his month we were delighted to see continued success on the racecourse with Watership Down Stud progeny, following on from the prolific performance by Stradivarius at the end of July.
NATURE’S ORDER (Dansili/ Nature Spirits) kicked off the month with a convincing win in a field of twelve runners at Deauville on 1st August. At the same meeting, we were thrilled to watch his half brother GHOSTWATCH pick up some valuable black type when finishing third in the Listed Prix Du Carrousel for Charlie Appleby and Godolphin.
The success didn’t stop there as Watership Down Stud bred NATTY NIGHT (Nathaniel/ Danehill Dreamer) rallied inside the final furlong to win a Class 3 Handicap at Newmarket for William Muir and owner John O’Molloy on the same day.
Further victories followed in early August as two-year-old filly KALAHARA (Frankel/ Desertiste) won the Prix Indeauville (Prix D’Avranches) for owner Wertheimer & Frere. LOVER’S GAIT (Gleneagles/ Liberally) and FISHABLE (Dutch Art/ Sweet Stream) also won their respective handicap races at Bath on August 6th.
As the southern hemisphere breeding season kicks off we’re pleased to hear Too Darn Hot has arrived safely in Australia. All those that have seen Too Darn Hot in the flesh know he exudes class and power and no doubt he will be in high demand amongst Australian breeders. Darley’s Head of Sales Alastair Pulford is thrilled at his arrival, “to be able to offer Too Darn Hot to Australian breeders is a huge privilege” (racing&sports.com). We very much look forward to watching his progeny make an impact on the Australian breeding scene in due course.
Watership Down Stud continues its expansion in Australia with the arrival of Fine Scent’s first foal, a strong colt by Justify. Fine Scent was purchased in early May at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale for $210,000. The successful black type performer and half-sister to Group 1 Golden Slipper winner Polar success has been purchased specifically to send to Too Darn Hot.
Meanwhile, the staff at Watership Down Stud remain dedicated to preparing a top-quality draft of yearlings for the Tattersalls October Sales. The team are making every effort to ensure the yearlings are ready to turn heads in the sales ring. If you haven’t already, make sure to catch our ‘First Look Series’ on our social channels for a unique insight into some of the yearlings heading to Tattersalls from Stud Manager, Simon Marsh.
Four exciting yearling prospects have been showcased in the lead up to the sales so far, with 2019 Frankel x Hoity Toity being the most recent star. Hoity Toity is dam to Lillie Langtry who herself produced one of the greatest fillies of the recent era, Minding. Her 2019 yearling colt by Frankel has a wonderful attitude, is developing well and strengthening all the time under his preparation schedule.
A Dubawi filly out of Group 2 winning Temple Stakes mare owned by Watership Down client Alan Spence, a filly by outstanding young stallion Siyouni, out of listed winning filly Drumfad Bay and a son of Lope De Vega out of Claba San Di Jore have all been profiled.
Photo of ‘Ghostwatch’ by Godolphin.com
