Monday 14 May 2018
The Aga Khan Studs enjoyed a fine weekend across Europe with excellent results in the sales ring and on the racetrack for sires SEA THE STARS, SIYOUNI and CHARM SPIRIT, while Hazapour carried the famous green and red silks to Group victory.
Both Aga Khan Studs sires and maternal lines proved popular once again at the Arqana Breeze Up Sale, with a colt out of Kaloura raising 700,000 Euros from Dermot Farrington on behalf of Phoenix Bloodstock. By Scat Daddy, the colt is a son of the Aga Khan Studs-bred and sold dual Listed victrix and Group placed Kaloura (Sinndar), from the family of Kalanisi and Classic hope Luminate.
Gilltown Stud’s SEA THE STARS was responsible for the top-priced filly in the sale, as his daughter out of Listed placed Ninas Terz (Tertullian), a half-sister to recent Group 1 scorer Pakistan Star, was knocked down for 400,000 Euros to Jamie McCAlmont.
Haras de Bonneval resident SIYOUNI was notably represented by Naadam, a grandson of dual Group winner Trumbaka, who raised a bid of 385,000 Euros from Stroud Coleman Bloodstock.
On the racecourse, the well-bred and improving Hazapour (Shamardal) stamped his Derby credentials when securing the Group 3 Derby Trial Stakes at Leopardstown, a race won by Sinndar in 2000 before going on to glory at Epsom. “He’s a nephew of Harzand so there’s one logical place to go with him,” declared trainer Dermot Weld.
SEA THE STARS’ son Knight to Behold also entered the Derby picture with a stylish victory in the Listed Derby Trial Stakes at Lingfield. Trained by Harry Dunlop, the progressive colt was making his seasonal debut and now counts two wins from three outings. He is the 46th Stakes winner for his Arc-winning sire.
On Sunday at ParisLongchamp, SIYOUNI enjoyed his share of the honours as his son City Light lifted the Group 3 Prix de Saint-Georges over 1000m. City Light has proved to be a revelation over short distances this season and was winning his third consecutive race after success in the All-Weather Sprint Championship in March.
On Monday, CHARM SPIRIT got off the mark thanks to his daughter Diviner who became her sire’s first winner at Wolverhampton with an easy 5-length victory. This triple Gr.1 winning miler by Invincible Spirit is represented by his first runners this year. He currently stands at Haras de Bonneval and will be back at Tweenhills Stud next year.
Updated on 14/05/2018.
