Power's Fleet-Footed Ponntos Dominates Prix du Gros-Chene

Mark Smith - Monday June 3

A 6-year-old son of Oaklands Stud stallion Power(IRE), the reigning Horse of the Year in Czech Republic, Ponntos, made his 2024 bow with a Listed win in Dubai and reeled off three consecutive stakes victory in Europe, culminating with a dominant performance in the Group II Prix du Gros-Chene (5f) on the Prix du Jockey Club undercard at Chantilly.

Ponntos in a class of his own (image Jour de Galop)

Nothing has come any closer than two and a half lengths to Ponntos since winning a Listed race at San Siro in April, followed by a second success in the Group III Prix de Saint-Georges at Longchamp in May.

Ridden by Mickael Barzalona for Miroslav Nieslanik, Ponntos was in a class of his own in the Prix du Gros-Chene, leading at every call to defeat the 4-year-old Zoustar mare Mgheera by two and a half lengths.

With his fifth stakes win, Ponntas advances his record to nine wins, three seconds, and three thirds from 37 starts with earnings of approx. $670,000.

Advertisement

A bargain basement €2,200 Goffs weanling and €6,800 Tattersalls yearling, Ponntos is the best of three winners from as many to race for the winning Bahamian Bounty mare Blessing Box, a sister to Listed winner Bounty Box and stakes-placed Bahamian Box, and a half-sister to stakes-placed Vive Les Rouges (Acclamation), dam of Group II winner and Group 1 Haydock Sprint Cup third, Rohaan.

Group 1 Irish Two Thousand Guineas hero power (Oasis Dream) stands at Oaklands Stud in 2024 for $13,200. 

Advertisment
More Reading...
What Should Breeders Make of This?
When a stallion (who is standing at a fraction of his esteemed peers 2025 fees) leads the 2025 2yo Australian General Sires list by Winners to Runners, what if anything is this signalling to breeders?
Sires With Winners - Monday July 14
Here is the full list of 25 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Qilin Queen First Group Winner for Pinatubo
As a Champion European 2YO by Shamardal, that did not win beyond 1400m, we might have expected Darley shuttler Pinatubo (IRE) to be a sharp juvenile sire, but that has not been the case in the Northern Hemisphere.
Kneebone to Launch Training Career
Tauranga’s race meeting on July 6 marked the beginning of an exciting new venture for Nick Kneebone.
Sires With Winners - Sunday July 13
Here is the full list of 71 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Colt from Aussie Glamour Girl Mosheen Tops JRHA Select Sale - Yearlings
The first day of the 2025 JRHA Select Sale featuring yearlings was held at Northern Horse Park in Hokkaido on Monday and the horse that topped the session is a colt from four time Australian Group I winning mare Mosheen.
Backing Tomorrow’s Leaders: Sunline Trust and Stallion Auction Unite for the Future
On Saturday 26 July, the New Zealand thoroughbred breeding community will gather at the National Breeding Awards — not only to celebrate excellence, but to invest in the future of our people and our industry.
Star Sprinting Mare Olentia Heads to Magic Virtual Sale
Outstanding racemare Olentia will provide buyers from around the globe an incredible opportunity when she is offered at next month's Magic Millions Virtual Sale.
Vale, Leading NZ Administrator Ian Boyland
New Zealand racing has lost a highly respected and popular administrator with the passing of Ian Boyland at the age of 81.
Hong Kong Win for Record Priced Deep Field
Not all expensive colts stay on the right track even when they win a stakes race on debut.