Celebrating A Famous Cross

DanehillThe weekend’s impressive winner of the Gr.1 Nassau Stakes at Glorious Goodwood, stamped PEEPING FAWN as the best of her age (and possibly sex) in Europe. Striding away from last season’s Champion Three Year Old Filly, Mandesha, Peeping Fawn’s emphatic victory reminded us of the extraordinary affinity Danehill (her sire) has displayed for Northern Dancer-line mares.

While there are obviously numerous examples, those that spring immediately to mind include the inimitable ROCK OF GIBRALTAR (dam of Be My Guest), and Irish Champion Juvenile, HORATIO NELSON (like Peeping Fawn, from a Sadler’s Wells mare).

Northern DancerWhen we acquired Danehill’s quality racing sons, SOLSKJAER and WAY WEST, we were obviously mindful that they would be serving other Northern Dancer-line mares, if only because Summerhill is the South African “home” of the lineage. The interesting feature of the cross is that, besides being a member of the male line himself, DANEHILL comes from the same female line as NORTHERN DANCER, thus forging reinforcements to two of the most potent influences in 20^th century breeding.

No surprise then, that Way West’s first foal is from a Northern Guest mare, and even less surprise, it’s a real smasher. If it goes on like this, both the fellows at Australia’s celebrated Arrowfield nursery and the Hong Kong Breeders Club, will be rapturously applauding their wisdom at investing in this man with the “Blue Diamond” connection.