Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

G1 Queen Elizabeth S. - a memorable clash looms

Well, this is some clash at Randwick; the betting dominated by two outstanding horses coming off impressive Group 1 victories - Anamoe (Street Boss {USA}) unbeaten this time in taking out the G1 George Ryder S. at his latest whilst the exciting import Dubai Honour (Ire) (Pride Of Dubai) created a big impression racing away to an easy G1 Ranvet S. at his local debut.

Such clashes have provided some of the most thrilling moments in Australian racing history... think Bonecrusher (NZ) (Pag Asa) versus Our Waverley Star (NZ) (Star Way {GB}) in the 1986 G1 W.S Cox Plate, Northerly (Serheed {USA}) versus Freemason (Grand Lodge {USA}) in the 2003 G1 BMW, Redoute's Choice and Testa Rossa in the 1999 G1 Caulfield Guineas, Emancipation (Bletchingly) versus Sir Dapper in the 1984 G1 George Ryder S., Chatham, Rogilla (Roger De Busli {GB}) and Winooka (Windbag) in the 1932 G1 Epsom H., or Dandy Andy's (NZ) (Three Legs {GB}) memorable defeat of Vo Rogue (Ivor Prince {USA}) and Bonecrusher in the 1988 G1 Australian Cup.

Gallery: The two favourites for the G1 Queen Elizabeth S. at Randwick, images courtesy of The Image Is Everything

Following an era that saw one horse dominate the major weight-for-age contest which Winx by Street Cry {Ire}, it is a different sort of excitement.

Especially in this case when it might not be only a two-horse race with the evergreen Cascadian (GB) (New Approach {Ire}) racing in such great heart, storming home to add the G1 Australian Cup to his resume. And then there's the wildcard - the Japanese visitor Unicorn Lion (Ire) (No Nay Never {USA}).

Some race, bring it on!

G1 Queen of the Turf S. - Alcohol Free makes her Australian debut

Here is another intriguing race on a great card at Randwick, this 1600-metre test for the mares attracting an open field of talented horses with differing form lines.

Headlined by the big Yulong purchase (5.4 million gns {AU$10.6 million} at last year's Tattersalls December Mares Sale) Alcohol Free (Ire) (No Nay Never {USA}) who makes her Australian debut on the back of a smart trial win at Randwick.

Last seen on the track finishing a somewhat unlucky third to the now retired star Baaeed (GB) in the G1 Sussex S. at Goodwood, Alcohol Free is a four-time Group 1 winner who adds plenty of interest to the race and the day.

Levante (NZ) (Proisir) also has four elite-level victories on her resume and she lost no fans with her G1 George Ryder S. fifth, getting back in a race not run to suit but still finding the line well.

Providing the weather behaves, Fangirl (Sebring) is the hardest local to beat. After running into Anamoe (Street Boss {USA}) on three occasions she struck heavy going in the G1 Doncaster H. and was far from disgraced considering her dislike of that sort of surface.

Hope In Your Heart (Dundeel {NZ}) was great finishing hard on the heels of the placegetters in that same race whilst Sirileo Miss (Pride Of Dubai) brings great Melbourne form to the equation - recording dominant wins in the G3 Matron S. and the G2 Sunline S.

G1 Australian Oaks - quality fillies vying for Classic glory

It takes a good filly to win this race and whilst it is the crowning moment in the careers of many, recent runnings have seen the race won by quality horses who have gone onto even bigger things... three of the last six winners - Colette (Hallowed Crown), Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) and Bonneval (NZ) (Makfi {GB}) winning further races at Group 1 level.

Jockey Damian Lane, successful aboard El Patroness (Shamus Award) last year, seeks to make it two wins in a row in this Classic - uniting with the last-start G1 New Zealand Oaks winner Pennyweka (NZ) (Satono Aladdin {Jpn}) who is going to single-handedly increase the Randwick crowd with her big and enthusiastic group of owners!

Hugh Bowman boasts an outstanding record in this race - over the last 14 years winning it on five occasions. And he teams with the intriguingly bred (from the family of Sir Tristram {Ire} with a strain of that great stallion in his dam) G3 Adrian Knox S. winner Arts (Xtravagant {NZ}).

James McDonald knows how to win an Oaks too, winning it twice, and he has a big chance aboard Pavitra (American Pharoah {USA}).

Should Fireburn (Rebel Dane) salute - and she has been racing as though wanting more ground - she will create a bit of history, becoming only the second G1 Golden Slipper S. winner to also win this race... the other being Bounding Away (Biscay) in 1986/87.

Polygon (NZ) (Highly Recommended), Pierossa (Pierro) and Premise (NZ) (Contributer {Ire}) have all finished off nicely at their most recent outings whilst Jolted (Deep Impact {Jpn}) is up in class but promising... her "auntie" Absolutely (Redoute's Choice) won this race in 2011.

G1 Sydney Cup - not a race for the Australian bred

It is a sign of the times that no Australian-bred horse has won this staying test since Niwot (Galileo {Ire}) in 2012.

So, which of the imports do we look at this year - those already proven on Australian soil, or those new to our shores?

It is one of the latter - the Joseph O'Brien-trained Cleveland (Ire) (Camelot {GB}) who looks the likely favourite. Whilst he is yet to win at stakes level, he did catch the eye with a good finish when fifth when making his local debut in the G1 Tancred S.

His stablemate Baron Samedi (GB) (Harbour Watch {Ire}) is well-travelled - racing in five different countries, winning in three of those. Another stamp on his passport here!

Not since 2004 - the mighty Makybe Diva (GB) (Desert King {Ire}) - has a reigning G1 Melbourne Cup champ also won this race, a feat that connections of Gold Trip (Fr) (Outstrip {GB}) are hoping that he can accomplish.

Knights Order (Ire) (So You Think {NZ}) is another challenging history, seeking to become the first horse since Tie The Knot (Nassipour {USA}) in 1998 and 1999 to take out consecutive runnings of this race.

That popular chestnut is also the last G1 Tancred winner to take out this race - a double Arapaho (Fr) (Lope De Vega {Ire}) looks a chance to complete. Also good in that race was King Frankel (Ire) (Frankel {GB}).

The G2 Chairman's S. is often a good guide, this year's running taken out by Surefire (GB) (Fastnet Rock) from Gin Martini (NZ) (Rip Van Winkle {Ire}) and Nerve Not Verve (NZ) (Shocking), from which Surefire and Nerve Not Verve will clash again on Saturday.

G1 NZ Thoroughbred Breeders' S. - a rising star to remain unbeaten?

Pearl Of Alsace (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) was having her first crack at stakes class when tackling the G3 Cuddle S. at Trentham a couple of weeks ago and she passed that test with flying colours - finding the line in determined style to make it five wins from as many starts.

And now she has a Group 1 test at Pukekohe, and it would be a brave punter to take her on!

Though this is no easy race with Mustang Valley (NZ) (Vanbrugh) returning from a somewhat unlucky stint in Australia where her latest run - a G1 Doncaster H. fifth last weekend - was full of merit.

Le Sablier (NZ) (Tavistock {NZ}) was not far away in Group 1 company late last year and was back into winning form last start whilst the two horses Pearl Of Alsace defeated at Trentham again take her on - Aromatic (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) and Bad 'N' Bouj (Deep Field).

Dragon Queen (NZ) (Sweynesse) was disappointing last time out but her overall form reads well and adding considerable interest to the race is the appearance of two talented 3-year-olds - Skew Wiff (NZ) (Savabeel) who comes off a G1 Levin Classic second and Mazzolino (NZ) (Savabeel) who struck plenty of interference when a game fourth in that same race.

The 2-year-olds - the Percy Sykes & the Fernhill

There are a couple of black-type 2-year-old races on the Randwick card - the Listed Fernhill Mile and the G2 Percy Sykes S. for the girls.

The Fernhill Mile is the opening race, one for the up-and-comers with only two of its contestants already boasting black type with neither of those - the G3 TL Baillieu H. runner-up Inhibitions (Zoustar) and the G3 Black Opal S. third-placegetter Make A Call (Extreme Choice) - being stakes winners.

Three of their rivals have had just the one start with two of those being winners - Bobby Shiraz (NZ) (Savabeel) too good on pace at his Eagle Farm debut whilst the dual Group 1 winner Secret Admirer's (Dubawi {Ire}) son Townsend (Dundeel {NZ}) finishing off strongly to win at Wyong.

Tom Kitten (from the first local crop of Harry Angel {Ire}) found plenty of trouble but was still a close-up fifth in the G2 VRC Sires' Produce S. whilst Fireburn's half-brother Kintyre (Hallowed Crown) is also showing ability.

Two races later is the Percy Sykes which looks to be of more depth with four of its contestants already being stakes winners - the G2 Sweet Embrace S. winner Lazzago (Capitalist), the G3 VRC Throughbred Breeders' S. winner Bossy Nic (Nicconi), the G3 Black Opal S. (at debut) winner Autumn Ballet (The Autumn Sun) and the Listed Challenge S.-winning New Zealand visitor Ethereal Star (Snitzel) who, is as her name suggests, a great granddaughter of Ethereal (NZ) (Rhythm {USA}).

Another three of the 10 runners are last-start winners - Everlong (Capitalist) who took out the Wellington Boot at her first start, Shine Your Light (Jukebox) who won at Scone off a G3 Magic Night fifth and Kimochi (Brave Smash {Jpn}) who was unlucky at debut before easily atoning next time out.

Cover image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan

Haggas and Paul came and conquered with Addeybb (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}) in 2020/21. They have returned for 2023 and have already whisked the G1 Ranvet S. away with Dubai Honour (Ire) (Pride Of Dubai). Now that galloper will attempt to upscale Anamoe (Street Boss {USA}) in the G1 Queen Elizabeth S.

Only a few years ago, after leaving university, the English-born Paul was questioning what she wanted to do with her life - until she found her calling, and a ‘piqued’ interest in racing led her to her current calling.

Paul discussed with TDN AusNZ her foray into the racing world: “I grew up on a farm and had always rode as a child. At uni, I started riding out for a racehorse trainer in Yorkshire. I finished uni and I really did not know what I wanted to do.

“But I always loved horses; I had started to develop an interest in racing from just riding out for trainers. From Yorkshire, I went to Newmarket to work for a trainer named Lucy Wadham for six months, which was great.”

A ski enthusiast, Paul left Wadham’s for the skiing season, which typically lasts four to five months. Upon returning to Newmarket Paul started working for trainer David and his wife Jennie Simcock.

Simcock had trained five-time Group 1 winner Dream Ahead (USA), the Iron horse Lightning Spear (GB), and the Classic winner Teppal (Fr).

“I spent the best part of 18 months with David and Jennie. I started as a stable lass, looking after the horses and leading up at the races; from there, I was entrusted with some head lass responsibilities.

“I decided to apply for the Godolphin Flying Start Program. I graduated from the program in 2020.

“Everyone is aware of what a fantastic program and opportunity it is. You gain so much experience worldwide and finishing that course, I knew then that I wanted to go back and work for a trainer.

“I am from quite near Newmarket. It was just during COVID, which was a weird time, and I had received a few jobs offers from up North, so I looked around and thought Midlam wasn’t for me,” Paul said.

Paul joins Haggas

“Jennie (Simcock) had mentioned that Harry Eustace, who came out here with Addeybb the first year, was going out on his own as a trainer.”

The Australian audience would know the last name Eustace, with Harry being the brother to David Eustace-training partner of the Ciaron Maher juggernaut. Before taking out his own trainer’s licence, Harry was an assistant trainer to Haggas.

“I thought there might be an opportunity there and obviously, Haggas is one of the biggest trainers in Newmarket and, in my opinion, one of the best. I started with Haggas two days after I finished Flying Start in 2020."

Paul is not wrong about Haggas being one of best trainers at Newmarket from his Somerville Lodge stables, Haggas has saddled up seven Classic winners and trained the likes of Champion gallopers Baaeed (GB), the ill-fated but supremely talented Sea Of Class (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) and of course Addeybb (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}).

Paul shared what her typical day is at Somerville Lodge, “I ride out most mornings, but I am mainly doing the board and office work and racing a lot.

“We can have up to 200 horses in at any one time, so it is a pretty big operation.

“But when I first started with Haggas, I worked a of couple months while Harry was still there, it was great, and it is experience I use now when travelling internationally. I know how to feed them properly, treat and bandage wounds properly, all those little things you wouldn’t necessarily know unless somebody teaches you."

Trip three to Australia

Twenty-twenty three marks the third time Paul has visited Australia. The first time was with Godolphin Flying Start in 2020 where she was based in Aberdeen, New South Wales.

Paul returned in 2021 with the star chestnut galloper Addeybb, a class horse in both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere, Addeybb had won the G1 Champion S. in Great Britain.

The son of Pivotal (GB) had previously come and conquered Australia in 2020 when he took both the G1 Ranvet S. and the G1 Queen Elizabeth S.

With Paul alongside Addeybb, many would recall his stirring battles with the Champion mare Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) in the 2021 Ranvet S. when the Australasian pin-up girl managed to beat the English galloper before tables where turned in the G1 Queen Elizabeth S. when Addeybb made it back-to-back victories.

Paul jokes, “I kind of feel half Aussie, but I love it here.”

Recalling memories of Addeybb, Paul says he was the perfect gentleman in every way.

She is now back in town with some very classy gallopers that have already made their mark in Sydney, none more than Dubai Honour (Ire) (Pride Of Dubai).

The 5-year-old gelding was a dual Group 2 winner in France and was placed in the G1 Champion S. in 2021.

The stable admits during the season of 2022 the talented son of Pride Of Dubai wasn’t showing his best form; however, a trip to Australia seems to have sparked his enthusiasm for racing, when with Ryan Moore aboard, he blitzed a field that included the multiple Group 1 winners Montefilia (Kermadec {NZ}) and Mo’unga (NZ) (Savabeel) in the G1 Ranvet S.

“He’s (Dubai Honour) is a lot cheekier than Addeybb, he has a lot of character. I started riding him in the winter and I most definitely have a developed a spot for Dubai Honour.

“I had a little cry after he won the Ranvet. I get very nervous and so does the boss. It was a lot of work that has gone into that performance and not just the work we do here, this horse started trotting in the middle of winter, there are a lot of different elements in it and a lot of people who have played a part for what? A minute and half race.”

Paul credits and thanks Harry Eustace for the guidance he showed her during her first Australian foray.

“I will forever be grateful for Harry when he told me, 'Iss, it’s a team sport. Everybody in Australia is always so welcoming and supportive', the first people to congratulate me after winning the Ranvet was Annabel Neasham, Ciaron Maher and James Cummings.”

Anamoe versus Dubai Honour

The victory in the Ranvet set Dubai Honour up for a clash with Godolphin’s Champion Anamoe in the G1 Queen Elizabeth S., which looks to be the swansong of the much admired 4-year-old entire, can Dubai Honour rain on his parade?

When asked how she is going to feel during the clash, Paul is quick to reply “pretty nervous, I think, I remember when Addeybb ran I could barely watch it.

“I will probably be hiding behind somebody and maybe I will watch the last 100 metres.”

Paul admits she loves the camaraderie of the Australian public and how they get behind these ‘clashes’.

“I have seen all over social media, Anamoe, Dubai Honour and Unicorn Lion. It makes it really exciting and adds another element to the sport, at home we are a lot more traditionalist in our approach. I quite like the entertainment of it here in Australia.”

As Paul pointed out there are 13 horses in the race and every horse has a chance, you never know who will bring their A-game come Saturday, it could very well even be Dubai Honour’s stable mate Protagonist (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}).

“It is an honour that we get to come down here and race against the best Australians, I would like the race to be fair and true and may the best horse on the day prevail.”

Future Plans

TDN AusNZ asked the talented horsewoman about her plans; no doubt this experience would hold her in good stead as a trainer.

“Right now, it is just step-by-step, I love working and travelling with these high-class horses, as a trainer in my own right, I likely wouldn’t get that opportunity. We have brought three horses out to Australia this year, including Purpleplay who will run in the G1 Queen of the Turf and all three are very talented just classy horses and that is what I want to be a part of.”

Although, a Dubai Honour upset would no doubt break many hearts, you can’t but feel the urge to cheer Dubai Honour on after speaking to Paul.

Cover image courtesy of Sportpix

Samaready's success brings to mind the many other mares who made great contributions to racing both on and off the track - making it timely to have a look at some of the great race mares who passed on their own outstanding ability to their progeny.

Urban Sea (USA) (Miswaki {USA})

She may have 'only' won one major race, though, but it was one of the very big ones... this well-related half-sister to the G1 2000 Guineas hero King's Best (USA) emerging best from an exciting three-horse battle to take out the 1993 G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.

The winner of another seven races - three in Group company and two at Listed level - Urban Sea (USA) (Misawki {USA}) died, aged 20, in 2009. She left in her wake a legacy.

Eight of Urban Sea's nine foals to race from 11 born were winners and remarkably only one of those failed to earn black type. Seven were stakes winners with Galileo (Ire), Black Sam Bellamy (Ire), My Typhoon (Ire) (Giant's Causeway {USA}) and Sea The Stars (Ire) between them winning 12 Group 1 races.

Twelve times crowned Champion Sire, Galileo won the G1 Epsom Derby, the G1 Irish Derby and the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S. before embarking on an outstanding stud career that has seen him sire 359 stakes winners including 97 Group 1 horses.

Emulating his mother's deeds by taking out the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe and his half-brother by taking out the G1 Epsom Derby, Sea The Stars also won the G1 Irish Champion S., the G1 York International S., the G1 2000 Guineas and the G1 Eclipse S. He too has excelled at stud with 19 Group 1 winners amongst his 104 stakes winners.

Gallery: Some of Urban Sea's (USA) remarkable Group 1-winning progeny

A dual Group 1 winner of the Tattersalls Gold Cup and the Gran Premio del Jockey Club, Black Sam Bellamy sired eight stakes winners whilst the Listed Blenheim S. winner Born To Sea (Ire) - Urban Sea's final foal - has sired six.

Ancestress of another 21 stakes winners including four Group 1 winners including the G1 W.S Cox Plate winner Sir Dragonet (Ire) (Camelot {GB}), Urban Sea is now making her name as a line-breeding subject with the G1 Epsom Derby winner Masar (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}) and the dual Group 1 winner Mac Swiney (Ire) (New Approach {Ire}) both boasting a cross.

Miesque (USA) (Nureyev {USA})

One of the great mares of the turf - the US Hall of Fame member who has races named in her honour in America and France - Miesque (USA) (Nureyev {USA}) won 12 of her 16 starts with 10 of her memorable successes coming at Group 1 level.

And in three countries - France (the Prix Morny, the Prix de la Salamandre, the Prix Marcel Boussac, the Poule d'Essai des Pouliches, the Prix du Moulin de Longchamp, the Prix d'Ispahan and the Prix Jacques Le Marois twice), England (the 1000 Guineas) and America (consecutive runnings of the Breeders' Cup Mile).

The Stavros Niarchos homebred enjoyed a lengthy career at stud, producing 14 foals - 10 of whom raced, six being winners including the triple Group 1 winners Kingmambo (USA) and East Of The Moon (USA) (Private Account {USA}), the Group 3 winner Miesque's Son (USA) and the Listed winner Moon Is Up (USA) (Woodman {USA}).

Five of Miesque's sons have sired stakes winners, Kingmambo leading the way with 24 of his 85 being Group 1 winners whilst her unraced son Judpot (USA) - her final foal - has sired 17 stakes winners including five big-race winners.

Miesque is ancestress of another 30 stakes winners with 10 of those being Group 1 winners... Loves Only You (Jpn) (Deep Impact {Jpn}), Karakontie (Jpn) (Bernstein {USA}), Alpha Centauri (Ire) (Mastercraftsman {Ire}) and Rumplestiltskin (Ire) (Danehill {USA}) all successful at that level on multiple occasions.

Dahlia (USA) (Vaguely Noble {Ire})

A superstar mare who lived to the wonderful age of 31, Dahlia (USA) (Vaguely Noble {Ire}) earned many accolades during a career that saw her win 15 races - nine at Group 1 level... in four different countries: America, England, France and Ireland.

The US and Canadian Hall of Fame member was crowned British Horse of the Year on two occasions and she was the first mare to surpass US$1 million (AU$1.5 million) in earnings.

Producing 13 foals, Dahlia was represented by 11 runners... eight winners, six stakes winners. Her son Dahar (USA) won four Group 1 races in the US and France, going on to sire 12 stakes winners including four Group 1 winners.

Her daughter Rivlia (USA) (Riverman {USA}) was a triple Group 1 winner whilst Delegant (USA) and Dahlia's Dreamer (USA) (Theatrical {ire}) won one each - the former taking out the San Juan Capistrano and the latter the Flower Bowl H.

Dahlia's first foal, the Group 1-placed two-time Group winner Wajd (USA) (Northern Dancer {Can}) produced three stakes winners including the G1 St Leger winner Nedawi (GB), sire of 39 stakes winners including 16 Group 1 horses. And she is the third dam of the New Zealand big-race winner Mission Critical (Fantastic Light {USA}).

Her stakes-placed daughter Dahlia's Image (USA) (Lyphard {USA}) is the grandam of the G1 Ascot Cup winner Rite Of Passage (GB) (Giant's Causeway {USA}) who in 2010 earned the title of European Champion Stayer.

There are another 11 stakes-winning descendants of Dahlia who has races named after her in England and America.

Personal Ensign (USA) (Private Account {USA})

A mare with something rather big in common with Black Caviar (Bel Esprit)... not once did this star American taste defeat; 13 starts, 13 wins... and she overcame the odds to do it.

After winning her first two starts - her maiden by just short of 13l and the first of her eight Group 1s, the Frizette S. Personal Ensign (USA) (Private Account {USA}), after pulling up lame in trackwork, was found to be suffering from a fractured pastern.

With five screws inserted into the bone, she was back at the races eleven months later, winning an allowance race in easy fashion before making her return to stakes racing - taking out the G2 Rare Perfume S. and the G1 Beldame S. before being given another break.

Another six Group 1 victories followed, and it was a big crowd that roared her home to her final victory in G1 Breeders' Cup Distaff in November 1988.

A member of the US Hall of Fame with a race at Saratoga named in her honour, Personal Ensign went on to further title glory in retirement - in 1996 named Kentucky Broodmare of the Year.

A full sister to the dual Group 1 winner Personal Flag (USA), Personal Ensign produced 10 named foals, nine of whom made it to the track - all being winners. She hit the ground running with her first foal being the G1 Belmont Jockey Club Gold Cup winner Miner's Mark (USA) who went on to sire of nine stakes winners.

Her fourth foal was the four-time Group 1 winner My Flag (USA) (Easy Goer {USA}) - in turn dam of Storm Flag Flying (USA) (Storm Cat {USA}), a four-time Group 1 winner named US Champion 2-Year-Old Filly.

Four years later Personal Ensign foaled the G1 Oaklawn H. winner Traditionally (USA) who sired five stakes winners. Another three of her progeny were stakes placed and she is ancestress of another 29 stakes winners including the Group 1 winners Mr Speaker (USA) - sire of two Group 1 winners - and Seeking The Soul (USA) (Perfect Soul {Ire}).

Darara (Ire) (Top Ville {Ire})

There wasn't much to Darara (Ire) (Top Ville {Ire}), hence her short racing career - but what racegoers did see of her was impressive, the half-sister to the G1 French Derby winner Darshaan (GB) from just six starts winning three races including the G1 Prix Vermeille and the G3 Prix Vermeille.

Taking her place - finishing sixth - in a particularly strong running of the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe won by Dancing Brave (USA), Darara was the highest-rated European 3-year-old filly over distance and if not for her delicate constitution we may well have seen more of her.

As it was, she was retired to stud - foaling 12 foals, 11 runners, 10 winners. Doing a great job in a career hindered by issues... prior to an issue with her fallopian tubes being diagnosed she missed four breeding seasons.

Before that she had produced the Listed winner Dariyoun (USA), the G1 Ranvet S. winner Darazari (Ire) and the G1 HKJC Queen Elizabeth II Cup winner River Dancer (Ire) (Sadler's Wells {USA})... as well as the Group 1-winning chaser Dardjini (USA) (Nijinsky II {Can}).

And after treatment she was represented by the triple Group 1 winner Dar Re Mi (GB) (Singspiel {Ire}) and the dual Group 1 winner Rewilding (GB) (Tiger Hill {Ire}) who so sadly had to be put down after breaking down as favourite in the G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth S.

Dar Re Mi probably deserves her own story as she has also done a great job at stud with three stakes winners... the triple Group 1 winner Too Darn Hot (GB) who shuttles to Darley, NSW, the Group 2 winner Lah Ti Dar (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}) and the Group 3 winner So Mi Dar (GB) (Dubawi {Ire}).

Darara, who died aged 29 in 2012, is also grandam of the four-time Group winner Darasim (Ire) (Kahyasi {Ire}) and two other stakes winners.