Perry’s graduates world beaters

Men have been knighted for less but the 2003 England adventure Newcastle trainer Paul Perry took on with star sprinter Choisir changed course of Australian racing on both sides of the world.

It was commonly thought that European horses were superior to Australian counterparts prior to the trip whether it be sprinters or stayers.

Chosir showed up for the Group 2 2003 King Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot on June 17 and was dismissed as a serious contender and started 25-1.

After he won he was given a more respect at his next start in the Group 1 2003 Golden Jubilee (1200m) four days later at the same track.

At 13-2 he won again and suddenly Choisir, considered in the top five in Australia, opened the path for subsequent successful ventures by Takeover Target, Miss Andretti, Starspangledbanner, Haradasun, Scenic Blast and So You Think.

But it wasn’t just on the race track were Choisir opened eyes.

Shuttle sires from England had been frequenting Australian shores for over 10 years but their wasn’t any reciprical action with Australian stallions who were left at home.

Choisir, bought by Coolmore Stud, stood in both Australia and Ireland with limited success.

But the idea was now set that Australian sprinters in particular were good enough.

Today it is another Paul Perry trained galloper who has been getting most of the action.

Ten-year-old Fastnet Rock is officially the busiest shuttle stallion in the world.

The dual Group 1 winner never ventured to England but his quality was recognized by Coolmore who again took out the cheque book.

Fastnet Rock covered 214 mares at a fee of $132,000 during the southern hemisphere season in Australia and 150 mares during his second shuttle trip to Ireland in 2011.

That is a massive 364 mares covered and the maths on the service fee suggest Coolmore are getting value for money.

Fastnet Rock, a son of Danehill and Piccadilly Circus, is the sire of 24 stakes winners including eight at Group 1 level.

His Group 1 winners are Atlantic Jewel, Wanted, Mosheen, Lone Rock, Rock Classic, Irish Lights and New Zealand gallopers Planet Rock and  Rock N Pop.

His first European crop are yearlings and he is set to stand his third Irish season at Coolmore at a private fee.

 

 

 

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