MULLINS BAY and STRONGHOLD : SUPER STUDS

Mullins Bay
(John Lewis)

To the delight of all the connections as well as the insurers, Lloyds of London, MULLINS BAY and STRONGHOLD have had their first mares tested in foal. Both of the new “boys” on the block have settled into their new role as “superstud” exceptionally well and Greig Muir and his stallion team report that they are doing a sterling job!

MULLINS BAY has impressed all who have laid eyes on him and has been very well supported. Amongst his visitors are Garden Verse (dam of IMBONGI and SPRING GARLAND), Nordic Air (dam of ICY AIR), BRIDAL PATHS (Thekweni Fillies Stakes winner and sister to PICK SIX) and DIGNIFY (Golden Slipper winner and sister to J&B Met winner, ANGUS) to name just a few. He has had support from around the country with mare’s being sent not only by the local Natal studs, but also from the Eastern and Western Cape.

STRONGHOLD is proving exceptionally fertile as he has had a 100% strike rate to date with all of his mares tested in foal. The first of his ‘harem’ confirmed in foal was Deceptive Charm, a royally bred filly by KINGMAMBO out of a stakes winning SADLER’S WELLS mare. STRONGHOLD will be visited by a number of ‘foreigners’ this season as Modraj, a MACHIAVELLIAN mare out of a sister to Urban Sea (dam of non other than the great GALILEO), has been booked to him as well as Nadira (a NASHWAN mare out of a full sister to KAHAL) Also heading his way in the not too distant future will be Choice Field, the dam of G1 Gomma Gomma winner PICK SIX.

These exciting new editions to the Summerhill stallion barn are booking up fast so to avoid disappointment give Linda Norval a call on +27 33 2631314.

NHLAVINI'S brother gets into the fray : our Grooms choices continued

Mali Zuma The countdown to the Emperor’s Palace National Yearling Sales is well under way, and there’s a stream of people moving through the TBA complex in Germiston as this report is posted, sifting out the ones they like. Tarryn Liebenberg has taken the trouble to speak to our grooming staff on a daily basis, and this is her report on one of our longest serving groom’s picks. He is Mali (Money) Zuma, whose family are renowned among visitors to Summerhill, as the team who’ve staffed our stallion barn for most of the past two decades. Mali’s been around almost that long, and there is very little that he doesn’t know about what’s happening at Summerhill and its horses.

For what’s it worth, his pick of the colts is Nhlavini’s own brother (Lot 32) Keep Striding, who is a scopey, athletic sort with the walk of a tiger on him. Markus Jooste has raced this family with great distinction, as he also had Nhlavini’s other brother, Optima Maximo, winner of four in a row and five all told, and was just touched off in the Java Handicap. Of course, Nhlavini has the record for the most number of podium finishes a the Equus Racing Awards, where he made the finals in six consecutive years, and took home the bounty as Champion Sprinter on no fewer than three occasions (2001, 2005 & 2006). Mali knows what he’s talking about, and perhaps his name (literally interpreted, “money”) was appropriately given!

Robert Mbhele Another old-timer, and a fourth generation member of the staff, is Robert Mbhele, who joins Mali in his choice of Keep Striding, and as readers will have noted, was one of the six grooms that went for Nontanda (Lot 22) the half-sister to early SA Guineas favourite, Lostintranslation, from the family of J&B Met hero, Angus and Golden Slipper heroine, Dignify.

THE EMPEROR'S PALACE NATIONAL YEARLING SALES : The Grooms make their Crosses

Tarryn LiebenbergLast week, we promised to reveal all. This meant we’d be leaking news on the “drip” day-by-day, of our groom’s individual choices. Tarryn Liebenberg, who heads up the yearling sales team, tells us it was an extremely difficult task, particularly as there is so little between the top horse in the draft and the rest. What you get from the Champion Breeders in 2008 is the pick of one of the best vintages we’ve known, and by the “pick” we mean everything that was advanced enough to go. There are obviously numerous backward or immature types of National Sales calibre which we’ve kept behind, but for the rest, these are the “ones”.

Ben Mbhele Ben Mbhele , who’s been with us more than 20 years and whose grandfather was here in 1939 when the Ellises acquired Hartford, has gone for Khetani (which means “Take Your pick or Choice”), a scopey athletic colt and a beautiful moving individual by current leading Freshman sire, Labeeb out of Choice, a Stakes winner from one of our top families. He is joined in that selection by Prince Mdunjane, whom readers will remember is an outstanding rider in our Ready To Ride team, as well Thabani Nzimande, a relative newcomer, but a natural talent in his own right.

Ben’s pick of the fillies, it seems, is a relatively obvious one, being the Al Mufti half-sister (Nontanda) to one of the favourites for the forthcoming SA Guineas, Lostintranslation. This one’s out of an own sister to J&B Metropolitan (Gr.1) winner, Angus, and to Dignify, winner of the Golden Slipper (Gr.1), and he’s joined in this particular selection by Lungisani Hadebe, Mali Zuma, Mandla Vidima, Robert Mbhele, Spamandla Mthethwa and Thabani Nzimande (again). Amazingly, for a draft with so many outstanding fillies, almost half our grooms have gone for Nontanda, but they’re probably more pedigree “snobs” than anything else, because she’s Lot 22, and is an entry in the “green pages”. While she’s obviously an outstanding individual, there are several others in the draft that match her.

Foals 2006

Latest (and final) foalings as follows:

9 December

Bay colt by Jallad x Nordic Air.  Owned by Mr Barry Clements. This colt is a full brother to ICY AIR, 4-time Gr 2 winner and Gr 1 placed (J & B Met) and Equus Champion 3YO Classic Female in 2002. This is the family of AMPHITHEATRE, LAUGHING RIVER, TADJ, JIK, PHILYRA etc.

3 December

Bay colt by Labeeb x Catch Me. Catch Me is a winning daughter of Argosy. She is out of the Gr 2 placegetter and 4 time winner CATCH TWENTY TWO (4th Gr 1). This is the family of TOM AND JERRY, BIANCONI, TRY YOUR BEST, JESSAMINE (Equus Champion Broodmare in 2002: dam of multiple Gr 1 winner and sire THE SHEIKH and Equus Champion Older Male Sprinter in 2002 and multiple Gr 1 winner AL NITAk), SHOE EXPRESS, ART DE VIVRE, WILD GREEK, BLUEBERRY FIELDS, POLITICIAN etc

Bay colt by Kahal x Ditton Green. Ditton Green is a winning daughter of Sunny North. Her dam - Little Ditton - is a half sister to UK Graded Stakes winners PERCY’S LASS and BRAISWICK and the graded stakes performer PERCY’S GIRL. This is the family of VIOLETTA, FAVOLETTA, AMARANDA, PORT ST MARY, FAVORIDGE, FURIOSO, TOPSY, TOP GUEST etc

26 November

Bay colt by Labeeb x My Sweet Love. My Sweet Love is a 4-time winner and Gr 3 place getter. She is the dam of 3 winners from 3 runners including the 5-time winner and Listed placegetter PARTICULAR PASSION. This is the family of ANYTME BABY, OF PARADE, RAVENOUS, LUCY LUFTON, POLLY TOOGOOD etc.

Bay filly by Muhtafal x Ring of Bells. Owned by Mr R M Foster. Ring of Bells is a winning half sister to the 7-time winner and Gr 2 placegetter RIVER PLATE. Their dam - RING THE CHANGES - is a Gr 3 and 5-time winner. This is the family of RULE BY THE SWORD, THE BUSINESS, GIRADON etc.

24 November

Bay colt by Requiem x Captive Audience. Owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum. Captive Audience is a 4-time winning daughter of Desert Team. Her 2 foals to the track have both been multiple place getters. This is the family of ERIDANUS, HARD TO GET, WALL STREET DANCER, MARIAN Z, MUSCLE, FAIRWAY PHANTOM etc

23 November

Chestnut colt by National Emblem x Choice Field. Owned by Mrs D Mellows.  Choice Field is an unraced half sister to 8 winners including the Gr 2 winner and Gr 1 placegetter BRIDAL PATHS. This is the family of PHEON ROYAL, SCOTTISH ARCHER, ROLAND’S SWORD etc. Her 3Yo Rambo Dancer colt PICK SIX (320,000 2005 National Yearling Sale) won his maiden by 4.25 lengths at only his second start last month.

Bay filly by Malhub x Dancing Firelight. Dancing Firelight was a winner at 3 over 1800m and of her 6 foals to the track 4 have been winners including the multiple Gr 1 place getter FORK LIGHTENING. This is the family of AUTUMNAL, BRAZEN, PAGODA etc.

22 November

Bay colt by Fort Wood x Larny Lady. Owned by Mr G A Sturlese. Larny Lady was a winner at 2. The daughter of Northern Guest is a half sister to DIGNIFY (Gr 2 winner of 4 races and R204,488), the Gr 1 winner of 8 races ANGUS, the Gr 2 placegetter and 6-time winner NOBLE AMERICAN and the 5-time winner Naughty but Noble (dam of the Gr 3 placegetter UPTOWN GIRL). Their dam, NOBELY KNOWN, as a 3-time winner and Gr 3 placegetter. This is also the family of HIGHBORN.

20 November

Bay filly by Muhtafal x Dignify. Owned by Mr G A Sturlese. Dignify is a Gr 2 winner of 4 races and R204,488. She is a half sister to the Gr 1 winner of 8 races ANGUS, the Gr 2 placegetter and 6-time winner NOBLE AMERICAN and the 5-time winner Naughty but Noble (dam of the Gr 3 placegetter UPTOWN GIRL). This is also the family of HIGHBORN.

19 November

Chestnut colt by Muhtafal x Chorus Line. Owned by Mr L Jaffee. Chorus Line is a 4-time winning daughter of Jallad. Her dam - Toast of Broadway - is a New Zealand bred mare from the illustrious Noble Heights family that transforms any pedigree page into one awash with black type.

Grey colt by Labeeb x Coastal Relative. Owned by O’Connor Racing. This colt foal is a half brother to 6 winners including the 11 time winner (including at Listed level) COASTAL WALTZ. A daughter of Coastal, Coastal Relative is a half sister to ROYAL TOURS and PRESIDENTIAL SUITE. This is also the family of LADY PEG, RUSTY LADY, ALFRED’S CHOICE, STAVORDALE etc.

Bay colt by Muhtafal x Great Attraction. This colt foal is a half brother to the champion AMPHITHEATRE - the 10 time winner (and millionaire) and multiple Graded Stakes winner. AMPHITHEATRE has retired to Summerhill as a nursemaid to the weanlings - he bosses them all around and disciplines the recalcitrants and does a wondrous job. He has just been relieved of his day duty until the current foals are weaned and he is presently holidaying in the paddock below the Hartford Stables. He seems to spend a lot of time gazing over the fence at his recently liberated charges (who have all headed up to the yearling paddocks) - it would appear he misses them quite a bit ! Great Attraction’s page includes the likes of ICY AIR, LAUGHING RIVER, TADJ, JIK, PILYRA etc.

18 November

Bay colt by Malhub x Derniere Dance. Owned by Mr Barry Clements and Nr R L K Lynch.  Derniere Danse is an unraced daughter of Northern Guest out of the Listed winner and Gr 1 place getting mare DANCER’S CHOICE. From one to the track, Derniere Danse has produced a winner - Tou A L’heure (by Muhtafal). This is the family of RHAPSODY’S FOOTSTEP, FLYING LUCY, MEADOW COURT, RARE MUSIC, CHARLESTON RAG etc.

Bay filly by Lizard Island x Foo Fighter. Owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum. Foo Fighter is an unraced daughter of National Assembly. She is out of AMAZON FIGHTER - The Gr 3 winner of 5 races; and the dam of the Listed placegetter AMANATI. This is the family of WESTERN POWER, WESTERN ROCKET, INVNCIBLE, FIRST BLOOM etc.

Bay colt by Labeeb x Game. Game is an unraced daughter of Rami. She is a half sister to National Icon (4th in a Gr 2 and exported to Dubai). This is the family of PHEON ROYAL, BRIDAL PATHS, SCOTTISH ARCHER, ROLAND’S SWORD etc. Game’s first foal t the track - Rummy (by Alami) is a 4-time winner.

Bay colt by Lavery x Palm Beach Gold. Owned by Mr F Tarbitt. Palm Beach Gold is a 4-time winning daughter of Golden Thatch. Of her 3 foals to the track 2 have been winners. 2nd dam is the Gr 1 place getter and 4-time winner PULITZER PRIZE (dam of 4 winners). This is the family of PRETTY PRIZE, CATMANDU, ZATOPEK, SPECIALIZE etc.

17 November

Bay colt by Labeeb x Blushing Summer.  Owned by The Gill Family and Mrs C Goss. Blushing Summer has proven quite a gem at stud. From 4 to the track she has produced 3 winners including the Gr 2 winner MAJESTIC SUN and the multiple Gr 2 place getter BROCK.  Blushing Summer is out of the Listed place getter CAPE SUMMER who is a half sister to 7 winners including the 10-time winner and Listed placegetter PERSIAN SUMMER, the Leading Colt of His Generation MAJESTIC CROWN (11 wins from 2-6 incl. at Group 1 level), and the Gr 3 winner SUMMER GUEST. This is the family of MISS ENTREPRENEUR, STERNWHEELER, SHEE, BLUSHING MOON, VINO ROSA etc.

Grey colt by Labeeb x Phantom News. Phantom News is a Gr 3 winner of 4 races (4th Gr 1). She is a half sister to 8 winners including the Gr 1 winner DUCHESS DABA, Gr 1 placegetter (and 6-time winner) CHIEF EDITOR, Gr 3 place getter CAESAR’S WARRIOR, Listed placegetter PERSUASIVE REASON etc. Their dam - IZINDABA - is a 15-time winner incl at Gr 3 level.

16 November

Bay colt by Malhub x The Convent. Owned by Mr A Carr.  The Convent is a 4-time winner and Listed place getting daughter of National Emblem. This is the family of MISS PETARD, REJUVENATE, ALPHARD, LUCKY GUEST, OATH, PELDER, AIMING HIGH, THE UNIVERSITY, FAMILY DOCTOR, RASSENDYLL  etc

Bay colt by Muhtafal x Cornish Fair. Owned by Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum. Cornish Fair was a 4-time winner up to 1600m. This is the family of Champion Irish 2YO SEA BREAK, THE ADRIANSTAN, NORSE LAD, ALBERETTO, BOLD TACK, SORAYAH etc.

Bay colt by Labeeb x Heat Machine. Owned by Mr W R Lindsay-Stewart. A daughter of Volcanic, Heat Machine was a Gr 3 and Listed winner of 5 races. Of her 4 foals to the track she has produced 3 winners including the Gr 3 placegetter and 4-time winner of R218,450 UZUMA. This is the family of the Gr 1 winner SMART MONEY plus THALES, NEW NOBILITY, LONDON TIMES etc.

Ready to Race Diary: Summerhill Graduates

Ready to Race Notable Summerhill Graduates for the Past 3 Seasons

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1.     Icy Air (cost R60 000) Champion Three Year Old Filly and Champion Older Mare in South Africa.

2.     Disappear (cost R160 000) Winner of seven races including the Gr.1 Mercury Sprint in 2005.

3.     Talahatchie (cost R150 000) Winner of the Gr. 1 Premiers Champion Juvenile Stakes in 2005.

4.     Cereus (cost R85 000). Winner of the Gold Cup (Gr. 1) and more than R1 million in stakes.

5.     Bold Ellinore (cost R120 000) Winner this season of the KZN Fillies Guineas. (pr. Gr. 1) defeating six Group One winners in the process. One of the best fillies of her generation.

6.     Fork Lightening (cost R75 000). Winner of seven races including second Cape of Good Hope Guineas (Gr. 1) beaten a short head by Champion Rabiyah, and second in the Gomma Gomma Summer Cup (Gr 1), South Africa’s richest race.

7.     Amphitheatre (cost R30 000). Multiple Group One performer and earner of R1.35 million in stakes.

8.     Rambo’s Jewel (cost R60 000). Horse of the Year in KZN.

9.     Coastal Waltz (cost R60 000). Horse of the Year Eastern Cape.

10.   Brigadier Parker (cost R45 000) Horse of the Year Eastern Cape.

11.   Hear the Drums (cost R45 000). Champion Three Year Old Colt, Eastern Cape in 2006.

12.   Hard to Get (cost R100 000). Champion Two Year Old Filly, Eastern Cape in 2006.

13.   Nondweni. (cost R80 000) Champion Three Year Old Filly, Eastern Cape in 2005.

14.   Fanyana (cost R95 000) Winner of 9 races as a Three Year Old in 2005/6 including two Group One performances.

15.   Bianconi (cost R95 000) Winner of the Golden Horseshoe (Gr.1) and the first horse (of only two) ever to defeat Dynasty. Also a winner on three occasions in Dubai.

16.   Dignify (cost R100 000). Winner of the Golden Slipper (Gr 1).

17.   Real Red (cost R100 000) one of the better fillies of her generation, trained by Mike de Kock, and defeated only a head by Horse of the Year Winter Solstice, at weight for age, defeating three Group One winners in the event.

18.   Majestic Sun (cost R50 000) Winner of seven races this last season as a three year old, including two Graded stakes performances.

19.   Bridal Paths winner of the Thekwini Stakes (Gr. 1).

20.   Royal Emblem winner of the Thekwini Stakes (Gr.1).