Plenty of Praise for Progeny of Ribchester

As the flat racing season starts to get into swing in Europe, along with preparations for the Breeze-Up sales, it is certainly encouraging to hear the chatter on the first crop of two-time Champion Miler and 4-time G1 winner RIBCHESTER (IRE) (Iffraaj) as we await the arrival of his first New Zealand foals this spring.

Breeze-up consignor Roger Marley has a team of 40 juveniles in work and had this to say about the RIBCHESTER 2YO’s:

“I have a scopey RIBCHESTER filly who came from Goffs and she takes your eye out with her movement. She’s a lovely filly with a really good action and there’s a bit of chat about RIBCHESTER. Everyone who has one seems to like them.” – Roger Marley, Church Farm & Horse Park Stud.

And bloodstock agent Ross Doyle is also very complimentary when it comes to what he has seen and heard of RIBCHESTER’s first crop.

“The feedback coming from Richard Hannon and other places that I have them is that they have got lovely temperaments and carry themselves well. They seem to be showing all the right signs.” – Ross Doyle.

RIBCHESTER stood his first season at Haunui Farm in 2020 having stood for two seasons at Darley’s Kelvinside in Australia. The best son of IFFRAAJ (GB) (Zafonic) on the racetrack, the sire line has enjoyed outstanding success in recent seasons through WOOTTON BASSETT (IRE) (Iffraaj) – who was a high-priced acquisition for Coolmore – and the progeny of his Champion, ALMANZOR, have certainly set Southern Hemisphere sale rings a light this season.

Haunui Farm’s Mark Chitty says, “We were lucky enough to have a cracking RIBCHESTER colt born at the farm this season and, we offered a colt by him at Karaka that fetched $220,000 and will go to Chris Waller. All I can say is, if he leaves them all like them, we will be very happy indeed.

“To hear the word out of Europe gives us plenty of confidence as well.  We had heard some tid bits at Karaka from different sources but to read what these guys have been saying in the TDN, is certainly vey encouraging and puts a spring in our step as we look toward the 2021 season.”