150th SW for Champion sire Fastnet Rock

Tara Madgwick - Sunday October 27

Coolmore's champion sire Fastnet Rock sired his 150th stakes-winner on Saturday when progressive three year-old Sherwood Forest won the Group III War Decree stakes at Riccarton in New Zealand.

Sherwood Forest - Race ImagesSherwood Forest been touted as a serious contender for the Group I Al Basti Equiworld New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) in a fortnight and his admirers would have been well satisfied with his latest performance.

Settled well back by rider Troy Harris after missing away slightly at the jump, the Tony Pike-trained galloper was still spotting the leaders a conservative six lengths as the field approached the home bend.

Harris peeled Sherwood Forest to the centre of the track where a few huge bounds carried him to the front before he stalled off all challengers to win the one mile feature by a length.

Pike stable representative Dean Williams was delighted with the run as a final lead-up to the upcoming Group I challenge.

“It is fair to say I was a bit nervous when he was slow away,” Williams said.

“Troy got him some cover and then plenty of clear air and he was a touch too good for them.

“We are down here now; he is well and we know he loves the mile.”

TAB Bookmakers responded by tightening Sherwood Forest into an $8 second favourite for the 2000 Guineas.

A $100,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Coolmore draft for New Zealand Bloodstock, Sherwood Forest has won two of six starts and was foaled and raised at Coolmore.

A full brother to stakes-winner Royal Ocean, he is from Chasing Mammon, a half-sister by Giant’s Causeqay to stakes-winner Zelsnitz from the family of dual Group I winner and leading sire Holy Roman Emperor.

Chasing Mammon has a yearling colt by Starspangledbanner and has foaled this spring producing a colt by Fastnet Rock’s champion son Merchant Navy.


 

Advertisment

Race Result - War Decree Stakes Gr3 1600m

Riccarton Park Track: Dead(6) Time: 1:38.39
1
Sherwood Forest
- 3g Fastnet Rock (AUS) x Chasing Mammon (AUS) (Giant's Causeway (USA))
Tnr: A W Pike Rdr: T N Harris 56.5
Fastnet Rock
2
0.8
Chuck A Luck
- 3g Niagara (AUS) x Boomchuckalucka (NZ) (Catbird (AUS))
Tnr: M & M Pitman Rdr: K Chowdhoory 56.5
3
1.0
All About Magic
- 3f Showcasing (GB) x Rosecroft (NZ) (Montjeu (IRE))
Tnr: M & M Pitman Rdr: S R Weatherley 54.5
4
1.5
Sorceress
- 3f Showcasing (GB) x Gelinda (NZ) (Generous (IRE))
Tnr: Andrew Carston Rdr: C W Johnson 54.5
5
1.7
Hot Tap
- 3f Proisir (AUS) x Mrs Tappy (NZ) (One Cool Cat (USA))
Tnr: K & I Taplin Rdr: J J Fawcett 54.5
6
2.7
Bronte Beach
- 3f Reliable Man (GB) x Bronte Lass (AUS) (Stravinsky (USA))
Tnr: S B Marsh Rdr: A Comignaghi 54.5
7
3.7
Aotea Lad
- 3g Savabeel (AUS) x Corsage (NZ) (Volksraad (GB))
Tnr: J W Richards Rdr: J D Laking 56.5
8
4.0
Lightning Jack
- 3g Per Incanto (USA) x La Petite (NZ) (Savabeel (AUS))
Tnr: K & A Tyler Rdr: C A Campbell 56.5
9
5.4
Charlie Awesome
- 3g Tavistock (NZ) x Sweet Charlotte (NZ) (Volksraad (GB))
Tnr: S B Marsh Rdr: S L Wynne 56.5
10
5.7
Woodcote Lass
- 3f Showcasing (GB) x Lady Woodcote (GB) (Pivotal (GB))
Tnr: S R Autridge Rdr: T R Moseley 54.5
11
6.5
Feel The Rush
- 3f Proisir (AUS) x Zabex (AUS) (Zabeel (NZ))
Tnr: K & A Tyler Rdr: K Asano 54.5
12
6.6
Far Site
- 3f Makfi (GB) x Perfect Vision (NZ) (High Chaparral (IRE))
Tnr: N F Ridley Rdr: L Callaway 54.5
13
22.6
The Tailors Niece
- 3f Showcasing (GB) x Kelly Jane (NZ) (Decies (GB))
Tnr: J G Bary Rdr: Ms K Williams 54.5
More Reading...
One to Watch – Curragh
He’s a Coolmore homebred blueblood, but sired by Darley’s champion stallion Dubawi and Officer opened his stakes account overnight at The Curragh winning the Listed Tetrarch Stakes (1m).
Sires With Winners - Monday May 5
Here is the full list of 20 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
More G1 Success for Fastnet Rock’s Avantage
A Champion 2YO that won the Karaka Million in 2018, quality Fastnet Rock mare Avantage again showed her class at Trentham on Saturday when scoring a determined victory in the Group I JR & N Berkett Telegraph (1200m) defeating Enzo’s Lad, who had won the previous two editions of the prestigious sprint.
Widden Stud Sell $775,000 Too Darn Hot Colt
Widely tipped as a likely sale-topper at the Inglis Australian Weanling Sale, the Widden Stud consigned Too Darn Hot (GB) colt from Enbihaar did not disappoint when fetching $775,000.
100th National Yearling Sale to Debut New Format
Karaka 2026 will mark the 100th anniversary of the National Yearling Sales in New Zealand, a significant milestone to celebrate.
Westbury Stud Announce 2025 Fees
Westbury Stud is pleased to announce the 2025 service fees for its high performing stallion roster, providing breeders with an accessible source of proven bloodlines at excellent value.
$1million Fastnet Rock Colt Chasing Karaka Million 3YO
Victorian trainer David Hayes will be in New Zealand later this week as he puts the finishing touches on three-year-old colt Conqueror ahead of Saturday’s $1 million Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m).
Godolphin Make Their Move
The first two days at Magic Millions were without a Godolphin purchase, but they moved swiftly in the first hour of trade on Friday to secure two fillies by Fastnet Rock and Snitzel for $600,000 each.
Nicks That Click – Looks Like This One Has Worked Again
This nick involving two champion sires is well proven and documented with a two year-old winner last Saturday appearing as the latest example.
First Season Highlights – These Guys Made an Impression
The Inglis Australian Weanling Sale gave buyers the opportunity to have a first look at the progeny of a new crop of  first season sires and the big banger of the group duly produced the highest priced baby from this cohort of sires.