“He strikes us as a real classic stallion. He gets a very good type and is a total outcross with his pedigree free of the major European forces like Sadler’s Wells, Galileo, Montjeu, Danehill, Green Desert, Invincible Spirit, Danehill Dancer, and Dubawi.
“We are thrilled that he is coming to Coolmore and are very excited about what he might achieve when paired with our Galileo mares,” stated Coolmore spokesman David O’Loughlin.
The above quote explains succinctly why Coolmore have outlaid a no doubt eye-watering sum to purchase upwardly mobile French stallion, Wootton Bassett (Iffraaj).
The breeding powerhouse have no shortage of Sadler’s Wells and Danehill bloodlines at their disposal and their brains trust must have been mulling over for quite some time the age-old question, “Where do we go next?”
Clearly they’ve seen Wootton Bassett as the answer to that question and their conclusion is not exactly surprising given that the son of Iffraaj has shown a remarkable ability in the last year or so to throw class and to throw that desirable quality consistently. To date he’s produced 106 winners, including 15 SWs and another 12 stakes-placed performers.
So what does this all mean for the kiwi breeder? Well, Almanzor now looks a much safer bet than he did when he arrived and full marks to Cambridge Stud for what was then a courageous decision to stand him.
Turn Me Loose has his first juveniles out and about this season. As his dam is bred on the Danehill – Sadler’s Wells cross, it will be very interesting to see how his youngsters perform.
Ribchester, the winner of four Group 1s in Europe, begins his third SH season at Haunui next week. At $15,000 he will no doubt attract many of our most commercial mares. Inbred to Nureyev, and featuring the highly successful Nureyev – Last Tycoon cross he must be a very strong chance to make a significant impact down here.
Jon Snow’s first foals are arriving about now and Wyndspelle is about to begin his first season at stud. Both Group 1 winning sons of Iffraaj are at bargain fees. Wyndspelle stands at $5000; ATC Derby winner Jon Snow is at $3750.
Wyndspelle features the Iffraaj – Sadler’s Wells cross which Coolmore are hoping to build on; Jon Snow has a similar pedigree to Ribchester. Inbred to Nureyev, he has the Nureyev – Last Tycoon nick as well.
Interesting times.
