28 Feb February ’25 Round-Up
February marks the beginning of a new covering season, and Starfield Stud has proudly unveiled its latest stallion, Aesop’s Fables. The five-year-old son of No Nay Never, trained by Aidan O’Brien, showcased his talent early by winning the Group 2 Futurity Stakes at The Curragh as a two-year-old. As a three-year-old, he placed in the prestigious Group 1 Prix de l’Abbaye at Longchamp before competing at Santa Anita’s Breeders’ Cup meeting, where he finished a commendable third in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. Aesop’s Fables concluded his racing career at four with a victory in the Listed Sole Power Stakes, followed by multiple Group race appearances before retiring to stud. His transition to stallion duties was brokered by JS Bloodstock, and he has garnered high praise during the Stallion Trails. With strong interest from breeders, his book is filling up rapidly for the season ahead.
In the sales ring, Billy made a significant purchase at the Tattersalls February Online Sale, securing the top lot for clients Moigne Combe Stud. Red Maids, a well-bred daughter of Invincible Spirit out of the black-type mare Desert Blossom (Shamardal), was acquired for 64,000 Guineas. Plans are already in place for her to visit the exciting sire New Bay this year.
On the track, Crack On Boys made an emphatic statement in his second career start, winning impressively by four and a quarter lengths. The son of Cracksman, trained by Tom Clover for The Galivanters, was a €35,000 purchase from San Antone Lodge at the Tattersalls Ireland Breeze-Up Sale and looks to have a bright future ahead.
Another success story came in the form of Rogue Lightning, who kicked off his season with a win in the Group 3 Dukhan Sprint at Al Uqda in Qatar. Billy originally sourced him from the Tattersalls Craven Breeze-Up Sale for 42,000 Guineas on behalf of Tom Clover and Rogues Gallery. As a two-year-old, Rogue Lightning showed promise, placing second in the Listed Rose Bowl Stakes at Newbury. Since then, he has achieved multiple Listed and Group performances, attracting significant interest. He recently changed ownership, now racing in the colors of Wathnan Racing while continuing under the care of Tom Clover. His sale at the Goffs QIPCO Champions Day Sale for £1 million, secured by Blandford Bloodstock, underscores his immense potential and continued upward trajectory.
In broader racing news, the European Pattern Committee has announced its amendments for the 2025 season, with some notable upgrades. The City of York Stakes at York has been elevated from a Group 2 to a Group 1, making it only the second all-age Group 1 over seven furlongs in Europe, alongside the Prix de la Forêt. This well-deserved promotion is a testament to the relentless efforts of the team at York Racecourse, who have long championed this race’s elevation.
Additionally, British Champions Day at Ascot will now feature five Group 1 races, with the Long Distance Cup upgraded from Group 2 to Group 1 status. This move further enhances the prestige of the end-of-season championship fixture, solidifying its position as one of the premier days in the international racing calendar.
However, not all developments in European racing are positive. Italy’s racing industry continues to struggle, with 11 races downgraded in status. Once a powerhouse that produced legends such as Nearco and Ribot, Italian racing has seen a steady decline in quality and influence. The ongoing downturn is a concern for the sport as a whole and we can only hope that the country’s rich racing heritage finds a way to reignite its former glory rather than fading into obscurity.
With the covering season in full swing, high-profile sales, and thrilling developments on the racing front, 2025 promises to be another fascinating year for the industry. Whether at the breeding sheds, the sales ring, or on the track, the sport continues to evolve, offering fresh narratives and exciting prospects for all involved.