'Moments like that are what it's all about' - Royal Ascot star Cercene a boost for Baroda's September draft

If you asked racehorse owners what their dream would be, a Royal Ascot winner would be top of the list for a significant proportion of respondents.

The Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale, which starts on Tuesday, will be teeming with agents and trainers whose simple instructions will be, 'Find me a Royal Ascot winner' as three of this year's Group 1s at the meeting were won by horses bought at the auction.

Baroda Stud consigned one of the trinity – Cercene, who triumphed in the Coronation Stakes – and the consigning element of the business, which is run by David and Tamso Cox, will be first port of call for many of those at Fairyhouse this coming week looking to unearth another like Joe Murphy's filly.

David Cox says: "The team has been working hard at home here and we're ready to kick off the sale. We've had a super year with more than 25 individual two-year-old winners so far, and Cercene winning a Group 1 at Royal Ascot was a real highlight.

"Cercene was bred here for China Horse Club and we all got a great kick out of her win, from Kitty who foaled her to Brian who nurtured her and Eliza who prepped her. It was special for all the team along the way and moments like that are what it's all about."

The special bond between the team and the horses they have foaled and raised was apparent at Leopardstown last weekend, when Cercene contested the Group 1 Matron Stakes. Some of the gang were there to see their star race for the first time in Ireland since becoming a Group 1 winner.

Padraic Gahan, Baroda manager, says: "I was there with a couple of people from the farm and they were at the parade ring with their phones videoing her because they have the connection you get from working with them all along. They have a connection that's hard to replace."

The care and dedication of the Baroda team to the horses, whether they are foaled and raised at the farm outside Newbridge, County Kildare, arrive there for prep or are met at the sales, is a major factor in the success of their horses on the track.

Baroda has 45 horses scheduled to go through the ring over the three days, with 37, the vast majority, in Part 1.

Padraic Gahan and David Cox of Baroda StudCredit: Amy Lynam

Cox says: "We'd like to think there's another star among the team we have going to Fairyhouse. It's a great testament to the clients who sell through us and are breeding these winners."

There is one daughter of Australia (Lot 383) in Baroda's draft who could fit the bill and, given the exploits of Cercene, she is a natural starting point for anyone shortlisting fillies. 

A half-sister to a stakes winner and out of a Green Desert half-sister to Grade 1 Yellow Ribbon Stakes winner Megahertz and Heaven Sent, a Group 3 winner who was placed three times at the highest level, she shares similarities with the Coronation Stakes winner.

"Lightning could strike twice!" says Gahan. "When I went to see Tom Monaghan, her owner, at The Cottage Stud, I thought she was very much in the mould of Cercene. I know it's easy to say, but I did mention it to them when I saw her!  

"She's a nice filly and I think he bought a lovely model; she very much reminds me of Cercene. She's a sister to a black-type performer, as was Cercene, and she has a good black-type pedigree. I'd be very hopeful she'll do well."

Among the 37-strong team, there are four yearlings left from the second crop of St Mark's Basilica, whose first runners have timed their form to perfection for those hoping to sell at the autumn auctions.

One of the quartet in particular has caught the attention.

Gahan says: "Lot 348 is a colt out of Beautiful Ending. He's a good colt, medium-sized and a half-brother to a black-type performer. 

"The mare has already shown she can produce a fair type, which he looks to be as well. The two-year-old [Space Blues colt] is with Ken Condon, having made €115,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland Breeze-Up this year, when sold by Longways Stables."

The Starman half-sister to Cercene was sold by Baroda to Rabbah Bloodstock for €120,000 at last year's saleCredit: Jason Bax

They are half-brothers to the Meydan Group 2-placed Story Of Light, while Beautiful Ending is an Exceed And Excel winning half-sister to Group winners and Group 1-placed Nayyir, Sky Hunter and Highest.

Gahan says: "He's owned by Gary Mullins, who's very loyal to us. Gary also has a Blackbeard colt out of Voice Of Truth [290] in the sale. We think this colt will be on a lot of lists and he should be one you won't have to wait with."

Gahan imparts some insight into the thought processes behind the selection of yearlings and what considerations are given to placing them in the optimum auction.

He says: "Talking to Gary during the summer, we were obviously thinking, 'Where will the stallion be come September?' You're trying to make your sale decisions based on that. 

"We were hopeful St Mark's Basilica could get some momentum ahead of the sales, that the first runners could get going at the right time, and his definitely have with Aylin [Group 2 May Hill Stakes] and Diamond Necklace [Listed Ingabelle Stakes]. We're very much looking forward to offering him and three others."

Those others are a half-sister to Group 2 winner Delphi (372), a half-brother to Classic victor The Gurkha (385) and a colt out of Athasi Stakes winner Gossamer Seed (468).

The draft features the progeny of stallions making their debuts at the yearling sales, including Bayside Boy, Blackbeard, Minzaal, Naval Crown, Persian Force and Space Traveller.

Mullins' Blackbeard half-brother to Grade 2 winner Eternal Hope, who took the Listed Lingfield Oaks Trial in 2023 for Godolphin and Charlie Appleby, has an eye-catching pedigree. Their dam is a Dubawi half-sister to Group 1 winner and sire Rio De La Plata.

Gahan says: "The Blackbeard is a fabulous horse and was placed in there to be a standout; physically he's very impressive and would stand up very highly."

It's not all about the new, however, and the Harry Angel colt (144) has been boosted by a winning debut for his half-brother.

Gahan says: "His Victor Ludorum brother [Victoire Magique] won first time out for Amy Murphy at Lyon this month, which is a timely update, and his dam is now two from two. This colt is eligible for French owners' premiums, which will appeal to people as well."

St Mark's Basilica in the Coolmore stallion yardCredit: Colin J Kenny Photography

Baroda consigns for a range of clients, from small breeders to some of the biggest concerns globally, and the draft for this sale is no different.

"We're delighted to be selling for Juddmonte; it's very exciting and a privilege," says Gahan. "We've four now for them – three in Part 1 and a colt in Part 2. We sell a New Bay filly [404], an Oasis Dream colt [294] and a Bated Breath colt [125], and a Showcasing filly [651] in Part 2.

"On paper, you'd particularly be looking forward to selling the New Bay filly; we've had luck with New Bay fillies out of that sale before – La Guarida was bought by Peter and Ross Doyle for Amo Racing in 2022. She went on to win her maiden and run at Royal Ascot, and we believe from Juddmonte that this filly has a similar profile."

Want a Royal Ascot winner? Look no further this coming week than Barn G at Tattersalls Ireland, where David Cox and the Baroda Stud team have horses to fill the brief.

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