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22.
Ascot opener dominated
by shuttle stallions
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18/6/2003 |
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The opening day of the wonderful Royal Ascot week did not only showcase the
quality of the Australian racehorse to a skeptical thoroughbred world it also
proved, if proof was needed, the strides the Australian bloodstock industry has
made through the success of the shuttle stallion concept.
It seems fitting that Choisir a grandson of the greatest shuttle stallion
success story, Danehill, should break the ice at Ascot. However a cursory glance
of the results at Ascot’s opening day clearly reveals the quality of stallions
that have visited our shores of late. The Group 1 St James Palace Stakes was a
shuttle stallion trifecta with Zafeen by the short-lived Zafonic defeating
Kalaman (Desert Prince) and Martillo (Anabaa). The Duke of Edinburgh resulted in
another trifecta with Waverley (Catrail) defeating Researched (Danehill) and
Hambleden (Vettori). Another trifecta in the Balmoral H. with Deportivo (Night
Shift) defeating Baltic King (Danetime) and Coconut Penang (Night Shift).
Throw in a couple more with Coventry Stakes runner-up Botanical being a brother
to Darley Stud’s Lujain and third placed Privy Seal a son of Darley Stud’s
high flying Cape Cross, which shuttles to Cambridge Stud, N.Z.
Widden Stud would have received a double thrill from the win of Dubai
Destination in the Group 1 Queen Ann Stakes. Not only is Dubai Destination a son
of Kingmambo, the sire of Widden’s champion turf performer King Cugat, but he
is also out of a half sister to Widden’s brilliant Danzig sprinter Agnes
World.
No one is about to pretend that all of the duel hemisphere-serving stallions
will make the grade in Australia. In fact some of the stallions mentioned above
have been amongst the most disappointing. The fact that home grown products such
as Encosta de Lago, Octagonal, Flying Spur, Snippets, Rubiton etc can more than
match it with their high profile overseas counterparts is great feather in the
cap for the local product and an acknowledgement that there is a uniqueness
needed to succeed in this country. Yet no single stud farm anywhere in the world
can boast a roster of racehorse talent to equal that of Coolmore’s Australian
operation this season. Its nearest challenger may be just down the road at
Darley Stud. We are indeed the lucky country and three cheers for team Choisir
and team Belle Du Jour for taking the message to the world.
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