It can be a daunting task, bringing a horse that hasn’t been tested on land to a stable in Kentucky. But Gainesway Farm is nothing but confidence in their new addition, believe Raging Bull (FR) (Dark Angel {Ire} -Rosa Bonheur, by Mr. Greeley) has a unique combination of traits that will prove irresistible to American breeders.
Sean Tugel of Gainesway Farms said: “We are delighted to have Raging Bull. “Gainesway was really founded bringing millers from Europe here, so we are going back to our roots. Grass races in America continue to grow in stature and Raging Bull is an extremely talented horse, having made 22 starts including 15 Class Is times. His male, the Dark Angel, is respected worldwide as a source of great speed and agility, so I think he fits the mold of a successful stallion. “.
The Raging Bull has only been at Gainesway for a few weeks now, having shipped from Del Mar after the GI Breeders’ Cup Mile, but Tugel said breeders were delighted by what they saw with the strapping compartment.
“From the breeders’ initial looks, they were really excited when he showed up,” says Tugel. “Physically, he is a big, strong horse. He has a lot of legs under him and he has bones and stuff. I think he’s the type of horse you can really imagine in a dirt horse as well as a grass horse and that’s what really distinguishes him from the previous turf horses that have stood in America, his size and range. stature that he exhibits. ”
Carrie Brogden of Machmer Hall was impressed after her first visit to Raging Bull.
“I was really surprised that you didn’t expect such a big and great grass horse,” she explained. “He has size and presence and is mottled from head to toe. He was like a bell and darted up and down the lane when we saw him. He was of size and range, more like an American horse than a European one. I understand why he’s here. He is big and beautiful and anyone who sees him will recognize it.”
Owners Peter Brant and Raging Bull advance to the winners’ circle for the GI Hollywood Derby | Benoit
Archie St. George also shared a similar first impression.
“Raging Bull is a lovely horse,” he said. “He looks unbelievable. Grass racing has become very well received here and he has a lot of quality, presence and power, so I would imagine that he is what the breeders want. ”
The six-year-old fairy, Dark Angel, is a resident of Yeomanstown Stud and is currently at the top of this year’s Europe’s top 2-year-olds list.
“Dark Angel has established his credentials worldwide as a stallion,” notes Tugel. “He has been very successful everywhere else in the world but we have yet to find a truly outstanding son of his in America. This is definitely the first one. He’s a big influence on speed and with the running/sprint genre, so I think bringing that to America is a big plus for every American breeder.”
Bred in France by Dayton Investments Limited, the Raging Bull is the third of several Rosa Bonheur ponies to be staked and is the grandson of Rolly Polly (Ire) (Mukaddamah), an Italian pro in Spain. two weight classes later claimed a pair of classified shares in California for Bobby Frankel.
“On the women’s side, Mr. Greeley has stood here at Gainesway so we love him very much, but it also gives us a lot of hope that he can be a superior stallion and it delivers. a bit of an American feel as well,” explains Tugel. “Raders can easily relate to the line of inspectors Mr. The Raging Bull is a great cross for all American stallions and it is a horse that would fit into many American breeding programs. “
Campaigned by Peter Brant, Raging Bull was the first winner at the age of 3 at Keeneland’s Spring 2018 meet. That summer, intern Chad Brown won in a row at Saratoga in the National Museum of Racing Hall S. and GIII Saranac S. won by half length.
As an older horse, Raging Bull won the GI Shoemaker Mile S. at the age of 4 and the GI Maker’s Mark Mile S. at the age of 5, scoring 106 Beyer Speed Figures in the final victory of his career.
“This year’s The Maker’s Mark Mile was an excellent race and really showed his determination,” said Tugel. “He knits in and out of the horse and has really good speed. To show off in the spring and beat a field of talent in front of all the breeders really put his career at the forefront. ”
Retired top performer with over $1.7 million in earnings after winning or entering 12 ranked competitions during his three-year career, including a runner-up attempt MGISW Got Stormy (Get Stormy) in Fourstardave H. 2019 as well as a second place performance against Ivar (Brz) (Agnes Gold {Jpn}) at GI Shadwell Turf Mile S.
NSBull grows old alone in GI Shoemaker Mile S. | Benoit
“It’s incredible that a horse can maintain that level I for so many seasons,” Tugel said. “To have that competitive will and keep showing up hour by hour and lining up for 15 Class I races takes a lot of heart and a lot of strength. He showed up and tried one at a time. He had seven three-digit Beyer Speed Numbers. It is a horse of will, determination and strength, and that is often what separates pawns. “
Tugel said when Gainesway was approached by owner Peter Brant about the possibility of stopping at Raging Bull when he retired, the farm jumped at the opportunity.
“He is on the list of many farms and we have been following him for a long time. Millers makes great stallions and he’s been someone who has tried to be consistent throughout his career. Sound is what we need in our breed and also what he delivers, having made 22 career starts over multiple seasons. ”
Raging Bull will have a fee of $10,000 in 2022.
“He was very well received,” said Tugel. “Everybody loved him when he got out of the cage. He is one of those horses that captures your imagination. The fact that he ran in the Breeders Cup and was then shipped right in and still looks as good as he is, that’s why he ran 22 times and was able to hold it. The same level he showed on the track, he showed here at Gainesway. “
