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posted on 19 August, 2020

First foal for Staphanos

The first foal by Staphanos, a son of global sire sensation Deep Impact, has arrived.

Bred by Andrew Burton and Linda Hunt, Novara Park report the filly out of Sepoy mare Hirondelle is a strong ,correct foal with good bone and a lot of presence and an encouraging start to her sire’s stud career.

Staphanos, a multiple Group One performer in Japan and Hong Kong, served 108 mares in his first season.

He was ranked consistently as one of Japan’s top racehorses over four consecutive seasons. He retired with prize-money earnings of $6.2m making him the highest stake earner at stud in New Zealand.

“Deep Impact has been the World’s Leading Stallion by progeny earnings from 2013 to 2020,” Novara Park owner Luigi Muollo said. “The Japanese racehorses cleaned up at the Melbourne Spring Carnival winning the Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup, Cantala and Toorak.

“They continued on their dominance at the Hong Kong International Meeting in December winning three out of the four Group One races. Last month Deep Impact filly Fancy Blue won the Group One Prix Di Diane in France and the Group One Nassau Stakes in England.

“We hope and dream for the progeny of a stallion to be stamped by them and that’s what we got. Deep Impact quality”.

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St James Timeform

Says of King of Comedy :

His performance was so blatantly eye-catching that Timeform labelled King of Comedy the best rated 3yo in Europe. The sectional breakdown of the race showed that King Of Comedy finished fastest of all. He also covered at least 3 metres more than Circus Maximus and Too Darn Hot.

RaceNet - www.racenet.com.au/profiles/horse/press-statement

Says of Press Statement :

Given that it has won at Group One level and has amassed $1,832,275 in career earnings, Press Statement is regarded as an elite class of racehorse.

Hugh Bowman - Jockey

Says of Sweynesse :

"I was really pleased with First Seal but full credit to Sweynesse, I thought I had the race in my keeping. My filly wasn’t dying on her run but the colt picked me up and put me away."

Henry Plumptre - Managing Director of Darley Australia.

Says of Sweynesse :

"These three colts are the best colts this year and there is probably a half-length
between them. It is fantastic."

Michael Cox - Former South China Morning Post and now The Age racing writer saw Staphanos in the flesh on the track and in his impressive morning workouts

Says of Staphanos :

"Staphanos is a horse of substance, mixing toughness and a no-nonsense temperament in a career in which he raced and beat some of the best Japan had to offer. What a coup by Luigi Muollo and Novara Park to secure this stallion and what an incredible opportunity for New Zealand breeders to send mares to such a highly credentialed son of Deep Impact. He has the looks, pedigree and racetrack performances to be a hit at stud. He could be a real game changer and just the type of stallion New Zealand needs."

Hideaki Fujiwara - Champion Trainer Japan

Says of Staphanos :

“Staphanos had outstanding ability showing speed and stamina. He was mentally and physically tough. I expect his progeny to be the same!”