First Seal, the charimastic mare
Euphoria swept across Sydney’s Rosehill Gardens racecourse as the frustration of First Seal being side lined for 315 days was washed away when the reigning NSW Horse of the Year smashed a race record when making a winning reappearance in 2016.
The hulking mare set the tone for a wonderful start to the Year of the Monkey for the China Horse Club which also included Press Statement saluting in the $A400,000 G2 Crc Hobartville Stakes (1400m) on the same program.
But it was the charismatic mare First Seal who stole hearts and sent heads swimming. One of the darlings of Australian racing, her record as the premier filly or mare of last season was largely overshadowed by the emergence of Winx last spring but the reappearance of the talismanic mare ensures the sport clearly has two heroines to enjoy.
China Horse Club Chairman Teo Ah Khing
China Horse Club Chairman Teo Ah Khing was on hand to enjoy the success of both First Seal and Press Statement, flying into Sydney this morning to throw his support behind the pair.
“We have always believed in First Seal and the team behind her led by John Thompson. Today is about them and I know all of the syndicate are delighted for First Seal, John and his team,” he said.
Trainer, John Thompson
“2016 is the Year of the Monkey and it is a very auspicious year for our horses. We want to thank all of our members for being patient and for supporting First Seal while she was recuperating. Your support has not been forgotten and today it has been rewarded. Keep believing, First Seal will continue justifying your support in the G1 Canterbury Stakes in two weeks time.”
Trainer John Thompson couldn’t hide his emotion after the win breaking into tears when thanking connections for supporting him with this champion mare when first setting up his stable. The quietly spoken trainer was granted the opportunity of being the first to select from a pool of China Horse Club yearlings in 2013 and has never hidden his fondness for the bay from the first time he laid eyes on her.
First Seal franked his judgement when sweeping aside all comers with back to back wins in the G2 Tea Rose Stakes and G1 Flight Stakes in her first real preparation before streeting rivals in the G2 Surround Stakes 12 months ago in her second preparation before successive narrow defeats in G1 races. That was a precursor to First Seal being crowned NSW Horse of the Year, NSW Three-Year-Old of the Year and Queen of the Autumn only for expectations for last spring to go into a tailspin when veterinary surgeon Jonathan Lumsden found an abscess in a hind hoof which required immediate surgery. The obscure injury was patiently handled by Thompson and Randwick Equine Centre veterinarians before the mare spelled at Think Big Stud ahead of her return to Thompson’s stable in 2016.
“It is relief. It was very good,” Thompson said after the Millie Fox Stakes.
Jockey, Blake Shinn
“We sat down about an hour before the race and I said to [jockey] Blake [Shinn] don’t panic just ride her to hit the line, we know she will improve off this run. I have to say I was a little worried at the 800m but they were getting along at a good speed and she got it done.
“She will definitely go to the Canterbury Stakes now and we will see after that. But first things first we will get through today. Top quality goes a long way.
“It is an honour to train for the [connections]. I would like to thank Dato [Tan Chin Nam] for recommending me to Mr Teo to give me horses to train.”
First Seal may be a set on an autumn program which will take in three success G1 races. However, Thompson wasn’t being drawn into future targets, savouring today’s success with connections and his favourite mare.
If you would like to learn more about the China Horse Club exclusive membership offer, please contact Mr. Eden Harrington or Ms. Fu Peipei. We look forward to hearing from you.
Mr. Eden HARRINGTON eden@chinahorseclub.com (Hp no : +65 93769968)
Ms. FU Peipei peipei@chinahorseclub.com (Hp no : +86 18600929029)