With the flat season starting in late March we had our first winner on March 28th. Many of the yearlings we sold, now 2YO’s, did not get started in April but we are told we will see the first runners in May. Illuminate got the ball rolling in May last year and finished the year with G2 and G3 victories. Many other 2YO winners followed with Foundation winning at G2 level and being most unlucky when finishing 3rd in the G1 Racing Post Trophy.
August - December
Fort Bastion (Lawman X French Fern)
Our runners over the winter will now race on all weather and Fort Bastion should easily pick up further handicaps.
22nd October 2016
As the season draws to a close Fort Bastion who ran in black type races at two and three made light of the Totepool Claiming Stakes at Chelmsford. He has fallen a long way from grace since rated 102 but had ran in very high handicaps at York and Ascot in the summer. He forged clear in the closing stages to win emphatically and was much too good for the rest of the field.Our runners over the winter will now race on all weather and Fort Bastion should easily pick up further handicaps.
Quest for More
We would like to congratulate his owner H R H Sultan Ahmad Shah for keeping him in training and Roger Charlton for keeping him so fit and fresh in these staying races.
His dam No Quest was 17 when he was born and died at the age of 20 years
1st October 2016
With GR2 victories under his belt Quest for More stepped up to GR1 and two and a half miles, both for the first time at Chantilly. He took on the best of the French stayers in the Qatar Prix Du Cadran and content to stay in last place until turning into the straight he wore down all the contestants to win going away. His total earnings now amount to £553,000 and it looks like there are many more goods days for all his connections.We would like to congratulate his owner H R H Sultan Ahmad Shah for keeping him in training and Roger Charlton for keeping him so fit and fresh in these staying races.
His dam No Quest was 17 when he was born and died at the age of 20 years
Melisandre
Melisandre is the fourth winner from five foals of racing age out of the Danehill Dancer mare – I Hear You Knocking. The dam has a Tamayuz foal on the ground and is in foal to Dawn Approach.
We would like to congratulate owner Sean Jones and trainer Ger Lyons and his team who can now look forward to further follow up wins.
30th September 2016
Melisandre (Intense Focus X I Hear You Knocking) came good on his second appearance on a racecourse, in winning the Paddy Power EBF Fillies Maiden at Dundalk. Staying close to the pace he took the lead one furlong out and stayed on to win with a bit in hand.Melisandre is the fourth winner from five foals of racing age out of the Danehill Dancer mare – I Hear You Knocking. The dam has a Tamayuz foal on the ground and is in foal to Dawn Approach.
We would like to congratulate owner Sean Jones and trainer Ger Lyons and his team who can now look forward to further follow up wins.
Monotype
Mill Guineas has a Pivotal filly selling in Newmarket Book One, she is a full sister to the black type winner Mill Marin.
11th September
Monotype (Makfi X Mill Guineas) who loves the soft ground got back to winning ways at Ffos Las. He did not get home when tried over two miles in July but obviously relished both the ground and the one mile four furlong distance, winning by a comfortable three lengths. He moved into the lead two furlongs out and galloped on strongly. Having won his maiden he was then fifth at group level last year so on his favourite ground and distance black type awaits. He is out of the Salse mare, Mill Guineas whose Canford Cliffs, already a winner, was beaten by a neck at Chester on the previous day.Mill Guineas has a Pivotal filly selling in Newmarket Book One, she is a full sister to the black type winner Mill Marin.
Bluesbreaker
27th August 2016
Bluesbreaker chalked up his third win since March and since joining the stable of Damian English. Staying close to the leaders over the first three furlongs he moved into second at the 2F mark and kept on well to lead close home. Having carried top weight in this valuable handicap it looks as if the handicapper has not yet got his measure so more wins can be expected particularly when stepped up in trip. We would like to once again congratulate all his connections.
Quest for More
We would like to congratulate his trainer Roger Charlton for turning him out in such excellent condition and attitude for such a valuable stayers race. We would also like to congratulate his owner H R H Sultan Ahmad Shah who will find it hard to replace this wonderful stayer. Congratulations to Charlie Gordon Watson who purchased him as a yearling for a mere 58,000 guineas
19th August 2016
Quest for More had finished a close second in the GR2 Goodwood Cup in 2015 before going on to run a very good race in the Melbourne Cup. He loves his summer racing and once the ground gets firm he takes a lot of beating. At York on Friday he was drawing right away from the field to win the GR2 Lonsdale Cup by an increasing three and a half lengths. Another trip to Australia in November looks to be on the cards.We would like to congratulate his trainer Roger Charlton for turning him out in such excellent condition and attitude for such a valuable stayers race. We would also like to congratulate his owner H R H Sultan Ahmad Shah who will find it hard to replace this wonderful stayer. Congratulations to Charlie Gordon Watson who purchased him as a yearling for a mere 58,000 guineas
Escobar
13th August 2016
Big things were expected of Escobar when he trotted up at first time of asking at Newbury in July. Again back at Newbury on Saturday he was just as impressive when easily winning the Denford Stud Listed Race. He is entered in a number of GR1 races and the Champagne Stakes at Doncaaster would appear to be his next target. He is the first black type winner for his sire – Famous Name – who stands at the Irish National Stud.
Brutal
Brutal is the first produce of the dual winner Loreto, a daughter of Witch of Fife who has already produced the Group horses Drumfire, Cabaret and Hoichoi.
Brutal was bought as a yearling by David Refvers for Qatar Racing at the Goffs UK Premier Sale. His half sister by Sea the Stars will be sold at the Goffs Orby Sale in September and Loreto has a Teofilo colt foal on the ground.
Brutal will now step up to Group company and we would like to congratulate his trainer Ger Lyons and Qatar Racing on what looks to be a very exciting colt.
11th August 2016
Brutal (Pivotal X Loreto) having been placed 2nd on his two earlier runs made no mistake when stepped up to a mile at Leopardstown winning by a comfortable two and a half lengths.Brutal is the first produce of the dual winner Loreto, a daughter of Witch of Fife who has already produced the Group horses Drumfire, Cabaret and Hoichoi.
Brutal was bought as a yearling by David Refvers for Qatar Racing at the Goffs UK Premier Sale. His half sister by Sea the Stars will be sold at the Goffs Orby Sale in September and Loreto has a Teofilo colt foal on the ground.
Brutal will now step up to Group company and we would like to congratulate his trainer Ger Lyons and Qatar Racing on what looks to be a very exciting colt.
Kayaki
We would like to wish them many more victories with Kajaki.
5th August 2016
Kajaki (Mastercraftsman X No Quest) who was placed 2nd and 3rd each time he ran in 2016 made no mistake at Haydock on Friday. Taking the lead from the stalls he fought back when headed at the 1F mark to get up on the line. Kajaki was the last foal of No Quest who had already produced the group winners Macaw and Quest for More. He was purchased by Stephen Hillen for owner Frank Gillespie and trainer Kevin Ryan who are enjoying huge success with another son of Mastercraftsman – The Grey Gatsby.We would like to wish them many more victories with Kajaki.
See The City
We would like to congratulate his trainer Mark Johnston and owner Abdulla Al Mansoori. Like others in the family See The City gives them lots to look forward to when racing over longer distances.
Cedar Sea is the dam of five winners including the black type horses Corsica and Tenor. She has a Declaration of War yearling colt which will be sold at Goffs in September.
2nd August 2016
See The City (Lawman X Ceder Sea) a half brother to the ledger placed Corsica found the 1 mile and a ½ a furlong to his liking when winning the 32Red.com Nursery Handicap at Nottingham. Having raced three times at inadequate distances, to get his handicap mark, he ran out a very easy winner under hands and heels riding from William Buick. He led from two furlongs out and was eased down in the closing stages racing two lengths and four lengths ahead of his pursuers.We would like to congratulate his trainer Mark Johnston and owner Abdulla Al Mansoori. Like others in the family See The City gives them lots to look forward to when racing over longer distances.
Cedar Sea is the dam of five winners including the black type horses Corsica and Tenor. She has a Declaration of War yearling colt which will be sold at Goffs in September.
March - July 2016
Western Duke
Western Duke, out of one the Croom House foundation mares Witch of Fife, was sold at the Goffs Orby Sale in 2015. His half brother by Mastercraftsman is in the Orby Sale next month.
We would like to congratulate his owner London City Bloodstock and his trainer Ralph Beckett. Winning black type races is obviously their next target.
30th July 2016
Western Duke (High Chaparral X Witch of Fife) got his 2YO career up and running, at second time of asking, in winning the Unison Maiden Stakes at Doncaster. Leading at the one furlong mark, he fought back when passed, to win by three quarters of a length drawing away. His jockey and trainer suggested that he will win many bigger prizes when stepped up to one mile and further.Western Duke, out of one the Croom House foundation mares Witch of Fife, was sold at the Goffs Orby Sale in 2015. His half brother by Mastercraftsman is in the Orby Sale next month.
We would like to congratulate his owner London City Bloodstock and his trainer Ralph Beckett. Winning black type races is obviously their next target.
Mehmas
Giving weight all round with the three pound penalty he had to carry from winning the July stakes at Newmarket he was in command from the 1F marker winning snugly. The Richmond Stakes was sponsored by Qatar Racing and so it was very special to have it won by Al Shaqab on the day.
28th July 2016
Mehmas added the Group 2 Richmond Stakes at Goodwood to his already impressive record of four wins and two seconds from six starts. He now awaits Group 1 racing to start for two year olds and his trainer has suggested either The National Stakes at The Curragh or the Prix Morny in France.Giving weight all round with the three pound penalty he had to carry from winning the July stakes at Newmarket he was in command from the 1F marker winning snugly. The Richmond Stakes was sponsored by Qatar Racing and so it was very special to have it won by Al Shaqab on the day.
California
She tracked the leader to the furlong mark, then took over and ran on strongly to win by a comfortable length. Her trainer suggests that she will now go for the Group 2 Park Hill Stakes.
28th July 2016
California (Azamour X Maskaya) had her first win at group level in landing the Group 3 Lillie Langtry Stakes at Goodwood. She is a half sister to four winners including the Montjeu colt Drumbeat who himself finished second in the Group 1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud. Maskaya is a half sister to Danaskaya the dam of Belardo who won the Group 1 Dewhurst last year and the Group 1 Lockinge Stakes this year.She tracked the leader to the furlong mark, then took over and ran on strongly to win by a comfortable length. Her trainer suggests that she will now go for the Group 2 Park Hill Stakes.
Arcada
Arcada is out of the Danehill Dancer mare, Applause and by Rip Van Winkle, is proving yet again how successful the Sadlers Wells Danehill cross can be. He was bought by Joseph O’Brien at the Tattersalls Book 2 Newmarket Sale and now looks a great prospect for his owner Lloyd J Williams.
We would like to congratulate all his connections.
16th July 2016
Arcada (Rip Van Winkle X Applause) ran in illustrious company when winning the Darley EBF Maiden at the Curragh. Regarded as the best maiden so far this year he led from start to finish under the capable handling of young jockey Donnacha O’Brien. His trainer Joseph O’Brien suggests he will next go for a black type race, probably the Futurity.Arcada is out of the Danehill Dancer mare, Applause and by Rip Van Winkle, is proving yet again how successful the Sadlers Wells Danehill cross can be. He was bought by Joseph O’Brien at the Tattersalls Book 2 Newmarket Sale and now looks a great prospect for his owner Lloyd J Williams.
We would like to congratulate all his connections.
Escobar
We would like to extend our congratulations to Amanda Skiffington who purchased Escobar, to Hugo Palmer his trainer and to his owners Westward Bloodstock.
15th July 2016
Escobar (Famous Name X Saying Grace) cost €280,000 as a yearling and did his reputation proud when winning the Highclere Thoroughbred Maiden Stakes at Newbury. Though making a sluggish start he quickly made up ground and travelled strongly to win by two lengths going away. Even more impressive was the comment from his trainer that he was “a long way from being wound up”. His trainer suggests that he will next go for a black type race - either the Acomb or Solario.We would like to extend our congratulations to Amanda Skiffington who purchased Escobar, to Hugo Palmer his trainer and to his owners Westward Bloodstock.
California
Her dam Maskaya is now dead but she remains an excellent prospect to carry on an outstanding breeding line.
8th July 2016
California already a multiple winner and listed placed in 2015 got off the mark at Ascot in winning the Cushman and Wakefield EBF Breeders Series and also collected the John Travers Memorial Trophy. She challenged to lead inside the final furlong and stayed on well to win by one and a half lengths. This was her first win at a mile and a half and she stayed the trip well drawing away at the line. Winning a black type race is now back on her agenda.Her dam Maskaya is now dead but she remains an excellent prospect to carry on an outstanding breeding line.
Mehmas
The trainer said that he will next go for the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood.
Mehmas is by Acclamation and his dam Lucina is in foal to Harbour Watch – the son of Acclamation.
7th July 2016
Having finished second in the Coventry at Ascot, Mehmas went one better in winning the July Stakes (GR 2) at Newmarket. The good to firm ground was very much in his favour compared to the soft at Ascot. He tracked the leaders to two out, going in front at the 1f mark and stayed on well when challenged by the runner up.The trainer said that he will next go for the Richmond Stakes at Goodwood.
Mehmas is by Acclamation and his dam Lucina is in foal to Harbour Watch – the son of Acclamation.
De Veer Cliffs
Her dam Mill Guineas has a Pivotal yearling filly entered for Book 1 at Tattersalls Newmarket in October.
Congratulations to Martyn Meade her trainer and to her owner Mrs Jane Newett who bought the filly at the Goffs Orby Sale in 2015.
23rd June 2016
De Veer Cliffs (Canford Cliffs X Mill Guineas) had an easy win in his maiden stakes at Nottingham. In her only previous race she had finished second to Architecture, herself finishing second in the Epsom Oaks earlier in the month. With this performance she will shortly be running in black type races to add to her dam’s two other black type winners.Her dam Mill Guineas has a Pivotal yearling filly entered for Book 1 at Tattersalls Newmarket in October.
Congratulations to Martyn Meade her trainer and to her owner Mrs Jane Newett who bought the filly at the Goffs Orby Sale in 2015.
El Hayem
He is out of the Zafonic mare Winning Sequence and was bought by Charlie Gordon Watson for Al Shaqab Racing at Tattersalls Book 1 in 2014.
Congratulations to all his connections and in particular to Sir Michael Stoute for being so patient on a horse that looks to have a very bright future.
3rd June 2016
El Hayem (Invincible Spirit X Winning Sequence) was behind three subsequent winners when fourth on his debut in April but made no mistake on his second racecourse start when winning the Buckingham Insurance Maiden at Doncaster. He made smooth progress through the thirteen runner field. On the two furlong mark he settled the contest with a nice turn of foot winning by one and a half lengths.He is out of the Zafonic mare Winning Sequence and was bought by Charlie Gordon Watson for Al Shaqab Racing at Tattersalls Book 1 in 2014.
Congratulations to all his connections and in particular to Sir Michael Stoute for being so patient on a horse that looks to have a very bright future.
Fayez
Black type racing will be on his calendar shortly.
2nd June 2016
Fayez (Zoffany X Gems) became our third 2YO winner coming from the yearlings sold last year, and three runners so far. Slowly away he picked up strongly the challenge approaching the final furlong and won this EBF Novice Stakes at Ripon by two lengths. Congratulations to his trainer David O’Meara and to bloodstock agent Richard Knight who bought the horse for his owner Sheikh Abdullah Almalek Alsabah.Black type racing will be on his calendar shortly.
Sabrewing
She has a half sister by Born to Sea who set a record for the sire at the Goffs Foal Sale being sold for €225,000. This filly is in training with John Gosden.
28th May 2016
Sabrewing (Fast Company X Tawaafur) running for the first time got up late to land this prize at Catterick. She ran very green but once the penny dropped she quickened like a smart filly in the last furlong to win drawing away. She is a full sister to the GR2 winning Baitha Alga, who won the Norfolk at Royal Ascot.She has a half sister by Born to Sea who set a record for the sire at the Goffs Foal Sale being sold for €225,000. This filly is in training with John Gosden.
Pedestal
He is destined for higher things and with some topclass dirt performers in his pedigree we could see him running on both sides of the Atlantic.
His dam Ashley Hall has a Shamardal yearling colt and is in foal to Kingman the son of Invincible Spirit.
26th May 2016
Pedestal (Invincible Spirit X Ashley Hall) gave us our second 2YO winner from the 2015 yearling crop and like Mehmas is also heading for Royal Ascot. In winning the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Maiden at Tipperary he not alone collected the €8,600 prize fund but also the Stg. £10,000 Plus 10 Bonus and the Stg. £25,000 Tattersalls October Book One Bonus. He became the first Irish winner of the Tattersalls Bonus and in all earned over €50,000 for his win.He is destined for higher things and with some topclass dirt performers in his pedigree we could see him running on both sides of the Atlantic.
His dam Ashley Hall has a Shamardal yearling colt and is in foal to Kingman the son of Invincible Spirit.
Rockspirit
23rd May 2016
Rockspirit (Fasnet Rock X Phillippa) having been placed in his only run as a 2YO in October made light work when winning on his first outing at Three in the Kennet Valley Thoroughbred Maiden Stakes at Windsor. Tracking the leading pair he was shaken up to challenge over two furlongs out and went on to win comfortably by two and a half lengths. This is another winner for his Australian Sire Fastnet Rock, who on the previous day had both a GR1 and a GR3 winner at The Curragh. The Galileo mare, Phillippa, is in foal to Zoffany.
Mehmas
His next target is the GR2 Coventry Stakes on Tuesday 14th June for which he is already the favourite.
On Saturday his dam Lucina was covered by Harbour Watch the son of Acclamation.
14th May 2016
Mehmas stepped up from his maiden win at Chester to winning the Olympic Glory Condition Stakes at Newbury making a further Stg. £32,000 for his owners. As in his opening race he was held up towards the rear, to lead inside the final furlong running clear to win by three lengths going away.His next target is the GR2 Coventry Stakes on Tuesday 14th June for which he is already the favourite.
On Saturday his dam Lucina was covered by Harbour Watch the son of Acclamation.
Mehmas
Held up at the rear, Mehmas made headway from two furlongs out and ran on inside the final furlong to lead towards the finish and win a shade cosily.
Mehmas gives all his connections lots to look forward to in the year ahead and we would like to congratulate Al Shaqab Racing and wish them every success with this exciting colt
5th May 2016
Mehmas (Acclamation X Lucina) was our first 2YO runner and duly obliged at Chester on May 5th. Illuminate was our first 2YO winner last year winning on May 3rd before going on to win at Group Level at Ascot and Newmarket. Richard Hannon trained both and has an Ascot Group race in mind for Mehmas. Lucina, a Machiavellian mare, is already the dam of three winners and has an Excelebration filly foal.Held up at the rear, Mehmas made headway from two furlongs out and ran on inside the final furlong to lead towards the finish and win a shade cosily.
Mehmas gives all his connections lots to look forward to in the year ahead and we would like to congratulate Al Shaqab Racing and wish them every success with this exciting colt
Bluesbreaker
He enjoyed the soft ground and stretching clear at the finish gave the impression that he can get one mile as the ground improves. His trainer suggested he is still green and improving so we look forward to further wins as the year progresses.
21st April 2016
Bluesbreaker wasted little time in chalking up his second victory for his trainer Damien English at Tipperary. He made light of his top weight being the Book Online Tipperary Handicap adding another €6,000 to his winnings.He enjoyed the soft ground and stretching clear at the finish gave the impression that he can get one mile as the ground improves. His trainer suggested he is still green and improving so we look forward to further wins as the year progresses.
Fearbuster
19th April 2016
Fearbuster (Fastnet Rock X Jewel in the Sand) having been placed three times since her racecourse debut in January showing a clean pair of heels when winning the Visit at the races.com handicap at Wolverhampton. Having been held up on the stalls she made smooth headway from halfway and went clear inside the final furlong. Fearbuster’s siblings include a High Chaparral 2YO colt, a Camelot yearling filly and a Dark Angel colt foal.
Layla’s Hero
3rd April 2016
Layla’s Hero became our first winner in the UK this year. After his victories at one mile and on grass in 2015, he managed this six furlong victory on the all weather at Southwell. This was his thirteenth career win with winnings of over Stg. £120,000. We would like to wish his owner and trainer, David Nicholls, many more victories with this HERO in the year ahead and the horses ability to run on turf or on dirt makes this a strong probability.
Bluesbreaker
Bluesbreaker was the last foal of the well bred mare, Jalisco, and he should keep her name alive with further victories in the months ahead. Congratulations to his owner and trainer for getting Croom House off the mark in 2016.
28th March 2016
Bluesbreaker (Fastnet Rock X Jalisco) was bought out of the Richard Hannon yard and wasted little time in posting this victory for his new trainer Damian English at Cork on Easter Monday. Though the ground was heavy he handled it well and the fact that he was drawing away at the finish suggests that an extra furlong will suit.Bluesbreaker was the last foal of the well bred mare, Jalisco, and he should keep her name alive with further victories in the months ahead. Congratulations to his owner and trainer for getting Croom House off the mark in 2016.