LOOKING FORWARD - THE 2023-24 SEASON brought to you by will look at some of Varsfontein Stud Varsfontein’s big hopes for success on the tracks in 2023-2024. I will delve into their background and assess the expectations for optimum distance. Varsfontein has always had
of Captain Al, made a spectacular entrance into the world as a foal and blossomed into a magnificent yearling. At the 2022 National Yearling Sale, this exceptional young horse commanded a respectable price of R1,7 million. Sandringham Summit is named after the British royal family summit In early January 2020. Queen
SANDRINGHAM SUMMIT - G1 WINNER
TOWNSEND - dam of SANDRINGHAM SUMMIT
the policy of seeking new bloodlines on which to build future success, so In the second part of the article I will cover exciting new International filly purchases starting off their breeding careers.
Elizabeth ordered a family summit at her home to deliberate details surrounding Meghan and Prince Harry’s royal exit. The meeting took place at her country home of Sandringham, in Norfolk. My connection to this story began when I acquired Townsend, Sandringham Summit’s dam, during the 2008 National Yearling Sale for
SANDRINGHAM SUMMIT sired by Gimmethegreenlight out of Townsend, a daughter VARSFONTEIN STUD PROSPECTS FOR 2023/24 - by Jeremy Nelson
© Jeremy Nelson
© Jeremy Nelson
the season Nelson’s With Column underway, this article
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SANDRINGHAM SUMMIT Halo
Southern Halo Northern Sea
More Than Ready Woodman
Woodman’s Girl Becky Be Good
Gimmethegreenlight (AUS)
Bletchingly
Canny Lad Jesmond Lass
Yes She Can Cancan Marauding
Dove Vai Benbara Queen Roberto
Al Mufti (USA) Lassie Dear
Captain Al Complete Warrior (USA)
Off To War Infanta
Townsend
Dominion
Dominion Royale (GB) Bahamas Princess
Palace Gossip Tilden (IRE)
Island Aloah Island Farewell
© Candiese Lenferna
R250,000. This purchase was made on behalf of Derek Beresford, Tom Clark, and Peter Foden, who raced in partnership. Townsend’s dam, Palace Gossip, boasted an impressive racing record, with 8 victories and earnings of R508,225 in races
SANDRINGHAM SUMMIT 2
HAIL TO REASON Cosmah Northern Dancer Sea Saga Mr Prospector Playmate Naskra Good Landing Biscay Coogee Lunchtime Beautiful Dreamer Sir Tristram Biscalowe Red Anchor Lunar Sky HAIL TO REASON Bramalea Buckpasser Gay Missile Dewan Splendid Spree JAMAICO (FR) Beylic Derring-do Picture Palace Sharpen Up Coal Face Tyrant Bright Sign JAMAICO (FR) Let Me Go
spanning from 1000 to 1400m. Palace Gossip was 2nd in the G3 TR Lewis Juvenile Fillies Plate and the Listed Acacia Handicap, and was 3rd in the G3 Magnolia Handicap and 4th in the G3 Senor Santa Stakes. Before beginning her racing career, Townsend was temporarily housed at Rathmor Stud in KwaZulu-Natal due to travel restrictions imposed by a lockdown in the Western Cape AHS Control Area. Sadly, her time at Rathmor Stud took an unfortunate turn when she encountered cattle for the first time, resulting in a distressing accident. In her panic, she charged through the paddock fence, inflicting severe injuries to her legs and a hoof. These injuries would plague her throughout her racing career. Townsend’s dam, Palace Gossip, had since produced Regal Ransom (by Caesour), winner VARSFONTEIN STUD PROSPECTS FOR 2023/24 - by Jeremy Nelson
of the prestigious G1 Champions Challenge at Turffontein. Under the guidance of trainer Justin Snaith, Townsend showcased her resilience, accumulating 5 victories in races spanning from 1400 to 1600m. Her triumphs included prestigious titles such as the G2 Fillies Championship, G3 Diana Stakes, and the Listed Stormsvlei Mile. Additionally, she secured a commendable 2nd place in the Listed Sweet Chestnut Fillies Stakes. In 2011, I had the pleasure of acquiring a Varsfontein yearling on behalf of Tom Clark and Peter Foden, both hailing from England, during the inaugural Cape Premier Yearling Sale. Townsend was subsequently sold to Varsfontein Stud as part of the payment for this yearling. As a broodmare, Townsend proved to be an invaluable asset to Varsfontein. In 2016, she produced a yearling colt named Yamoto (by Dynasty), which fetched a price of R2,2 million when sold to Form Bloodstock, acting for the late Michael Javett. In 2018, Townsend sold another yearling, Eden Roc (by Var) for R340,000 to Chris van Niekerk. Eden Roc’s racing career was illustrious, with six victories and earnings of R1,371,050 in races spanning from 1160 to 1400m. His notable wins included the G1 Gold Medallion and the G2 Golden Horseshoe, among others. Eden Roc has since retired to stud in KwaZulu-Natal. Sandringham Summit, the seventh offspring of Townsend, is poised to emerge as a prominent VARSFONTEIN STUD PROSPECTS FOR 2023/24 - by Jeremy Nelson
© Jeremy Nelson
© Jeremy Nelson
EDEN ROC - G1 WINNER
contender in the 2023-24 classics. Voted Equus Champion 2yo Colt for 2023, he won the G1 Premiers Champion Stakes and the G2 Golden Horseshoe. He has shown his ability to win over 1600m as a 2yo, and appears well-equipped to handle 2000m as an older 3yo. His first 3 dams never won beyond 1600m, but his 4th dam Island Farewell (by Jamaico) was a shining star in Zimbabwe, winning 5 consecutive victories at the age of 3, encompassing the Zimbabwe Oaks (2000m), the Zimbabwe Derby (2400m), Bookmakers Classic Fillies (1600m), Shell Conservation Guineas (1600m) and the Spey Bridge Stakes (2000m). Despite a minor setback in the Natbrew Tankard, she bounced back to win the BP Conservation Guineas (1600m). Island Farewell’s sire, Jamaico (FR), was renowned for his exceptional finishing speed. Townsend is inbred to Jamaico (5x5) bringing much versatility to the pedigree. Sandringham Summit has consistently demonstrated impressive finishing speed, which raises hopes that he has inherited the genes necessary to excel across all classic distances. His Buckpasser/La Troienne lines through Playmate, Lassie Dear and Splendid Spree are worth noting, as they are a powerful influence.
LUCKY LAD - G1 WINNER Notably, Gimmethegreenlight and Captain Al have shown their versatility when combined with classic producing families, producing racers such as Gotthegreenlight, Surcharge/Yulong Prince, Bless My Stars, Barahin, Second Base, Gimme One 3
LUCKY LAD Halo
Southern Halo Northern Sea
More Than Ready Woodman
Woodman’s Girl Becky Be Good
Gimmethegreenlight (AUS)
Bletchingly
Canny Lad Jesmond Lass
Yes She Can Cancan Marauding
Dove Vai Benbara Queen NORTHERN DANCER
Nureyev Special
Caesour (USA) Graustark
Don’t Sulk Dinner Partner
Imperial State
Hotfoot
Free State (IRE) Born Free
State Treasure Royal Prerogative (GB)
Imperial Jade Miss Lindeman (AUS)
Hail To Reason Cosmah NORTHERN DANCER Sea Saga Mr Prospector Playmate Naskra Good Landing Biscay Coogee Lunchtime Beautiful Dreamer Sir Tristram Biscalowe Red Anchor Lunar Sky Nearctic Natalma Forli Thong Ribot Flower Bowl Tom Fool Bluehaze Firestreak Pitter Patter Alycidon Queen Of Sheba Relko Bride Elect Marazion Blue Flight
Night, Johnny Hero, Captain’s Ransom, Captain America, Malmoos, One World, Hill Fifty Four, Pine Princess, Emerald Cove, etc. LUCKY LAD by Gimmethegreenlight out of Imperial State, a daughter of Caesour, was a revelation last season, winning his first 4 races in grand style, which included the G3 Protea Stakes, G2 SA Nursery, and the G1 Gold Medallion by 5,3 lengths. Trained by Sean Tarry, Lucky Lad runs in the colours of Antony Beck who purchased the colt for R850,000 at the 2022 National Yearling Sale. Varsfontein bred his dam Imperial State and raced her, having acquired Lucky Lad’s G1 winning grandam, State Treasure, at the end of her racing career. State Treasure has developed into one of Varsfontein’s most influential foundation mares. 4
VARSFONTEIN STUD PROSPECTS FOR 2023/24 - by Jeremy Nelson
© Jeremy Nelson
Being a half-sister to Priceless Asset, she is the ancestress of Blaze Of Fire, Bilateral, Bereave, Little Miss Magic, Miss Katalin, Without Malice, Baratheon, Red Disa, Tick Tock, William The Silent, Silvano’s Timer, State Coach, Silvano’s Jet, Follow Me, Lucky Lad, etc. This is the family of Pat O’Neill’s imported mare, Miss Lindeman (AUS) (named after Pat’s mother), who won the Listed Matchem Stakes and was 2nd in the G2 Cape Flying Championship, G3 Sceptre Stakes, and 3rd in the G3 Cape Of Good Hope Fillies Nursery. She was the top-weighted filly in SA in 1972. Lucky Lad was crowned Cape Champion 2yo for 2023 and looks set to continue his winning ways at 3 years. His dam was a miler and his grandam won up to 1800m, and we can expect him to be effective over distances of 1600m or more.
Wing Commander Guy Gibson VC was the commanding officer for the Royal Air Force’s No. 617 Squadron and led Operation Chastise - the ‘Dambusters’ raid over the Ruhr Dams in May 1943. Gibson was later awarded the Victoria Cross, becoming, at the time, the most highly decorated British serviceman. Gibson continued to fly and was killed in action while on another raid over Germany, his plane crashing in the Netherlands in 1944. He was 26 years old.
Guy Gibson - named after Wing Commander Guy Gibson VC - is by Lancaster Bomber out of Kiss and Fly, a daughter of Jet Master. Guy Gibson was purchased by Peter Moor at the 2022 August 2yo Sale and went into training with Roy Magner. He showed very good form when winning his first start, and was subsequently placed in the G1 Gold Medallion (1200m) and G2 Golden Horseshoe (1400m) from 4 starts. Varsfontein Stud bred and raced Guy Gibson’s dam Kiss and Fly (by Jet Master), who was staked placed over 1600m, and has already produced G1
Cape Guineas winner Kilindini (by Silvano), as well as the stakes horses Heir Line (by Dynasty), Kiss Me Hardy (by Captain Al) and Kissing Point (by Global View). Guy Gibson’s grandam Kiss Of Peace (by Fordham; ARCSA Champion 3yo Filly) was acquired by Varsfontein, through a private purchase, from the late owner/breeder AK Peer. Kiss Of Peace won 8 races with trainer Ralph Rixon
GUY GIBSON - G1 PLACED
KISS OF PEACE- ARCSA CHAMPION
VARSFONTEIN STUD PROSPECTS FOR 2023/24 - by Jeremy Nelson
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GUY GIBSON NORTHERN DANCER
Danzig Pas De Nom
War Front Rubiano
Starry Dreamer Lara’s Star
Lancaster Bomber (USA)
Ahonoora
Indian Ridge Hillbrow
Sun Shower Warning
Miss Kemble Sarah Siddons NORTHERN DANCER
Rakeen Glorious Song
Jet Master Rollins
Jet Lightning Jolly Laughter
Kiss And Fly
FORLI
Fordham (USA) Bold Enchantress
Kiss Of Peace Royal Prerogative (GB)
Pax Romana Saturna
from 1200 to 2400m, including the G1 Natal Oaks, G1 Paddock Stakes, G1 Cape Fillies Guineas, G1 SA Fillies Guineas, and was 2nd in the G2 Bloodline Fillies Championship. Kiss Of Peace is the dam of G3 Matchem Stakes
JET MASTER 6
Nearctic Natalma Admiral’s Voyage Petitioner Fappiano Ruby Slippers FORLI True Reality Lorenzaccio Helen Nichols Swing Easy Golden City Known Fact Slightly Dangerous Le Levanstell Mariel Nearctic Natalma Halo Ballade Damascus Glorious Spring Jolly Drummer Lets Laugh Aristophanes Trevisa Bold Ruler Princessnesian Relko Bride Elect Silver Tor (IRE) Mari Baba (GB)
winner Mason Dixon (by Foveros; won up to 2000m) as well as the mares Kiss Me Quick (by Caesour; G2 Golden Bracelet; won up to 2000m; dam of 5 winners), Kiss And Fly, Whatsinakiss (by Elliodor; dam of Kiss Again, Top Jet; and grandam of Second Base), Colombe D’or (by Elliodor; dam of Golden Dominion, Roman Eagle, and grandam of Black Thorn). Guy Gibson is crying out for more ground, at least 1600m, and should be best over 2000m. I note that Lancaster Bomber is the current leading sire of 3yo’s, and generally his progeny will be best suited to distances of 1600-2000m. Cala Muretta is by Gimmethegreenlight out of Scandola, a daughter of Fort Wood. Cala Muretta is named after a bay in Corsica, a French island in VARSFONTEIN STUD PROSPECTS FOR 2023/24 - by Jeremy Nelson
CALA MURETTA Halo
Southern Halo Northern Sea
More Than Ready Woodman
Woodman’s Girl Becky Be Good
Gimmethegreenlight (AUS)
Bletchingly
Canny Lad Jesmond Lass
Yes She Can Cancan Marauding
Dove Vai Benbara Queen NORTHERN DANCER
Sadler’s Wells Fairy Bridge
Fort Wood (USA) Pretense
Fall Aspen Change Water
Scandola
Gone West
Western Winter (USA) Chilly Hostess
Covenant Bush Telegraph
Secret Pact
Cosmah NORTHERN DANCER Sea Saga MR PROSPECTOR Playmate Naskra Good Landing Biscay Coogee Lunchtime Beautiful Dreamer Sir Tristram Biscalowe Red Anchor Lunar Sky Nearctic Natalma Bold Reason Special Endeavour II Imitation Swaps Portage MR PROSPECTOR Secrettame Vice Regent Impressive Lady Jungle Cove (USA) Maiden Over Regent Street (ARG) Secret Landing (USA)
the Mediterranean. She was purchased by Messrs D. Chinsammy & Ashwin Reynolds for R300,000 at the 2022 National Yearling Sale, and went into training with Ashley Fortune, who has since relocated to Australia, and
Cala Muretta is now trained by Crawford Rix Racing. Cala Muretta’s dam Scandola (by Fort Wood) was stakes placed over 1200m and is half-sister to Erik The Red and Varallo. This is the Secret Pact family of Promisefrommyheart, Malmoos, Master Of My
CALA MURETTA - THE DEBUTANTE G2
CALA MURETTA - G2 WINNER
VARSFONTEIN STUD PROSPECTS FOR 2023/24 - by Jeremy Nelson
© Jeremy Nelson
© Candiese Lenferna
Soho Secret
Hail To Reason
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INTERNATIONAL PURCHASES The fillies Mackenzie Rose (IRE), Paso Robles (IRE) and Party House (IRE) were recently imported by Varsfontein, and are presently in quarantine at Mauritzfontein. Mackenzie Rose (Dark Angel - Kelsey Rose by Most Welcome) is own-sister to SOVEREIGN DEBT (15 wins in Ireland and Qatar, £812,281, G2 winner and G1 2nd), PUFF (by Camacho; G3 winner) and Golden Rosie (by Exceed And Excel; dam of GOLDEN GOAL - by Dark Angel - G2 winner, and Rosie’s Premiere - by Showcasing - stakesplaced and dam of stakes-winners LOULIANA and ROSE PREMIUM). She was purchased at the Goffs Orby Sale in 2020. Mackenzie Rose has been covered by new Mauritzfontein stallion Digital Age (Invincible Spirit - Willow View by Lemon Drop Kid), Joint-Top Rated 4yo Turf Horse USA. Won G1 Turf Classic (1800m), G2 American Turf S. (1700m); 2nd Derby Invitational S. (1900m); 4th G1 Belmont Invitational S. (2000m), G1 Hollywood Derby (1800m). One might say that the true mark of a great stallion is the ability to sire good horses from indifferent 8
Photo: Yeomanstown Stud
DARK ANGEL (IRE) mares. This is a test which many of the great sires have never had the chance to pass (or fail) because they have covered high-class mares right from the outset. The stallion who has proved that he can sire top-class horses from unremarkable mares is Dark Angel (IRE) (by Acclamation - Midnight Angel by Machiavellian). Now that he has proven himself to be one of the best stallions in Europe, he is only covering mares who can justify the outlay of a €60,000 stud fee, but that certainly wasn’t always the way for him. Dark Angel is by Acclamation, who went on to prove himself a leading sprinter before becoming Champion First Season Sire. He subsequently achieved great success at stud and went on to sire G1 producing sons and daughters, which heaps enormous credit on this son of Royal Applause. Acclamation was bred to be precocious - his dam Princess Athena won the G3 Queen Mary Stakes (1000m), and his sire Royal Applause won the
MACKENZIE ROSE (IRE) VARSFONTEIN STUD PROSPECTS FOR 2023/24 - by Jeremy Nelson
Photo: Johnston Racing
Fate, Pluck, etc. Her first foal is a 3yo filly named Gimme’s Lassie (by Gimmethegreenlight), which sold for R1,1m to Form Bloodstock (on behalf of Khaya Stables) at the 2021 National Yearling Sale. She has been placed in G2, G3, and Listed races and has raced over 1000-1600m to date. Cala Muretta hails from a highly accomplished family, and with the indelible imprint of her damsire, Fort Wood, she will be able to race over 1600m or more. In a surprising turn of events, and under the guidance of jockey Muzi Yeni and her recently appointed new trainer, she defied the odds as an underdog in the 1200m G2 Debutante - astonishing both commentators and spectators alike - by triumphing over a fiercely competitive field on Champions Cup Day 2023,
G1 Middle Park Stakes (1200m), G1 Haydock Sprint Cup (1200m), G2 Gimcrack Stakes (1200m) and G3 Coventry Stakes (1200m). Acclamation won the G2 Diadem Stakes and was placed in the G2 Temple Stakes, G2 King’s Stand Stakes (behind Choisir, beating Oasis Dream), and the G1 Nunthorpe Stakes (behind Oasis Dream). Acclamation has sired some of the best sprinter/ milers of recent times - Battaash, Harry Angel, Real World, Mecca’s Angel, Romantic Warrior, Equiano, Marsha (sold for a record 6 million guineas as a filly in training), Harbour Watch, Aclaim, Dark Angel, Mehmas, etc. All told, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to describe Acclamation’s record as a sire-of-sires as being a statistical sensation. While Acclamation is still going strong at Rathbarry Stud at the age of 24, Dark Angel and Mehmas are well on their way to continuing his remarkable legacy as a sire-of-sires, and Harry Angel is now emulating their success. Mackenzie Rose would suit the sires Buffalo Bill Cody, Danon Platina, Erik The Red, Gimmethegreenlight, Hawwaam, Jet Dark, Malmoos, Master Of My Fate, Pomodoro, Quasillo, Querari, Rafeef, The United States, Vercingetorix, What A Winter, etc.
PASO ROBLES (IRE)
DENEBOLA (USA)
ULYSSES (IRE)
VARSFONTEIN STUD PROSPECTS FOR 2023/24 - by Jeremy Nelson
Photo: Cheveley Park Stud
Paso Robles (Ulysses - Fountain Of Peace by Kris S) is half-sister to the dam of NAMURA CLAIR (by Mikki Isle; G3 winner and G1 & G2 placed in Japan). Paso Robles’ 2nd dam is COUP DE GENIE (by Mr Prospector; Champion 2yo
Filly France and dam of DENEBOLA, LOVING KINDNESS, SNAKE MOUNTAIN, GLIA and grandam of BAGO, MAXIOS, BETA, etc.). COUP DE GENIE is an own-sister to MACHIAVELLIAN and OCEAN OF WISDOM. Her 3rd dam is nonother than COUP DE FOLIE (by Halo; dam of MACHIAVELLIAN and EXIT TO NOWHERE), from the family of NORTHERN DANCER and DANEHILL. She was purchased at the Tattersalls August Sale in 2022. Paso Robles has been covered by Mauritzfontein stallion Danon Platina (Deep Impact - Badeelah by Unbridled’s Song), Champion 2yo Colt Japan. Won G1 Futurity S (1600m), G3 Fuji S (1600m), New Year S (L) (1600m); 3rd G2 Spring S (1800m), G3 Fuji S (1600m), G3 Autumn H (1600m). Paso Robles’ sire Ulysses (IRE) (by Galileo - Light Shift by Kingmambo) won 5 races, £1,916,923, including G1 Juddmonte International, G1 Coral
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Eclipse Stakes, G3 Gordon Stakes; 2nd G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes; 3rd G1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes, G1 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, etc. TFR 130. His 2022 yearlings fetched up to 170,000gns. Ulysses’s dam Light Shift won the G1 Oaks, Cheshire Oaks (L), and was 2nd G1 Irish Oaks, and 3rd G1 Nassau Stakes. His grandam Lingerie is dam of SHIVA - Champion Older Mare Europe. This is the immediate family of G1 winners MAIN SEQUENCE and CLOTH OF STARS. Paso Robles would suit Gimmethegreenlight perfectly, as well as Rafeef, Danon Platina, Jet Dark, Hawwaam. Vercingetorix, Erik The Red, Malmoos, etc.
at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 2 in 2019. Party House has been covered by new Mauritzfontein stallion Digital Age (Invincible Spirit - Willow View by Lemon Drop Kid). Party House’s sire Camelot (GB) (by Montjeu Tarfah by Machiavellian) was undefeated Champion 2yo In GB/IRE 2011, winning the G1 Racing Post Trophy. He was Champion 3yo in Europe 2012, wining the G1 2000 Guineas, G1 Epsom Derby and G1 Irish Derby. He is the sire of 56 Group/Stakes winners worldwide. Party House would suit the stallions Digital Age, Gimmethegreenlight, Danon Platina, Erik The Red, Hawwaam, Vercingetorix, Jet Dark, Malmoos, Master Of My Fate, Rafeef, The United States, etc.
Party House (by Camelot - Crazy Volume by Machiavellian) was G3 placed and is 3-parts-sister to GALLANTE (by Montjeu) (4 wins including G1 Grand Prix de Paris, G1 Sydney Cup; 2nd G3 Naturalism Cup; 3rd G2 Prix Hocquart, G3 Noailles, and G3 Manion Cup), and half-sister to SILENCE PLEASE (by Gleneagles) (4 wins including G3 Silbernes Pferd, Salsabil S (L); 2nd G3 Kilternan S, G3 Ballyroan S, G3 Munster Oaks; 3rd G3 Loughbrown S, Daisy Warwick S (L), Naas Oaks Trial (L); 4th G1 Preis de Diana, G2 Middleton S, and G2 Prix de Pomone). Her 3rd dam EASY TO COPY was Champion Older Stayer in Ireland, and is own-sister to LOW KEY AFFAIR, TRUSTED PARTNER, EPICURE’S GARDEN and Magical Cliche. Party House was purchased 10
Photo: Tattersalls Ireland
HAZY MEHMORY (IRE)
Hazy Mehmory (IRE) (by Mehmas - Hazarayna by Polish Precedent) is in Europe and will be covered by Raven’s Pass (Elusive Quality - Ascutney by Lord At War) this season. Raven’s Pass won the G3
RAVEN’S PASS (USA) VARSFONTEIN STUD PROSPECTS FOR 2023/24 - by Jeremy Nelson
Photo: Darley
Photo: Coolmore
CAMELOT (GB)
Photo: Overbury Stud
GOLDEN HORN (GB) VARSFONTEIN STUD PROSPECTS FOR 2023/24 - by Jeremy Nelson
Photo: Tattersalls
Solario S at 2 years by 7 lengths (in a new course record time of 1:26.50), and was 3rd G1 Dewhurst S. At 3 he won the G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic (in a new course record time of 1:59.27), G1 Queen Elizabeth II S, G2 Celebration Mile; 2nd G1 St James’s Palace S, G1 Sussex S, G1 Prix Jean Prat, G3 Craven S; 4th G1 2,000 Guineas. TFR 133. Hazy Mehmory is half-sister to SWASHBUCKLING - BIG DUKE (AUS) (by Raven’s Pass; won 7 races including G2 Chairman’s H, G3 Manion Cup, G3 Launceston Cup; 2nd G1 Tancred S, G1 Metropolitan H, G3 Manion H, G3 Tattersall’s Cup, G3 Hobart Cup, Parramatta Cup (L); 3rd G1 Sydney Cup, G2 Brisbane Cup, G2 Zipping Classic; 4th G1 Melbourne Cup, G2 Moonee Valley Gold Cup), and Her Honour (by Shamardal; dam of VADREAM - 4 wins including G3 Bengough S, G3 Palace House S, Cammidge Trophy (L); 2nd G3 Summer S, Hopeful S (L); 3rd G3 Prix de Seine-EtOise, G3 Jersey S, G3 Fred Darling S; 4th G3 Prix de Meautry - and Mirage Hero, 3rd Prix Marchand d’Or (L)). This is the family of HARZAND, EMILY UPJOHN, SEAL OF APPROVAL, HURRICANE LANE, etc. Hazy Mehmory was purchased at the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale in 2020. Hazy Mehmory’s sire Mehmas (IRE) (by Acclamation - Lucina by Machiavellian) won 4 races at 2, £257,056, €66,500, including G2 Richmond S, G2 July S; 2nd G1 National S, G2 Coventry S, National S (L); 3rd G1 Middle Park S. Leading Sire of 2yo’s in GB/IRE in 2021. Sire of 328 progeny to race, 206 winners (62.0%), Sire of
SILENCE IS GOLDEN (GB) 49 Stakes performers (15 Group winners, 9 Listed winners) to date. Hazy Mehmory would suit the following SA sires: Digital Age, Erik The Red, Gimmethegreenlight, Fire Away, Hawwaam, One World, Quasillo, Querari, Rafeef, Soqrat, The United States, Vercingetorix, What A Winter, etc. Silence Is Golden (GB) (by Golden Horn - Mia Diletta by Selkirk) is in Europe and will be covered by Twilight Son (GB) (by Kyllachy - Twilight Mistress by Bin Ajwaad) this season. Twilight Son won 6 races, £725,151, including G1 Diamond Jubilee S, G1 Haydock Sprint Cup; 2nd G1 British Champions Sprint S. Leading First Season Sire in Italy in 2020. Sire of 107 winners, earnings of over $7.4 million. TFR 125. Silence Is Golden is half-sister to POETA DILETTO (GB) (by Poet’s Voice; won 6 races, won G3 Premio Parioli 2000 Guineas, G3 Premio Carlo Vittadini, G3 Premio Guido Berardelli, etc), Mia Eccellenza (GB) (3rd Premio Vittorio Riva (L), and the grandam of Mia Sioux (GB), 3rd Premio Royal Mares (L) and Premio Seregno (L)). Silence Is Golden was purchased at the Tattersalls August Sale in 2023. Silence Is Golden’s sire Golden Horn (GB) (by Cape Cross - Fleche d’Or by Dubai Destination) was Horse of the Year in Europe. Champion 3YO Colt in Europe - 7 wins, £1,383,195, €3,495,000, US$540,000, G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, G1 Irish Champion S, G1 Epsom Derby, G1 Eclipse S, G2 11
CHURCHILL (IRE)
LOPE Y FERNANDEZ (IRE)
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CROACHILL (IRE)
VARSFONTEIN STUD PROSPECTS FOR 2023/24 - by Jeremy Nelson
Photo: National Stud
Croachill’s grandam Croa (by Alzao), won 9 races; 3rd Premio Carlo Chiesa (L), and dam of KASPERSKY (12 wins; G2 winner and G1 placed), MALAGENIA (4 wins incl G3), Occhio Delia Mente (9 wins; G1 placed), and Icebreaking (5 wins; G3 placed). Croachill was purchased at the Tattersalls August Sale in 2023. Croachill’s sire Churchill (IRE) (by Galileo - Meow by Storm Cat) was Champion 2yo Colt & 3yo Miler Europe, and Champion 3yo Ireland. He won 7 races and £1,428,589 including G1 Vincent O’Brien National Stakes, G1 Irish 2,000 Guineas, G1 Dewhurst Stakes, G1 2,000 Guineas, G2 Galileo EBF Futurity Stakes G3 Tyros Stakes, Chesham Stakes (L); 2nd G1 Juddmonte International Stakes; 3rd G1 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes; 4th G1 St. James’s Palace Stakes. Croachill would suit the following SA sires: Danon Platina, Digital Age, Erik The Red, Fire Away, Gimmethegreenlight, Hawwaam, Jet Dark, Quasillo, Querari, Rafeef, Soqrat, Vercingetorix, What A Winter, etc.
Photo: Coolmore
Croachill (IRE) (by Churchill - Cronsa by Martino Alonso) is in Europe and will be covered by young sire Lope Y Fernandez (Lope de Vega - Black Dahlia by Dansili) in 2023. Lope Y Fernandez was Champion 3yo Sprinter in Europe 2020. At 2 he won the G3 Round Tower S; 2nd Chesham S (L); 3rd G2 Vintage S. As a 3yo he was 2nd G1 Prix Jean Prat; 3rd G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile, G1 Irish Two Thousand Guineas, G1 Prix Maurice de Gheest. TFR 120. Croachill’s dam Cronsa, won 4 races; 2nd G3 Premio Regina Elena 1000 Guineas, Premio Seregno (L); 3rd G3 Premio Dormello, Premio Archidamia Mem. Manuela Tudini (L); 4th G2 Oaks d’Italia, Criterium Femminile (L). Croachill is half-sister to SWEET GENTLE KISS (by Henrythenavigator; won 5 races including G3 Premio Dormello, Premio Coolmore (L); 2nd G3 Premio Regina Elena 1000 Guineas, Premio Royal Mares (L) and Premio Nogara (L)), SUNSET KEY (by Tamayuz; won 4 races including Premio Giovanni Falck (L); 3rd Premio EBF Terme di Merano (L)), and Real Back (by Kodiac; 2nd Premio Criterium Varesina (L)).
Photo: Tattersalls
Dante S; 2nd G1 International S, G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf, etc. Sire of 40 Stakes performers (5 Group winners, 13 Listed winners to date. Silence Is Golden would suit the following SA sires: Danon Platina, Digital Age, Erik The Red, Fire Away, Gimmethegreenlight, Kommetdieding, Malmoos, Master Of My Fate, One World, Quasillo, Rafeef, The United States, Vercingetorix, etc.