Pierro providing classic outcross for Danehill

WITH the season all but over, it’s an interesting time to reflect on the second crop sires. While they fall into what might be a predictable order, perhaps the most interesting trend is, just as with So You Think and third crop sires, that the leader is a horse who is providing a classic outcross…

ByAlan PorterDecember 11, 20180Comments

Bluebloods Personality Profile

Libby Bleakley

FROM a “horse mad” child to a horse whisperer, Libby Bleakley has spent virtually her whole life learning about thoroughbreds from some of the best in the business. Now she is putting that knowledge to good use at Highden Park, a property she owns with husband Sam, and experiencing some spectacular success at the sales…

ByGraeme KellyNovember 27, 20180Comments

Bluebloods Pedigree Analysis

So You Think a classic outcross for the Danehill line?

THE expression about a tough act to follow might have been applied double to High Chaparral (IRE), who retired to stud at Coolmore on the heels of superstars Montjeu (IRE) and Galileo (IRE). Those two were almost certainly the best sons of Sadler’s Wells, also sire of High Chaparral, as runners and subsequently the outstanding…

ByAlan PorterOctober 18, 20180Comments

Bluebloods Pedigree Analysis

Aussie Flavour Links Pedigrees of BC Winners

Obviously (IRE) (Choisir (AUS)-Leala by Montjeu (IRE)) For those of us fascinated by thoroughbred pedigrees the Breeders’ Cup wins by Obviously (IRE) and Highland Reel (IRE) provide plenty of food for thought. Both have an Aussie connection and share plenty of the same horses as ancestors, but their aptitudes could not be more diverse. Obviously, a gelded…

ByDavid BaySeptember 19, 20180Comments

Bluebloods Pedigree Analysis

Shuttle sires, what are they good for?

The expression “What is it good for” has passed into the vernacular, originating in a pop song and then gaining wider fame in an episode of “Seinfeld”. In the counter culture anti war song “War” which was originally recorded as an album by the Temptations and as a single by Edwin Starr, the lyrics feature…

ByPeter JenkinsSeptember 18, 20180Comments

Bluebloods Family Matters

Father, son have first southern yearlings

Reliable Man (GB) (Dalakhani (IRE)-On Fair Stage by Sadler’s Wells) In a somewhat unusual twist father and son Dalakhani (IRE) and Reliable Man (GB) qualify as first crop sires with yearlings at Australasian sales this year. Both are French Derby winners and while Dalakhani was already a major international success before beginning shuttle duties to Cornerstone…

ByDavid BaySeptember 18, 20180Comments

Bluebloods Pedigree Analysis

Galileo Figures are Simply Staggering

Galileo (IRE) (Sadler’s Wells-Urban Sea By Miswaki) The Champion Sire in England and Ireland for 2015 was again Galileo (Sadler’s Wells–Urban Sea by Miswaki), who was lifting the crown for the seventh time in eight years, the past six of those in succession. Although he obviously covers a lot more mares than many of the greats…

ByAlan PorterAugust 20, 20180Comments

Bluebloods Pedigree Analysis

Capitalist Strengthens Tycoon’s Line of Credit

Capitalist (Written Tycoon-Kitalpha by Fusaichi Pegasus) The success of unbeaten juvenile star Capitalist and his sire Written Tycoon have revived memories of one of the first, and best, shuttle sires Last Tycoon (IRE). He was our Champion Sire in 1993-94 when his brilliant son Mahogany was at the height of his powers. Unfortunately Last Tycoon was also…

ByDavid BayAugust 20, 20180Comments

Bluebloods Pedigree Analysis

Scarlet Rain rekindles memories of Wenona Girl

Wenona Girl (Wilkes (FR)-Golden Chariot by Golden Sovereign (IRE)) Memories of Wenona Girl, the wonderful Australian race filly of the early 1960s, were stirred by the appearance at the races in Sydney in January of Scarlet Rain. This daughter of Arrowfield Stud resident Manhattan Rain, an Encosta de Lago half-brother to Redoute’s Choice, looked a serious…

ByBrian RussellAugust 9, 20180Comments

Bluebloods Pedigree Analysis

Speed or Stamina, that is the Question

Galileo (Sadler’s Wells (USA)-Urban Sea (USA) by Miswaki) In every endeavour including in the sporting arena it seems that the concept of equal opportunity will always be high in our consciousness. In the world of horse racing and breeding though, particularly on the racecourses of Europe, we have some way to go to give all our…

ByDr StatzAugust 2, 20180Comments

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