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posted on 29 July, 2023

Horse Of The Year to Lucky Sweynesse

The New Zealand thoroughbred breeding fraternity came together on Saturday 23 July to celebrate a stellar season of elite-level achievements at the Property Brokers National Breeding Awards at Karapiro.

New Zealand breeders produced 35 individual Group One winners across Australia, Hong Kong and New Zealand over the past 12 months.

The Seton Otway Horse of the Year was Lucky Sweynesse, with the Hong Kong superstar the highest-rated sprinter in the world. Bred by Paul Dombroski, Luigi Muollo’s Explosive Breeding Ltd and Allan Sharrock, Lucky Sweynesse’ dam Madonna Mia was voted the Eight Carat Broodmare of the Year.

Novara Park’s Luigi Muollo couldn’t attend the awards as he is in the United States at present, but was represented by Don Edwards who accepted Group One breeder trophies for both Explosive Jack and Lucky Sweynesse, with the latter voted Horse of the Year.

“Luigi would have loved to have been here tonight,” Edwards said. “This is what he is trying to achieve and he has got there so it is onwards and upwards for him.

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St James Timeform

Says of King of Comedy :

King Of Comedy put in an outstanding effort to finish second beaten a neck by Champion 3YO Miler in France Circus Maximus and half a length ahead of Champion 3YO Colt in Europe 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.

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."

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."

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!”