Speckled light showers a green field at Sledmere Stud and unveils the first foal of the new season in Australia for the China Horse Club. A filly by star sire Zoustar potters around behind her mother, former crack race mare Nurse Kitchen. Transitioning quickly from wabbly legs to more confidents steps, it is a process that will be repeated night after night at Sledmere Stud and at farms all across Australia over the ensuing months.
This little filly, silhouetted in the light, has much in her favour. Like many planned matings from the China Horse Club’s operation, she has the benefit of a quality pedigree as a foundation for her future racing career. Her dam, Nurse Kitchen, demonstrated her inherent talent when sweeping home to annex the G2 P.W. Glass Fillies Classic (1600m) at only her third career start. The striking mare franked that form at her next preparation when coming from an impossible position to fall a stride short when second in the G1 Vinery Stud Stakes.
Time will tell if this little filly can match or better the performances of both her dam and her sire. It is a journey that will unfold with great anticipation. But for now, there is little more to worry about than exploring her new world and understanding her place within it.
In 2020, China Horse Club will have more than 60 mares foal down in Australia this spring. Among a long list of blueblood matings there are a few of particular interest. The first Australian bred foals of Justify will arrive this spring and China Horse Club ensured their former race star was supported by quality broodmares. Radiant, a half-sister to the exceptional racehorse and now outstanding broodmare Camarilla, is from one of the premier families in the Australian studbook. Bethsaida, an Irish born daughter of champion sire Dubawi, is also in foal to the undefeated US Triple Crown winner.
Expectations are also high for Crystal Flute who is in foal to Pierro and G2 winner French Fern who is carrying an Exceed and Excel foal. Crystal Flute is a winning daughter of Monsoon Wedding and is from what is arguably the most significant family in Australia right now, the Shantha’s Choice line which has generated stars like Redoute’s Choice, Manhattan Rain, Shoals, Al Maher and Rubick.
If you would like to learn more about the China Horse Club exclusive membership offer, please email your inquiry to horses@chinahorseclub.com