Secret's out for Peter and Michelle Morgan's magnificent family

Small breeders Peter and Michelle Morgan have had a little more of the feeling of what it might be like to be a giant such as John Magnier or the Aga Khan lately, with Top Secret the latest advertisement for their Carmel Stud near Bath after his win at Ascot on Saturday.

It was the second time the gelding had scored at the Berkshire track for the Willie Muir and Chris Grassick stable within a couple of months, having overcome some issues with his feetwhich had held him back in previous seasons.

The Morgans were clearly absolutely delighted when he made all of the running under Nicola Currie to snare the 7f handicap worth almost £30,000.

"It’s very special as we also bred his sire [July Stakes winner] Anjaal," explained Peter Morgan.

"We bred him, we still have his mum at home, he’s won a fantastic race, so it’s like one of the family winning."

Carmel Stud bought Top Secret’s dam, Montjeu mare Just Divine, for 21,000gns at Tattersalls in 2004, and the story gets even more interesting from here.

Michelle Morgan continued: "Top Secret’s half-brother, Code Red, is a really nice horse who won two Listed races.

"He’s retired on the farm but rather than doing nothing but keeping him at home, we used him as a stallion. He’s such a lovely horse who just had an injury, and as Anjaal’s mum Ballymore Celebre was coming to the end of her career breeding, we said let’s have a little bit of fun.

Surrey Stakes winner Code Red has been given the chance to cover a couple of maresCredit: Mark Cranham (racingpost.com/photos)

"So Ballymore Celebre has Code Red's one and only foal on the ground, he’s got one mare in foal this year, so let’s see what he does."

Peter Morgan explained that there is no chance that this rare individual will be coming under the hammer.

"Sheikh Mohammed wouldn’t have enough money!" he said. "Hopefully we’ll see him at Royal Ascot in a couple of years as well.

"Top Secret’s half-brother, Secret Weapon, was a serious horse in Hong Kong, rated 125. He was second in a Group 1 to the great Maurice and the mare has been very special.

"She’s currently in foal to Blue Point, it’s a filly, and Willie has got a Dark Angel filly sister to Top Secret that hasn’t raced yet. She’s the next one to come along."

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