Farnan sired 14 first crop winners last season to be leading first season sire by winners and his first two runners on Friday both came out and won at Kembla giving him the perfect start to a new racing year.
First to salute for Farnan was our ‘One to Watch’ – Ninja bolting in by 11 lengths in the Myracehorse colours, click to read about him.
Later in the day the Peter Snowden trained gelding Johnny made it a winning debut when charging home for Andrew Adkins along the inside to win the 1000m maiden by a length and a half.
With six trials under his belt, Johnny was certainly well educated and showed the benefit of that to score with authority as a well backed favourite.
A $150,000 Magic Millions purchase from Kia Ora Stud for Snowden Racing, Johnny runs for an all women ownership group that look as though they will be rewarded for their patience.
Bred by Kia Ora/ TFI, Johnny is the first foal of Amuri, a metro winning half-sister by Zoustar to Group III winner Thurlow and stakes-winner Three Kings from stakes-winner Princess Emmy.
Amuri was on-sold in 2024 through Inglis Digital in foal to Farnan again for $155,000 to Twin Hills Stud and produced a full sister to Johnny last spring.
Farnan has had a deserved fee increase at Kia Ora Stud and stands for $77,000.