Trust this blue hen mare to keep coming up with the goods

Lucayan Princess retired from stud duties as one of the most accomplished producers of her generation, one who had gifted Saeed Manana with an array of memorable moments.

Her progeny were trained more often than not by Clive Brittain, who obviously developed a tremendous understanding of the family, and they were on the whole progressive horses who thrived on tough campaigns.

Group 2 winner Needle Gun, the best horse sired by the nondescript stallion Sure Blade, won three races but was placed on a further 15 occasions, including six times at Group 1 level. His younger half-brother Luso, by Salse, was even better, winning four Group 1 races on the continent led by the Derby Italiano during his 35-race career.