Phoenix Thoroughbreds were celebrating a first homebred success in Australia on Sunday after Farnan ran out an impressive winner at Canberra on debut.
Out of the Dubai-based owners’ Group Three winning mare Tallow, the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained colt crossed the line in splendid isolation five lengths clear of the field and carrying the colours of partners Aquis Farm. It’s a noteworthy result for the Phoenix, who have ambitions to play a significant role in the breeding industry in Australia.
“It’s always great to have a winner, but it’s always extra special when you’ve bred them.” Said Phoenix Thoroughbreds CEO Amer Abdulaziz. “We have big plans for our breeding operation in Australia, so to have a potentially smart winner is a welcome boost. The bloodstock industry in the country is an integral part of our business model and we hope to continue to grow our influence and success in the future. Farnan’s dam, Tallow, is now in foal to The Autumn Sun, fingers crossed she will produce another winner. Congratulations to our partners Aquis on this victory, hopefully, the first of many!”
As for that victory, everything went very smoothly from the moment the colt entered the mounting yard. Taking all the preliminaries in his stride, it was a similar story in the race itself. Under a confident ride by Winona Costin, the pair were content to sit behind the early pacesetter, travelling powerfully and tracking the leader until the top of the straight. There Farnan eased up alongside before hitting the front and moving away under minimal urgings.
“He’s a very kind horse,” said Costin reflecting on the performance. “Even walking behind the barriers, he was nice and relaxed. He stood nicely in the barriers and flew out. The other one just wanted to take up the lead and I was happy to take the sit. He relaxed beautifully there, but when I asked him for an effort, he had a really good turn of foot and I was able to ease him down on the line.”
A step up in class is likely for the son of Not A Single Doubt as connections eye a shot at the A$2million Magic Millions Two-Year-Old Classic.