It’s a rare Jeff Smith colored dog that hasn’t been bred at his successful Littleton Stud nursery in Hampshire, but shopping around for new bloodlines can pay breeders dividends, and in case Alcohol-free (Ire)really had great dividends.
Four years ago, the weaning daughter of No, never caught the eye of David Bowe, Littleton Stud manager at the Goffs November Sale, where it was purchased from breeder Churchtown Stud for €40,000. By the time the four-time Group 1 winner exited her second round of the sale, this time at the Tattersalls December Sale, it was easy to predict that she would be multiple times the number. there.
While other aspirs were meeting their own sales deals, young Alcohol Free only showed up during the Littleton Stud longing parade, where one of Smith’s trainers quickly raised his hand. in the hope of training her. Recalling the day he first saw his next steady star, Andrew Balding said, “You don’t know what you’re going to get. [sent]but you get a chance to whisper in David Bowe’s ear and say, look, I really like No, never dirty. And luckily, I did and she finally made it to us. She was actually one of Jeff’s later guys, but as soon as she walked in, it took about two pieces of work and she was ready to run. “
By August, Alcohol Free had arrived at Balding’s local airport, Newbury, for its launch.
He continued, “She is extremely impressive, having shown some good abilities at home. But we just really scratched the surface with her homework. “
Straight into the same group company, Alcohol Free trailed Happy Romance (Ire) in her next start in G3 Dick Poole Fillies’ S. career” by winning G1 Cheveley Park S.
It was just the first of Alcohol Free’s four Group 1 wins, with the next two coming to her at the age of three, at the S. Coronation and then the particularly powerful renewal of the S. Sussex S. at Goodwood, where she beat 2,000 Guineas winners Poetic Flare (Ire) and G1 Falmouth S. celebrate Snow Lantern (GB).
Many owners may have assumed that a two-and-three team 1 winner was more than enough for a little girl who has shown her merits to be a coveted addition to any home. any broodmare band, but, athletically, Smith decided to roll the dice and keep Alcohol-free in training at the age of four. It was an inspiring decision, because not only did she win again at the top level, but in doing so she displayed great flexibility and a killer foot spin when back from a mile to win the July championship. Behind her are Godolphin’s Navy Crown (GB) and Creative Forces (Ire), and Australian racer Artorius (Aus), who finished the first three in a month’s G1 Platinum Jubilee S. before that, give the shape a solid rock. feel.
“I think it’s unusual for Alcohol Free to win Group 1s in 2, 3 and 4, but to win 4 is significant, and not only is it clear that Cheveley Park and Coronation Stakes are only for the players. dish, which then adds the Sussex Bet and the July Cup – I mean, it’s a rare group of races,” Balding said. “And I don’t think there is another horse that achieves four of those. That is an extraordinary achievement. “
Looking forward to the next stage in her career, he added, “I think what makes Alcohol Free such a compelling proposition in particular is the fact that she was clearly incredibly good throughout her career. its training. Her race record shows it. She’s just the most beautiful sport horse, with a deep girth and great shoulders for her, and a great walker. And she has a real presence, so with all of that added up, I think you couldn’t wish for a more interesting lead as a broodmare. “
He continued, “She is the daughter of perhaps one of the most interesting young males in the world, whose progeny statistics get better and better each year, as well as no more Spin hard mare. She is a half-sister with a horse of a very good group in France, and it is a good family back and forth. All of that makes it a very attractive page to look at in the catalog. “
There are sure to be plenty of potential buyers who would agree with Balding’s point of view when perusing the catalog and her appearance in the 1904 lot-like ring in Scepter Sessions of the Tattersalls December ‘Sale, offering a Alcohol Free’s last chance to shine was for Balding, as she was consigned by his Park House Stables on behalf of Littleton Stud.
“It’s fun to do anything with her,” he said. “And she was just a good horse. I mean, seeing her work in the morning demoralizes anyone who has to work with her. But it’s always incredibly rewarding to see really good horses in action, and she very rarely puts in a bad piece. She always shows her natural ability at work and does it with ease. So we’ll miss that, and we’ll have a job to replace her. “
