Vijay Mallya, Usha Stud get a Smashing Indian Oaks

By Maj. Srinivas Nargolkar (Retd.)

Dr. Vijay Mallya and Usha Stud ended their draught of “classics” — neither had won even one of the sixteen, including the regional versions, since the start of the winter season in November — with the filly Smashing (Holy Roman Emperor – Exquisite by Galileo) winning the Zoom Indian Oaks, Gr.1, in taking style from the Radio Mirchi Indian 1000 Guineas, Gr.1, victress Alma Mater, who finished almost five lengths away. Razeen filly Volterra, having just the second start of her career, was third and the maiden Neath (Major Impact – Macrihanish by Razeen) finished fourth. The verdict was 4 3/4, 1, 4 and the time of 2.31.45 meant that only two of the previous 69 winners would have finished ahead of Smashing. The first three home were trained by Pesi Shroff, for whom it was his third Indian Oaks victory in six years.

In truth, the ten fillies who went to the post were lacking in the right combination of class and stamina. The pace in the first half of the race was slow and it became a sprint in the latter half. Three of the first five fillies in the Indian 1000 last month were in the fray and of them Smashing (5th) and Alma Mater (the winner) filled the first two places on sheer class. That the inexperienced Volterra and and the maiden Neath should grab the other two places in the frame underscored the class and stamina deficiency. If Smashing and Alma Mater run in the Indian Derby in a fortnight’s time, they will face a much stiffer task.

Take nothing away from the winner, though. The day hadn’t begun too well for the Mallya camp with a winner in the maiden race losing on an objection and Set Ablaze, a full-sister Set Alight, finishing dead last in the other graded race in the under-card. Unperturbed by those happenings,the Frenchman Anthony Crastus rode a cool race, keeping the filly well off the pace, finding the right openings, grabbing the lead from Voleterra — who was always well up and had taken over the running coming into the straight — with about 300 m. to go and drawing away in the closing stages. Alma Mater — not unexpectly on her pedigree — failed to reproduce last to first surge of her previous win and just pegged back Volterra whose third was commendable for one so inexperienced.

An Usha-bred had not won a black-type race since Hills and Stars won the Nanoli Stud Pune Derby, Gr.1, on 9 October last year and had gone through probably the most barren period in its recent history. Exquisite, the unraced dam of Smashing, was picked up by Usha Stud  for 120,000 euros at Goff’s November Sale in 2007. She was in-foal to Holy Roman Emperor and so carried the very successful Danehill-Sadler’s Wells cross through two sons of the Coolmore stalwarts. Exquisite’s Danehill Dancer half-sister Abbeyside won the Listed Prix Yacowlef over five furlongs and was narrowly beaten by Silver Frost — who subsequently won the Pouled’ Essai des Poulains, Gr.1 — in Prix Cabourg, Gr.3, over six furlongs. Her Spinning World half-sister Flat Spin won the Blue Square Interactive TV Easter Stakes, L, over a mile. This is an essentially speedy family — Ancient Regime, Cricket Ball, Rami, Crack Regiment, Matelot and others in immediate removes — which goes back to the St. Simon mare Santa Nomis. The proximity of Danehill and Galileo in Smashing’s pedigree has obviously added class to the inherent speed.

Compile ‘official’ US sire lists by domestic earnings only

re several posts below this on sire list discrepancies

The Blood-Horse editorial director Eric Mitchell explained his publication’s stance on compiling sire lists in a column recently (a link to it is available in the post below this one). The magazine uses NH earnings worldwide (or from as many countries as The Jockey Club Information Services, Inc., (TJCIS) the source, can provide) but somehow excludes earnings from Japan and Hong Kong “because the higher purses in these jurisdictions for relatively minor races skew the rankings.”

This is obviously controversial and inconsistent with how other publications compile lists.

Yesterday on Twitter, Eric joined a conversation initiated by me for an “official” sire list that included Ray Paulick, Ed DeRosa, Thoroughbred Times, Frances J. Karon, and Sue Finley, and he said, “More I talk with people, more that a N. Am.-only list may be the way.” He also said, “Still lots of discussions to have about ‘official’ list. Love the input.”

Over the years (many moons), John Sparkman (read his blog post on this from last year here) and I and others have advocated for sire lists—”official lists”—based on domestic earnings only, the standard method for compiling lists globally. If we do this, our lists will not only be in line with the rest of the world, they will be consistent in whatever publication or source we pick up here.

These “official” lists will determine sire championships, which can be publicized in the trades, but they don’t preclude other global lists that can accompany them.

There’s a discussion taking place on this right now with the editors of most of the trades (except for Daily Racing Form), and I suggest that The Jockey Club, TOBA, NTRA, and others join and rubber stamp this into reality.

It will help the business and the sport.

More on sire lists and the Scat Daddy vs Hard Spun issue

For more on the controversial sire lists published annually in US publications, see below.

In yesterday’s issue of Thoroughbred Times TODAY, I wrote the following column calling for “official” sire lists from The Jockey Club. Click here to read it. The Blood-Horse editor, Eric Mitchell, addressed the same issue yesterday from the vantage point of his publication’s decision to exclude Northern Hemisphere earnings from Japan and Hong Kong in its sire lists. Click here to read Eric’s piece.

Comments on Twitter yesterday included the following:

Su-Ann Khaw, Australian owner and breeder: “very surprised there isn’t an ‘official’ sire list in US, was unaware of it till I read your piece.”

Ed DeRosa, director of marketing at Brisnet.com and formerly with Thoroughbred Times: “As far as I’m concerned, @TTimes is the official list. All earnings should count.” And, “I’d rather have a list that uses North America only than one that picks and chooses countries.”

Rachel Levine, horse racing fan: “Sheesh even in the general list it’s too lose to call!”

Alistair Brown, South African-based international bloodstock broker and consultant: “re the sires lists … it is a crazy situation – but symptomatic of the whole ‘global village’ effect!”

Frances J. Karon, editor of North American Trainer magazine and at Four Star Sales: “ US is the only country that has many young racing stock exported.”

John Mulholland, son of John and Martha of Kentucky nursery Mulholland Springs: “then have a domestic and global earnings list- not complicated.”

Ray Paulick, of Paulick Report: “ I always took ‘more the merrier’ route on sire lists. But ‘official’ list makes sense.” And, “Global list excluding Jpn/HK like domestic list w/out NY VLT $$$.”

Scat Daddy versus Hard Spun for the freshman sire title

Sid Fernando via ENicks

More at Thoroughbred Times TODAY tonight (Wed edition)

Horse Race: Scat Daddy vs Hard Spun

storify.com

The race between Ashford’s Scat Daddy and Darley’s Hard Spun for champion freshman sire went down to the last day of 2011 and a thousand (or so) dollars. Below are some conversations about the race, real time as it happened. See my column in Thoroughbred Times TODAY (Wednesday) for more thoughts.

Cape Premier Sale in January seeks to build on success

By Thomas J. Thornbury (Associate Director of Sales, Keeneland) 

L'ormarins

The results of the 2011 inaugural Cape Premier Sale were so rewarding that all the breeders in South Africa took notice. The idea is simple: create a select sale of the very best yearlings gathered from farms throughout South Africa. Market them in the fresh, exciting setting found in Cape Town in late January, when horsemen from other climes are seeking the warmth, beauty, and entertainment so abundant in South Africa. And, have this premier, select sale coincide with some of the very best world-class, Group 1 racing in South Africa. The sale is set for January 26 and 27, 2012.

From the inaugural sale has sprung the development of Cape Thoroughbred Sales, an entirely new sales company that reflects the Keeneland model. The governing Board is comprised of some of the country’s most influential breeders: Craig Carey (Arc-en-Ciel Stud), Mick Goss (Summerhill Stud), Andreas Jacobs (Maine Chance Stud), Markus Jooste (Klawervlei Stud), Dr. Ashley Parker (Ascot Stud), Gaynor Rupert (Drakenstein Stud), Mike Sharkey (Highlands Stud), and Mary Slack (Wilgerbosdrift Stud). As with Keeneland, there is no personal ownership of stock in the company, and the net profit is to be distributed for the betterment of the sport and the breeding industry. It was an honor to have been asked to join the inspection crew again this year, and the emulation of Keeneland in the development of Cape Thoroughbred Sales gave me further impetus to assist in selections.

Swartland Riebeeck Kasteel wineland area.

The officers of Cape Thoroughbred Sales are familiar faces: Robin Bruss, CEO; Adrian Todd, COO; Grant Knowles, Director-at-large; Kevin Sommerville, Marketing; and Amanda Carey, Administration. Bruss has a long and successful association with sales and breeding in South Africa. Todd has been instrumental in developing the Groom Education Program, for which he has been lauded by breeders and government alike. Knowles is a highly respected television personality and director of Gold Circle Racing. Sommerville is a graduate of the Darley Flying Start program, was an intern with Keeneland Sales, and most recently worked with Juddmonte Stud in Newmarket, England. Carey has a distinguished record in sales administration and will be the glue to hold this group together. Drawing from this talent, the new sales company should be able to build a brand recognized worldwide.

Entries were dramatically up this year. Along with stalwart inspector John Kramer and able driver Corrado Passerini, I saw more of South Africa in two weeks than do most South Africans in a lifetime. We began our trek in the Western Cape, traveled through the Karoo, through Kwazulu Natal, and on into the Eastern Cape. With greater numbers of entries from the larger breeding farms, along with participation by some farms that had taken a “wait and see” attitude last year, quality yearlings were in abundance. We were seeking those yearlings with pedigree, by serious sires, with maturity and conformational excellence. From where I sit, the cataloguing committee should find plenty of quality from which to choose.

South African stars JET MASTER and CAPTAIN AL are well represented, as are SILVANO, FORT WOOD, TRIPPI, VAR, WESTERN WINTER, DYNASTY, and MIESQUE’S APPROVAL to name a few. Additionally, we found plenty of impressive yearlings by freshman sires: SAf-bred Champions JAY PEG (winner of the $5-million Dubai Duty Free-G1), ARGONAUT (Triple G1SW by Western Winter), KILDONAN (Rich Man’s Gold), and HORSE CHESTNUT (now back in SAf); plus US-breds JUDPOT (A.P. Indy-Miesque) and A. P. ARROW, as well as others.

Interestingly, a number of foreign sires will also be represented. We saw some quality yearlings by BERNARDINI, ENCOSTA DE LAGO, TAPIT, ACT ONE, BORREGO, DUKE OF MARMALADE, HOLY ROMAN EMPEROR, LION HEART, O’REILLY, ROYAL ACADEMY and TEOFILO. The fact is that the South African horse is raised tough, is durable, and its talent is recognized around the world. The breeders, now convinced of this sale’s potential, have presented larger numbers of quality individuals with pedigree and sire power to match.

The late Jet Master

The inaugural sale attracted buyers from 15 countries. The 2012 sale will be more expansive, targeting a larger contingent of domestic and international buyers on the premise that horses purchased should remain to race in South Africa. Later, if successful, they could be exported to compete internationally. As last year, the venue is the air-conditioned, indoor Cape Town International Convention Centre, which received rave reviews as exciting, unique, and entertaining by those in attendance. Adjacent to excellent hotels, and in the heart of Cape Town, this is a perfect venue for buyers and sellers alike.

The beauty and historical significance of Cape Town is reason to keep buyers close, but those looking for more adventure can certainly find it with little effort. Many of the major breeding farms have adjacent vineries, which produce excellent quality wines. The nearby Western Cape is loaded with wineries for those who wish to take a wine-tasting tour. If you are interested in the wilds of Africa, a trip to the Karoo and any number of animal reserves are within reach. There are guest houses (similar to a bed and breakfast) located in every small community, where guests may expect to be treated as family; such is the nature of hospitality in South Africa. No matter what might interest you, it is likely to be found in this lovely, diverse country.

The unforgettable lifestyle of the Cape summer is represented by the world-class racing of the 2012 Cape Racing Carnival. Highlighted races include the J&B Met (G1), the Investec Cape Derby (G1), the L’Ormarin’s Queen’s Plate (G1), the TBA Paddock Stakes (G1), the Klawervlei Majorca Stakes (G1), and the Cape Flying Championship (G1). The Cape Racing Carnival is to be held in conjunction with the Cape Premier Sale at nearby Kenilworth Race Course, located only 10 minutes from City Centre. The oldest racecourse in the country, Kenilworth is steeped in tradition and history. With its enviable location and beauty, it has long been a favorite racing venue for South African and overseas visitors alike.

The 2012 Cape Premier Sale is setting up to be a must for South African buyers looking for top-quality offerings, and for foreign buyers looking for top-quality stock at value. Certainly, the exchange rate of the Rand is inviting, and added to the internationally recognized ability of the South African racehorse, it is a winning combination. Coinciding with world-class racing, flawless South African summer weather, and endless alternative entertainment possibilities, the Cape Premier Sale is decidedly of great value. For those in the cold grip of winter in the northern hemisphere, what could be better than to enjoy a bit of summer, relaxation, wine, horses, and fun in Cape Town in January?

For me, the experience of inspecting the best yearlings at farms both large and small has been memorable. I have been astonished by the dramatic beauty of the diverse landscape throughout this extraordinary country. I have come to know and love a wonderful group of determined horse-people, whose commitment to raising the finest quality racehorses sometimes defies logic. They are truly passionate – about their horses and about their way of life. In every case, I was warmly welcomed into their homes for at least a coffee or tea; sometimes lunch or dinner; and sometimes accommodation overnight, as the location was too remote to find a hotel or guest house. I noted that some breeders travel long distances to bring a mare to a particular stud. That same hospitality is always offered to them. It is this sense of camaraderie and kinship among the South Africa horse-people that impressed me the most. Can you imagine the joy and fun when they all get together for the Cape Premier Sale? You will just have to be there.

Pronto Pronto, son of Major Impact, won Indian Guineas

By Major Srinivas Nargolkar (Retd.)

Handled brilliantly by Richard Hughes — a chance ride for him since the declared jockey Y.S. Srinath was indisposed — Pronto Pronto (Major Impact - Sandslash), having his first run in five months, lifted the Casino Royale Indian 2000 Guineas, Gr.1, by half a length from Picasso with Cardinal three-parts of a length back in third at Mahalakshmi in Mumbai Sunday.

Indomitable, the only filly in the field, was meant to set the pace for Picasso while Pronto Star was assigned a similar role for the winner. However, outsider Astapi ran like a scalded cat to run the pacemakers off their feet. The Bangalore challenger Speed Six was kept well up with the pace while Pronto Pronto, Cardinal and Picasso were held back. Speed Six did pick off Astapi soon after entering the straight but never managed to pinch a useful break for Cardinal, and Picasso challenged him almost immediately and went ahead. Hughes waited a while longer to unleash Pronto Pronto, and slipping him through a gap on the inside between Cardinal and Speed Six, he made it a three-way finish and prevailed close home. The time of 1.37.41 was a wee faster than 1.37.62 clocked by Alma Mater last Sunday.

This was fifth win from seven starts for Pronto Pronto, the last four being graded events. He had bagged the Gr.1 double of Bangalore Colts’ Championship Stakes — where Speed Six was just a nose behind in second — and Kingfisher Derby Bangalore during the summer and so was completing a Gr.1 hat-trick. Speed Six finished four and a half lengths back today in fourth. Six Speed, the dam of Speed Six, had won the Indian 1000 Guineas in her time but never won beyond a mile. Her full-brother Cardinal was always fighting a losing battle today while her son was the first of the principals to be beaten.

Pronto Pronto is owned by M/s. Pallon S. Mistry and D.R. Thacker and was bred at the Manjri Stud. Manjri Stud, established in 1921 as the Royal Stud Farm, is one of the oldest of nurseries in India. It has seen some changes of ownership over the years and was acquired by the Mistrys in mid-1980s. Pronto Pronto provided Manjri Stud with its 35th win of an Indian classic. Trainer Imtiaz Sait had the chesnut spot-on for Sundays race despite not having raced for five months. Only two trainers — R.R.Byramji and A.L.J. Talib — have more classic wins than Imtiaz Sait, who led his 20th. Richard Hughes arrived only this week after riding in the Hong Kong International races and won his 11th Indian classic. No foreign jockey has won as many and he is now a joint fifth with two Indian favourites, Vasant Shinde and Aslam Kaderin the overall table.

Pronto Pronto’s sire was once resident at Jonabell Farms in Kentucky and the son Roberto came to India in 2001. His dam only placed during her short racing career but is a full-sister to a black-type winner. Their sire Don’t Forget Me, a son of Ahonoora, won the English as well as the Irish 2000 Guineas. Though Pronto Pronto traces to Schiaparelli through Ruta, the immediate family is short-running. Pronto Pronto did win over the 2000 m. of the Kingfisher Derby Bangalore but that is a tight track unlike the galloping one at Mahalakshmi. It will be interesting to see how far Pronto Pronto goes on it and his chances in the Indian Derby will be clearer after the R.R. Gold Trophy is run next month. Pronto Pronto is a five generation outcross and the second Indian classic winner sired by Major Impact. The first was Diabolical, who won the Indian Derby in 2007. Diabolical’s dam was a winner of six races in England but not a single one of them was beyond the minimum five furlongs ! That should hearten Pronto Pronto’s connections.

Alma Mater swoops from last to first in Indian 1000 Guineas

By Major Srinivas Nargolkar (Retd.)

Laying last at the half-way stage of the Indian 1000 Guineas, Gr.1, Sunday, jockey B. Prakash on Alma Mater (Royal Kingdom – La Pieta) improved spectacularly — travelling widest of all — to be in the hailing distance of the leaders at the 400-meter marker and then rode a power-packed finish to steer the filly to a thrilling victory over Botswana (running in the Jacqueline colours of the Shirkes), Black Magic Woman and the Nanoli Stud Pune Derby, Gr.1, winner Hills and Stars. The verdict was three-parts of a length, a neck and a short-head. The mile chute at Mumbai’s Mahalakshmi Racecourse was used for the first time since the racing returned to India’s commercial and entertainment capital last month after the monsoon break. The time of 1.37.62 was fair considering the freshness of the first 600 metres.

Alma Mater was one of the four fillies saddled by trainer Pesi Shroff, and they included the second-placed Botswana and the favourite Smashing (a daughter of Holy Roman Emperor imported ‘in-utero’) owned by Dr. Vijay Mallya. There were three unbeaten fillies in the fifteen-strong field — Alma Mater, Smashing and the China Visit’s daughter Vittoria — none of whom had raced in black-type company before today while several other fillies were yet to show that they could tackle the mile of the race. That made it an open and intriguing contest and provided an exciting finish.

B. Prakash was winning his tenth Indian classic while for Shroff it was his eighth. Alma Mater is owned Mr. Shyam Ruia, his son Amay Ruia, Pradeep Kumar Singhania and Suhrud Jhaveri. Mr. Shyam Ruia is a long-serving committee member and steward of Royal Western India Turf Club, Ltd., and has previously owned three other winners of this race. He was a part-owner in Venus de Milo (1968) who ran in the colours of his mentor Mr. R.J. Sigtia, owner of  the Irish Derby and St. Leger winner Sodium, while Vox Populi (1978), a daughter of Venus de Milo, and Au Panache (1987) ran in his all-blue silks. He bred Vox Populi at the Yeravada Stud. Better fancied than Alma Mater in today’s race was Mr. Ruia’s other Royal Kingdom filly St. Catz. He must have wondered whether the fates were conspiring against him when Alma Mater was drawn 14 and St. Catz 15 !

La Pieta, the dam of Alma Mater, was purchased by Mr. Ruia at Goff’s Sale in November 2006 for 28,000 euros. This was the sale at which he bought Sayuri in-foal to Kingsalsa. That foal — Ocean and Beyond — won last year’s Indian 2000 Guineas, Gr.1, but had the mortification of being disqualified when his post-race samples were returned positive for a banned substance. To return to La Pieta, though she had been marked for him as “best in the catalogue”, Mr. Ruia had some reservations when he inspected her, for the daughter of Spectrum was slightly dip-backed.  However, keeping faith in the advice he had been given, he did buy her but in partnership with Mr. Padmanabh Ruia, who owns the Southern Paradise Stud & Develeopers Farms, on a foal-sharing arrangement.

That “best in the catalogue” had a proviso — best in the catalogue for Royal Kingdom, the resident stallion at Equus Stud. La Pieta came in foal to Namid and that foal — now a 4YO — has shown some useful form over shorter distances for Mr. Padmanabh Ruia. Alma Mater is the first foal by Royal Kingdom, who is beset with fertitlity problems. The year Alma Mater was born, La Pieta was covered by the Deposit Ticket horse Black Cash. A colt resulted who has been named Hawk of the Wind and he was promising third on his debut as 2YO earlier today. Last year, La Pieta was barren after coverings by both Royal Kingdom and Black Cash and was moved out for a covering by the Epsom Derby winner Oath, like Royal Kingdom a son of Fairy King. She died shortly afterwards.

Those who have faith in “kinbreeding” or “cluster breeding” can readily see why La Pieta was an ideal mate for Royal Kingdom. The mating brings together full-sisters Special and Lisadell, Blushing Groom and his half-sister Allicance as well as Bold Reason and his half-brother Never Bend, all within the first six generations.

Professor Sugarcane Hancock: Intellectual, racing fan, dude

More than a year ago, I visited the Northampton fairgrounds and documented what was left of the racetrack, grandstand, and barn area. Click here to read the post and see the photos. For me, it was akin to an archeological expedition because I’d been to the races at Northampton in the 1980s and still vividly recall the carnival atmosphere under which racing was conducted there then.

A few months ago, however, I met a man, Professor Sugarcane Hancock, who’d been a habitue of Northampton and the Massachusetts fair circuit in the 1970s. Sugarcane, who’s in his early 70s,  is a former Civil Rights activist and a professor of African-American studies at a Northeastern college—an intellectual, first. But, he’s also a racing fan. And he grooves, too, or did. A a cool cat from the era of plush wall-to-wall and Parliament-Funkadelic, his fair tales, told to me one evening over beers, are colorful, ironic, and true.

I wrote about him and the fairs in my Wednesday column in Thoroughbred Times TODAY. You can read it by clicking here. And when you do, it would help to picture the professor as P-Funk’s George Clinton from the 1976 album Mothership Connection. Click here to see a video.

 

Overdose returns to winning international Group form today

The star-crossed Hungarian racehorse Overdose, last seen finishing fourth in the five-furlong Group 1 King’s Stand Stakes June 14 at Ascot, reappeared today in Italy at the Capannelle to win the Group 3 Premio CEF Aloisi over 1200 meters (about six furlongs) for his first win in international Group company since winning the same race by 10 lengths in 2008.

Now a winner of 16 of 19 starts, Overdose is six years old and not quite the same horse he was in 2008 when he was undefeated and billed as the “Budapest Bullet,” but the win confirms the form of the King’s Stand and the superiority of the reigning sprinter of the world, the undefeated Australian mare Black Caviar. Prohibit won the 19-runner King’s Stand from the Australian Star Witness with Overdose only a length behind the winner and a half-length behind runner-up Star Witness, who was defeated by four lengths and seven lengths in two Australian Group 1 races by Black Caviar.

Today’s race was Overdose’s fourth of the year. The horse was ridden by Frankie Dettori and he stays in training next year and may run next in Hong Kong.

Razeen’s unique feat: Son of Northern Dancer dominates day

By Major Srinivas Nargolkar (Retd.)

Sunday, Razeen’s daughter Hills and Stars won the Nanoli Stud Pune Derby, Gr.1, in a new track record time. That was his only winner of the day when 11 races were run. Six of the other winners—Yuville (by Placerville), Sharaarat (by the new Danehill sire Ace), Attila, Capriole, Lake Winnipeg and Circus Ring (all by Usha Stud stallion China Visit)—were out of Razeen mares. So Razeen was directly connected with seven winners. In the remaining four races, there was no runners sired by Razeen or out of his daughters, so the departed son of Norther Dancer made a clean sweep of the card.

Racing being so widespread, it is difficult to keep a track of records. Perhaps, there are other similar instances where a stallion has so overwhelmingly dominated a day’s racing and if there are, it will be interesting to hear of them.

Razeen (Northern Dancer – Secret Asset by Graustark) died earlier this year in February at the age of 24 after a splendid career at stud in India. A champion Sire five times, he has sired more classic winners than any other stallion in the history of Indian breeding. He claimed his first title as a champion broodmare sire in 2006-07 and is well on his way to his fourth in five years. He was from the last crop of Northern Dancer.

Teofilo’s first Group 1 winner has Galileo x Montjeu mixture

Teofilo, a first-season son of Galileo, was represented by his first Group 1 winner today when 2-year-old colt Parish Hall won the Dubai Dewhurst at Newmarket for breeder/trainer Jim Bolger and his mother, owner Jackie Bolger. The same combination (plus owner John Corcoran) was responsible for Teofilo, who’d won the Group 1 Dewhurst and the Group 1 National Stakes on his way to an undefeated five-for-five season and the European juvenile championship of 2006. Teofilo didn’t race at 3 and now stands at Darley’s Kildangan Stud in Ireland, and he’s had three first-crop stakes winners to date and has a promising future ahead.

On pedigree, Teofilo was unique at the time because he was by Galieo from a mare by Danehill, crossing the blood of two iconic Coolmore sires (and here I mean Sadler’s Wells, sire of Galileo, with Danehill). Since, this nick has been responsible for many outstanding Group 1 winners, including a number of 2011 classic winners headed by the undefeated Frankel.

Now Teofilo’s Group-1 winning son Parish Hall—also his first winner—has a unique pedigree as well, as he’s closely inbred 3×3 to Sadler’s Wells through the latter’s two iconic Coolmore sons Galileo and Montjeu. This is the first case of a stakes winner inbred to Sadler’s Wells through these two powerhouse classic getters, but it’s interesting to note that aside from this there’s nothing at all impressive in the pedigree of Parish Hall through a conventional reading of his first four dams. The dam, the 7-year-old Montjeu mare Halla Siamsa, was a winner at 3. Her dam, the Quest for Fame mare Siamsa, won two races at 3 and produced five foals but only two winners—none of stakes class. The third dam, the Northfields mare Amoura, unplaced racing in North America, produced five winners from eight foals but no stakes horses. One of her daughters, however, is responsible for the Holy Roman Emperor 2-year-old filly An Ghalanta, a stakes winner this year. The fourth dam, the French-bred Labus mare Visala, was imported to the US and bred one stakes winner, Holwah, by Hostage.  In recap, the first four dams combined have produced two stakes winners, but until Parish Hall today that total was one Listed winner in the US.

Beyond the fourth dam—and a clue is that she’s by Labus—this family traces back to the storied Frizette family that breeder Marcel Boussac developed and refined over a lifetime, and Parish Hall’s 11th dam is Frizette. The fourth dam’s sire, Labus, a stakes-placed horse, was one of Boussac’s last stallions during the crumbling era of his breeding empire and was actually given away by the Aga Khan after the latter had acquired Boussac’s stock upon his death. Ironically, after that the Labus filly Akiyda won the Arc for the Aga in 1982, and she also traces to Frizette along the same lines as Parish Hall, through Tourzima/Djezima/Heldifann/Banshee/Frizette.

Labus, by Busted, is himself from this family, branching from Durban, Banshee’s daughter.

Boussac was renowned for close inbreeding and for breeding for type, and Bolger himself is not afraid to inbreed closely.

Darley's Teofilo, a son of Galileo, is responsible for Group 1 winner Parish Hall from his first crop of 2011 2-year-olds.

Decline of stamina in our racing program has impact in shed

[Part of the following was extrapolated from my talk at the pedigree symposium in Lexington from earlier this month. They are notes that I used.]

In the 1970s, five North American-breds won the Derby:

’70 Nijinsky (Northern Dancer)

’71 Mill Reef (Never Bend)

’72 Roberto (Hail to Reason)

’76 Empery (Vaguely Noble)

’77 The Minstrel (Northern Dancer)

in the 1980s:

’80 Henbit (Hawaii)

’82 Golden Fleece (Nijinsky)

’84 Secreto (Northern Dancer)

’86 Shahrastani (Nijinsky)

’89 Nashwan (Blushing Groom)

in the 1990s:

’94 Erhaab (Chief’s Crown)

’95 Lammtarra (Nijinsky)

’97 Benny the Dip (Silver Hawk)

in the 2000s:

’03 Kris Kin (Kris S)

So, after being responsible for 10 of 20 Epsom Derby winners throughout the 1970s and 1980s, we have only had 4 of the next 22.

Here’s a stark example of what has happened here to our races during the approximate time span from the 1970s—our last Golden Age—to the present. When Graded races first started in the US in the early 1970s, two races were given Grade 1 status at 1 3/4 miles or beyond for older horses: the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at two miles on dirt and the Grade 1 San Juan Capistrano at one and three-quarter miles on turf. At the same time—and can you believe this?!—there were no Grade 1 races at six furlongs for older horses, and the premier sprint in the country–the Vosburgh, at 7F–was originally a Grade 2 before being elevated to G1 status at the beginning of the 1980s. And mind you, the Vosburgh was a race that had been won at that time by such greats as Dr Fager and Ta Wee at the close of the 1960s and by Forego, My Juliet, and Dr. Patches in the 1970s, yet our “culture” back then was still steeped in the American classic distance of 10 furlongs as the elite marker of the breed, so the Vosburgh started as a Grade 2 while the Jockey Club Gold Cup at two miles was a Grade 1.

Now, however, there are no Grade 1 races at those extreme distances—the San Juan Capistrano is no longer a Grade 1 and the Jockey Club Gold Cup is at 10F– but there are 15 Grade 1 races at six and seven furlongs for three and up!, 11 for males and 4 for older fillies.

Additionally, there are 5 Grade 1 races for 3yos alone at sprint distances.

That’s a significant change in culture, and it’s no coincidence that it’s mirrored our production at Epsom and our inability to get true 10-furlong types for our own Derby.

This year, the Kentucky Derby went to a horse by a Brazilian-bred sire from a German-bred dam. And both parents were turf horses!

That’s not as surprising as it should sound, however, because historically we’ve made improvements to our breed importing stamina turf horses, or those by stamina turf lines.

Getting back to our racing programs, most of our G1 races are clustered in the 8-9F range on dirt.

There are ONLY three Grade 1 races on dirt at 10F or up for older horses of all ages in the US: The BC Classic, the Santa Anita Handicap, and the Jockey Club Gold Cup.

Hollywood Gold Cup and the Pacific Classic are 10F races on AW.

The ONLY G1 race in the country at 12F on dirt is the Belmont Stakes for 3yos.

Even 10 years ago, in 2001, a hallowed race such as the Coaching Club American Oaks for 3yo fillies—at one time in the 1970s and 1980s considered the “only” classic race for fillies in the US, was held at 12F, instead of the 9F its run at today,  while the 14F San Juan Capistrano—a bellwether—was still a G1 race. For older horses, we still had the Gulfstream Park Handicap at 10F, the Pimlico Special at 9.5F, and for 3yo colts there was the Super Derby at 10F. None of those three now exists, either as a race or as a G1 event.

So, even within the last 10 years, there’s been noticeable change, a drop off in opportunity at a distance at the top level.

‘Nuff said.

Storm Cat sire responsible for the Indian St. Leger winner

By Major Srinivas Nargolkar (Retd.)

Macchupicchu (Emerald Cat- Anaroma by Razeen), owned by Messrs. Berjis Minoo Desai, Vijay B. Shrike & K.N. Dhunjibhoy, won the McDowell Signature Indian St. Leger, Gr.1, in fine style at Pune Sunday, clocking a time of 2 mins. 57.3 secs. for the 2800 m. trip and justifying his position as the 7/4 favourite in a small field of five runners. He had won the Idar Gold Cup, Gr.3, a fortnight ago on the same track. Ordained One, winner of the President of India Gold Cup, Gr.1, at Hyderabad last Sunday, was next in demand overnight but drifted to 5/1 leaving last year’s Pune Derby, Gr.1, winner Ocean and Beyond as the second favourite at 11/4. Ordained One’s stablemate  Frost Fairy, the only filly and the only grey in field, streaked to the front and led by lengths down the backstretch with Macchupicchu in her wake. The filly was reeled in comfortably just before the final bend as the winner went ahead. Ocean and Beyond shook off Ordained One and briefly posed a challenge to the winner but once  the jockey B. Prakash pulled out his whip, Macchupicchu began to draw away. The winning margin was 2 lengths with Ordained One a further 3 3/4 lengths back in third. Macchupicchu was saddled by Pesi Shroff.

The Indian St. Leger was originally run as the Governor-General’s Cup at Mumbai. The name was changed to the Indian St. Leger after India became a republic in 1950. In 1970, the race was moved to Pune and the next 21 runnings took place at the monsoon centre. It was back to Mumbai in 1991. The move to Pune, once again, is perhaps prompted by the hope that postponing the race would help to draw a bigger field. Statistics show that the average field at Pune was 5 runners –exactly the same number as this year — while 7 used to take part at Mumbai. That said, the undulating track at Pune and the unsettled weather which provides a variety of goings — from soft to boggy –offers a sterner test of stamina.

Macchupicchu was bred at the Usha Stud. His third dam, the Reliance II mare Self Reliance, raced in the colours of Maj. & Mrs. P.K. Mehra and the young Ms. Ameeta Mehra. Self Reliance herself won the South India St. Leger in record time and has established herself as a ‘blue hen’  par excellence, passing on classic stamina. It would be hard to find another mare in India in recent times who can boast of being the ancestress of as many long-distance winners as her. Arabian Knight, Arabian Prince (both winners of the Stayers’ Cup, 3000 m.), St. Leger winners Own Vision and Accomplish and the Queen Elizabeth II Cup (2800 m.) victor Azureus and now Macchupicchu. Macchupicchu is from the first crop of the Storm Cat horse Emerald Cat — inbred to Almahmoud through Natalma and Cosmah — who stood at Mr. Berjis Desai’s Capricorn Stud before his untimely death after only his third covering season.  Macchupicchu’s dam Anaroma was just finishing her racing in Mumbai when Emerald Cat arrived at Capricorn Stud near Pune and Ms. Ameeta Mehra decided to send her to the new arrival before taking her north to Usha Stud. The decision has paid handsome dividends. Macchupicchu’s time bettered by 1.4 secs the old race and track record established by Capricorn, an Usha-bred, in 1987.

Incidentally, when Ordained One won the President of India Gold Cup last week at Hyderabad, he short-headed Arabian Prince. Macchupicchu extracted ample revenge today in Pune for the defeat of his ‘cousin’ Arabian Prince.

Video (from Android phone): St. Leger run at incredible pace

The Video here is from an Android phone tape. Masked Marvel, under William Buick, won an incredible St. Leger today. The 14-furlong classic at Doncaster was marked by an incredulously quick early pace that took the legs off most of the runners and rewarded the one that had the pedigree to stay the trip under the most testing of trips, head winds, and pace scenarios. The result was a new course record. The three-year-old colt is a son of Montjeu from a German-bred mare and is a product of Sadler’s Wells/Darshaan.

Video: So You Think holds off Snow Fairy in an Irish thriller

What a run by So You Think to hold off Snow Fairy in the Group 1 Red Mills Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown today! Notice the size of the NZ-bred ex-Aussie star next to pacemaker Roderic O’Connor and the filly.