x Glories

€140,000 to Yoshito Yahagi

“ Kameko was top-class and from what I’ve seen at the sales he could be even more exciting as a sire. I have already bought a few and am sure I will be booking clients mares to him!”

“ The Kameko’s we sold were lovely forward types with a great walk, they have all been extremely well received by agents and trainers.”

Richard Brown, Blandford Bloodstock

Henri Bozo, Ecurie des Monceaux

Colt x Stacey Sutton

125,000gns

to Blandford Bloodstock

Colt x Lady McKell

£95,000

to Peter and Ross Doyle/ Richard Hannon

“ Kameko was clearly an exceptional racehorse breaking the race record in the 2000 Guineas.

I really like the colt we bought; he had lots of quality and great presence about him. I am very excited to train him!”

“ I’ve been so impressed with the Kameko’s.

Very straightforward, good-looking, solid horses. I’ve bought a couple of very nice ones and would love to have more!”

Ed Bethell, Gr.1 winning trainer

Richard Hannon, Classic winning trainer

Contact Hannah Wall or Alice Thurtle at Tweenhills E: hannah@tweenhills.com E: alice@tweenhills.com T: +44 (0) 1452 700177

13195 - Thoroughbred Owner Breeder_KAMEKO_210x297_V2.indd 1

16/11/2023 14:26

The biggest names in the business.

But not the biggest fees.

Prick up your ears because, if there’s one thing we understand, it’s that value is invaluable.

Dalham Hall Stud, UK

DUBAWI £350,000 £65,000 TOO DARN HOT £45,000 PALACE PIER £35,000 PINATUBO NEW MODERN GAMES £30,000 PRIVATE FARHH £17,500 CRACKSMAN £10,000 NEW TRIPLE TIME £10,000 HARRY ANGEL £10,000 IFFRAAJ £10,000 MASAR £10,000 PERFECT POWER £10,000 TERRITORIES

Kildangan Stud, Ireland NIGHT OF THUNDER €100,000 €60,000 BLUE POINT €30,000 TEOFILO €25,000 GHAIYYATH NEW NATIVE TRAIL €17,500 €16,000 SPACE BLUES €15,000 EARTHLIGHT €10,000 NAVAL CROWN €7,500 RAVEN’S PASS

Haras du Logis, France VICTOR LUDORUM €15,000 €5,000 CLOTH OF STARS

Terms: Oct 1, SLF

+44 (0)1638 730070 +353 (0)45 527600 +33 (0)2 33 36 21 20 darleystallions.com