21 Feb 10
Bruce Almighty (NZ) wins Gr.3 HOOKER PACIFIC TARANAKI CUP
The 16-1 outsider Bruce Almighty (NZ) (Deputy Governor) proved the order of the day in the Gr.3 Taranaki Cup at New Plymouth on Saturday. Sent straight to the front by Paul Taylor, the striking grey gelding dictated proceedings throughout and just when it looked like the proven Gr.1 winner Il Quello Veloce (NZ) (Captain Rio) was going to deny him the all the way win, he kicked again to score by 0.5 lengths. Flying under the raider after his last start fifth to Red Ruler in the Gr.2 Wellington Cup, the Stuart Manning-trained and part-owned 6YO had been in strong winning form at earlier attempts, with wins here being counted in both the Greymouth and Gore Cups over 2000m. Bred by Boyte Family Trust, Bruce Almighty (NZ) has achieved 10 wins and $156,038 from his 41 start career and is one of 14 Group level winners recorded by his 7 time Gr.1 producing Chequers Stud-based sire, Deputy Governor.
1 Feburuary 10
Fuku Kitaru (NZ) wins again in Singapore
Smart three-year-old sprinter Fuku Kitaru (NZ) scored three-in-a-row on Friday night when he emerged victorious in the $75,000 Kranji Stakes C Canada Cup (1100m). After dropping off the fast pace, the New Zealand-bred by Ishiguru was slipped more rein, and in one fell swoop, the Mohd Yusof-trained galloper hit the front and scooted clear to rally home by 2 ½ lengths. “He's been a good moneyspinner for us as he cost only NZ$37,500 as a two-year-old ,” said Mohd Yusof to the STC . “He's got a big heart. He's improving all the time,” he added. Fuku Kitaru (NZ) was one of three NZ-bred gallopers to take line honours on Friday night, whilst the Karaka Yearling Sale-graduate
21st September 2009
Ferneley Continues To Fly The Flag For His Late Sire Ishiguru
FERNELEY continued to fly the flag in style for his late sire Ishiguru, when finishing second by just a length in the Woodbine Mile (Gr.1) at Woodbine yesterday.
Proving yet again that Ishiguru's greatest asset was in producing tough, sound horses who improved with age. This five-year-old son was following up his win in the Del Mar Handicap (Gr.2) in the USA, while another five-year-old, She's Our Mark, has won two Gr.3 races, two Listed races, and been placed numerous times in other Stakes races.
All of which makes it even more tragic to lose such a sire here at Tweenhills.
18th September 2009
Ishiguru Put Down
Ishiguru, an emerging force among British-based stallions, was put down today at the age of 11 following complications arising from a knee injury.
Tweenhills Stud director David Redvers said: “We are inconsolable at the loss of a fantastic horse. He had a wonderful temperament ,and after a tremendous amount of hard work his progeny were beginning to establish results that made him such an asset to mare owners, both here and in New Zealand, where he stood during the southern hemisphere season.
“This yearling crop is the best he has produced and he had achieved some excellent recent results at the races. Recent bookings to him from mare owners suggested the best was to come, at the sales and races.
“Veterinary treatment to the knee injury he suffered earlier in the year had been successful, and while he was unable to travel to New Zealand this summer, we were confident he would be ready for the British covering season. Sadly it appears he damaged the knee again, probably when rolling in his box, and on veterinary advice we had to accept the inevitable.
“My sense of tragic loss is shared by Tweenhills' stallion man Graham McCourt, stud groom Roisin Close and Julie May, who were devoted to Ishiguru. My thoughts also go to Chris and Mark Campin at Chequers Stud in New Zealand for whom the horse had just struck gold – this is just as tough for them.”
A son of champion sire Danzig and the dual Grade 1-winning mare Strategic Maneuver, Ishiguru was bred in America by Betty Moran's Brushwood Stable and was bought as a yearling for $1,150,000 by Demi O'Byrne. He raced from Aidan O'Brien's stable in the colours of Sue Magnier, and won three times, notably in the Group 3 Flying Five Stakes.
It was a feather in the cap for Tweenhills Stud to stand such a regally-bred horse, and he soon rewarded that faith by siring Hellvelyn, winner of Royal Ascot's Group 2 Coventry Stakes and runner up in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes.
Yet Ishiguru's greatest asset seemed to be in producing tough, sound horses who improved with age. His five-year-old son Ferneley won the Grade 2 Del Mar Handicap in the USA two weeks ago, while another five-year-old, She's Our Mark, a 3,500gns foal, on Saturday took her career earnings past £273,000 when third in Ireland's Group 2 Blandford Stakes.
30 Aug 09
Ishiguru Adds US Gr2
NZ Chequers Stud shuttler Ishiguru (Danzig-Strategic Manuever, by Cryptoclearance) added a US graded-stakes success when Irish-bred 5YO entire Ferneley (Ishiguru-Amber Tide, by Pursuit Of Love) scored a 1.5-lengths victory in the US$238,000 Gr2 Del Mar Mile (8 furlongs on turf) at Del Mar in California. Ferneley (ridden by Joel Rosario for trainer Ben Cecil) defeated 4YO mares Allicansayis Wow (Street Cry-Crown Of Jewels, by Half A Year) & Lethal Heat (Unusual Heat-Lethal Leta, by Synastry). Ferneley was a €24,000 (A$41,000) yearling at the 2005 Tattersalls Ireland Sale & later a 50,000 guineas (A$102,000) 2YO at the 2006 UK Tattersalls April Sale. Overall he now has 6 wins (also including 2008's Irish Listed Amethyst Stakes over 8 furlongs at Leopardstown) & 8 placings (including July's Listed Wickerr Handicap over 8 furlongs at Del Mar & January's Gr2 San Marcos Stakes over 10 furlongs at Santa Anita, plus 2008's US Gr2 San Gabriel Handicap over 9 furlongs at Santa Anita & Ireland's Listed Glencairn Stakes over 8 furlongs at Leopardstown, as well as 2007's Irish Gr3 Ballysax Stakes over 10 furlongs at Leopardstown & both 2006's Irish Gr2 Futurity Stakes over 7 furlongs at The Curragh & UK Gr3 Somerville Tattersall Stakes over 7 furlongs at Newmarket) from 26 starts for US$417,313 earnings. (Aug 31)
24th July 2009
Shes Our Mark Lands Second Group 3 Win For Ishiguru
The ISHIGURU mare, SHE'S OUR MARK, continues to show excellent form following up her two Listed wins this season with yet another rock solid performance to win the 1m2f Meld Stakes (Gr.3) at Leopardstown last night.
Bred by M Barrett & Redmyre Bloodstock, this five-year-old mare from Ishiguru's outstanding first crop was adding an incredible tenth Stakes win/place to her form, including two Group 3 wins.
With Ishiguru's best crops still to come, exciting times lay ahead.
12th July 2009
Tough, Consistent, Sound
The ISHIGURU filly, SHE'S OUR MARK, showed yet another rock solid performance to win the Kilboy Estates Stakes (L) at the Curragh today for her equally rock solid sire.
Bred by M Barrett & Redmyre Bloodstock, this five-year-old mare from Ishiguru's outstanding first crop was adding an incredible ninth Stakes win/place to her form.
With Ishiguru's best crops still to come, exciting times lay ahead.
5 July 09
Ishiguru not shuttling this year
Ishiguru has suffered a relatively minor paddock accident and will not be shuttling this year.
“ We had conflicting veterinary reports on whether it was in Ishiguru's best interests to travel , “ reported Chris Campin
“ It was decided to err on the side of caution .
“ This was shaping up to be his best quality book of mares to date and it is a real shame , “ Campin concluded.
Plans are for Ishiguru to return to Chequers Stud again next year.
1st June 2009
Ishetoo Lands York Sprint Prize
ISHIGURU continued his recent run of success when 5 year old gelding ISHETOO got up to win the Sportingbet.com Sprint (Heritage Handicap) at York on Saturday.
ISHETOO, bred by Longdon Stud Ltd has now won 7 races and over £70,000 in prize money, for owner John Sissons and trainer Alan Dickman. He is from the extremely sucessful first crop of Tweenhills stallion Ishiguru, which includes Stakes winners Hellvelyn, She's Our Mark and Ferneley.
18th May 09
More Stakes Success For Gezza
The ISHIGURU three-year-old, GEEZA, followed up his Cambridge Breeders' Stakes (Gr.3) in New Zealand last month, with a creditable third in the competitive BTC Classic (Gr.3) in Australia on Saturday
6th May 09
ISHIGURU GREAT WEEKEND
Chequers Stud's shuttle sire Ishiguru (USA) has literally been putting himself on the map of late.
In the weekend gone by, the handsome son of Danzig secured black-type in Ireland and was strongly represented with winners in both Singapore and Australia.
The results come off the back of perhaps his most exciting New Zealand performer, Geeza (NZ), who landed his third on end in the Gr.3 Cambridge Breeders' Stakes (1200m) two weeks ago.
It is an arguable supposition, as another of his sons, I Robot (NZ), was desperately unlucky in the race.
Whilst both horses are bound for the Queensland Carnival, the conclusion is the clear...the best is yet to come for Ishiguru (USA).
So what is the story so far?
In short, the blueblood youngster was a standout yearling, a blinding sprinter and is currently converting this class as a commercial sire.
Combining the exceptional US bloodlines of the proven sire of sires' Danzig and the dual Gr.1 winning 2YO Strategic Maneuver , Ishiguru was his sire's most expensive yearling of 1999, with leading bloodstock buyer Demi O'Byrne securing him for $US1.15 million at the prestigious Keeneland July sales.
Sent to the yard of Aidan O'Brien, the rich bay demoralised his 2YO opposition on debut, winning by 11 lengths.
Entering the next season with a 2YO Timeform rating of 114, Ishiguru (USA) added to his exciting billing with Gr.3 success in the Miller Flying Stakes (1000m) at Leopardstown and with a Listed win in the Curragh Belgrave Stakes (1200m).
“ Ishiguru always showed a lot of class. He had blinding speed ,” observed trainer, Aidan O'Brien.
Commencing stud duties at UK's Tweenhills Farm & Stud in 2003, Ishiguru's Northern Hemisphere record has yielded a Leading Third Crop sire status ahead of Rock of Gibraltar and has resulted in the three Group winners from limited crop numbers by way of Hellvelyn, She's Our Mark and Ferneley .
Sent to New Zealand in 2004, Ishiguru has had two crops of racing age.
In Australia, 10 of his fifteen starters have proven victorious.
In New Zealand, 8 from 18 have reigned supreme, with leading black-type lights here comprising Geeza, I Robot and Ishibabe.
It is very exciting for the sire to have two very good horses in Geeza and I Robot heading to Australia 
“It is very exciting for the sire to have two very good horses in Geeza and I Robot heading to Australia,” said Chequers Stud's Mark Fraser-Campin.
“A number of his early trial winners are sold offshore, so it's great for his domestic profile to have these New Zealand flag bearers .”
Such commerciality has not been missed by breeders.
Even amongst the depressed economic climate, breeders were well served at the 2009 New Zealand Bloodstock Yearling Sale series.
On average, Ishiguru's stock sold for nearly five time his original service fee.
The numbers also added up at the Ready to Run Sale of 2YO's a few months earlier, with progeny here fetching nearly seven times the applicable service fee.
“ Ishiguru's a cracking looking stallion that throws nice correct athletic types who show at two but who are even stronger at three ,” summarised Campin.
“Like him, they are a good size, are bays for the most part and usually have a bit of white on them.
“They have great temperaments and thrive on the racing environment .”
Perhaps ,however, the most glowing endorsement comes from Ireland 's Breeder and Bloodstock Agent Luke Lillingston, who remarked:
“ Every breeder should have an Ishiguru on their radar. At his fee, he offers no downside on your pocket and plenty of upside for your mare. I doubt there will be better value anywhere. He is a much better stallion than many horses standing for far more .”
3rd May 2009
The Best Is Still To Come
ISHIGURU had yet another recent Stakes winner, with SHE'S OUR MARK landing the Victor McCalmont Memorial Stakes (L) at Gowran Park today.
It was a courageous win by this Ishiguru filly bred by M Barrett & Redmyre Bloodstock, who was adding an eighth Stakes win/place to her form.
With Ishiguru's best crops still to come, exciting times lay ahead.
25th April 2009
Geeza (NZ) Wins Gr.3 Windsor Park Stud Breeders Stakes
Ishiguru gelding justifies Australian tilt
An excited syndicate of 10 were afforded with much to look forward to after their highly promising Ishiguru galloper Geeza (NZ) raced away with the Gr.3 Windsor Park Stud Breeders Stakes (3YO, 1200m) at Te Rapa on Saturday. Winning his last three on end, Geeza's (NZ) trainer Lance Noble has now earmarked the Gr.3 BTC Classic (1350m) at Doomben on May 16 th and the Gr. 2 Queensland Guineas (1600m) at Eagle Farm on June 6 as probable next targets, assuming he pulls up well. Geeza (NZ) asserted his superiority in Saturday's Gr.3 feature 300m from home and after seeing out the late charges of Santangelo (NZ) (Lonhro) and Singa Lass (NZ) (Danasinga) by ½ a length and a neck respectively, ensured the winners' enclosure was lit up by his connections, the Easdon No.1 Racing Syndicate. Lightly tried with just the six starts, the striking 3YO has won on four occasions and has been placed in his remaining two starts. Purchased by Noble and his wife Leigh (who have retained shares), Geeza (NZ) was a $30,000 graduate of the 2007 Carnival Sale. Bred by Chris & Jim Campin & Mark Fraser-Campin, Geeza (NZ) is one of 4 four group winners for their resident Danzig stallion Ishiguru and is the first foal from their Unbridled Song broodmare, Blazing Bridles. Commencing stallion duties at Chequers Stud in 2004, Ishiguru's oldest NZ progeny are now 3YO's. A speedy 1200m winner in Australia and New Zealand for trainer Michael Pitman, Blazing Bridles is a half-sister to J'Lo (dam of the Gr.3 winner Glamorous Girl). Since Geeza (NZ) , Blazing Bridles has returned to Ishiguro for two colts and filly. Ishiguru , an Irish group winner over 1000m at 3, stood at Chequers Stud for NZ$10,000 in 2008.
30th March 2009
Two Wins On The Trot For Ishiguru 3yo
The ISHIGURU three-year-old JUST TIMMY MARCUS stayed on strongly to take the 6f handicap at Wolverhampton on 27th March. It was his second win on the trot having won his maiden at the same racecourse in February. He also looks capable of further success for his trainer B Baugh and owner C Watts.
6 April
Del Toro (NZ) scorches to victory in the Listed Speights Great Easter Stakes
Evergreen galloper Del Toro (NZ) (Deputy Governor) showed his rivals a clean pair of heals at Riccarton on Saturday as he sprinted away to claim the Listed Speight's Great Easter Stakes (1400m). Crossing the line with a one-length buffer on Happy Harry (NZ) (Volksraad) and O'Cartier (NZ) (My Halo), Del Toro (NZ ) stopped the clock for the 1400m journey at a scorching 1.20.50, one of the fastest times ever recorded for the sprint distance in New Zealand. Bred, raced and trained by Jim Campin, in partnership with Mark Fraser-Campin, Del Toro (NZ) was recording his ninth career win from 43 starts. Del Toro (NZ) is by the Chequers Stud sire Deputy Governor , and is one of eight winning foals to race for the Sir Tristram mare Phantoms Lady.
24th February 2009
Flurry Of Winners For Ishiguru
2009 has seen a flurry of winners by ISHIGURU in the UK and overseas. Yesterday, JUST TIMMY MARCUS comfortably won his debut in the 6f maiden at Wolverhampton. Last week also at Wolverhampton ITSHIM thrashed his opposition to take the 5f handicap in style for his second win in a row.
Other progeny by Ishiguru adding more wins to their form in 2009 include SILVER WIND (won 3 races), JUST THE LADY (won 4 races), NONNO BRODO (won 6 races) and GIDDYWELL (won 2 races).
Further afield Ishiguru sired yet another winner in Hong Kong with CHARMGOLD, who won the 1200m race at Happy Valley worth HK$850,000 on 11th February.
1 March 09
General calls the shots
Lightly-raced Smart General Ishiguru-Poacher's Prize notched his second career victory when he took out the $65,000 Novice Stakes over 1400m on Saturday.
Handling the soft track conditions to perfection, Smart General, ridden by Oscar Chavez, showed tremendous fight to score a head win over Waipapa (Saimee Jumaat) with Aranda (Robbie Fradd) a further three-and--three-quarter lengths back in third place.
Chavez said Smart General was a smart young galloper who was well prepared for Saturday's race.
“He's a game little horse with a great will to win,” said Chavez. “I just wish my horse and Saimee's horse had been able to race together for longer.
“My horse just wanted to switch off when they drifted apart. He needs another horse nearby him to make him race.”
Smart General enjoyed a good run behind the speed that was set by Xxon (Benny Woodworth) and Gutsy Prince (Mohd Hairin). Not Stirred (Alan Ng) and Waipapa were next in line.
The race changed little as the field made their way to the hometurn before Waipapa moved up out wide on the track. He quickly joined the leaders with 300m with Smart General in hot pursuit.
These two broke away from their rivals over the final 150m of the contest and staged a thrilling battle to the wire.
Chavez said the pace in the race had helped his cause.
“The first 50m was crazy which suited me,” he said. “I was able to get a nice position and he travelled well throughout the race.
“He handled the going well and the blinkers have helped him settle down.
“I've always thought he was a good horse and we now know that he handles the going well.”
A New Zealand-bred three-year-old by Ishiguru from the Prized mare Poacher's Prize, Smart General recorded his second win in five starts and took his prizemoney to around the $85,000 mark for the Fated To Win Stable.
24th February 2009
Flurry Of Winners For Ishiguru
2009 has seen a flurry of winners by ISHIGURU in the UK and overseas. Yesterday, JUST TIMMY MARCUS comfortably won his debut in the 6f maiden at Wolverhampton. Last week also at Wolverhampton ITSHIM thrashed his opposition to take the 5f handicap in style for his second win in a row.
Other progeny by Ishiguru adding more wins to their form in 2009 include SILVER WIND (won 3 races), JUST THE LADY (won 4 races), NONNO BRODO (won 6 races) and GIDDYWELL (won 2 races).
Further afield Ishiguru sired yet another winner in Hong Kong with CHARMGOLD, who won the 1200m race at Happy Valley worth HK$850,000 on 11th February. |
21st January 2009
Another Grade 2 Success For Ishiguru
The ISHIGURU first crop colt, FERNELEY put up another impressive performance in America finishing 3rd in the 1m2f Gr.2 San Marcos Stakes at Santa Anita on 19th January, beaten just under a length. Only weeks earlier he had finished 2nd in the Gr.2 San Gabriel Handicap at Santa Anita for trainer Ben Cecil.
His dam AMBER TIDE returns to Ishiguru this season.
16th January 2009
International Success For Ishiguru ISHIGURU returned home recently from the Southern Hemisphere flushed with international success.
In addition to NATURAL FLAME, a recent valuable winner in Hong Kong, he also had success at the prestigious Hong Kong International Sale where a NZ bred two-year-old realised HK$2,000,000 (£177,000).
In America his success continued with FERNELEY who finished 2nd in the Gr.2 San Gabriel Handicap at Santa Anita for trainer Ben Cecil. He now heads for the Gr.2 San Marcos at the same track on 19th January. His dam AMBER TIDE returns to Ishiguru this season.
27th November 2008
Ishiguru Foal Realises 27,000 Gns
A cracking colt foal by ISHIGURU realised 27,000 Gns at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale yesterday.
Purchased by Luke Lillingston for owner Richard Pegum, the weanling is out of the Arazi mare Lady Georgia, a winner and dam of three winners. Lillingston said: "Richard asked me to buy him the nicest yearling and nicest foal by Ishiguru, in whom he has a share. We managed to get him a lovely colt in Book 3 of the October Sale for 30,000gns now in training with Ralph Beckett. This foal walked out and looked a real sprinter, as his pedigree also suggests. He should give Richard a lot of fun."
Ishiguru's first-crop continue to excel on the racecourse with Gr.3 Amethyst Stakes winner Ferneley set to run in the Gr.1 Citation Stakes at Hollywood Park on Friday.
29th September
Group 3 Second For Consistent Ishiguru Filly
SHE'S OUR MARK was just beaten by a head into second in the Denny Cordell Lavarack Fillies' Stakes (Gr.3) at Gowran Park on Saturday.
This consistent filly by ISHIGURU has previously won the Desmond Stakes (Gr.3) and been placed in a further 8 Stakes races.
She's Our Mark is one of three Group winners from just 43 foals in Ishiguru’s first crop. This impressive first crop have also achieved an outstanding 76% winners to runners and 62% winners to foals. The best is still to come
September 19
Better wins in store for Kris Katana
Kris Katana overcame a slow start to record a stylish win in the $65,000 Restricted Maiden (2 & 3YO) over 1400m on Friday night.
Trainer David Hill has a big opinion of the New Zealand-bred son of Ishiguru who is from the Catrail mare Moroco and cost NZ$120,000 as a two-year-old.
After missing the start a length, jockey Ismail Saifudin hunted the three-year-old up on the inside to be in fourth position of settling down behind the speed set by Apache Eagle (Benny Woodworth) and Nefertiti (Mark Gallagher).
Despite being slightly held-up for a run on turning for home, Saifudin was able to angle Kris Katana into the clear where he showed an impressive turn of foot to race away for a commanding victory.
A smiling Saifudin Ismail knows the race is all over bar the shouting as he drives Kris Katana to a commanding win in Race 2.
Being eased down on the line, Kris Katana scored by two-and-three-quarter lengths over Daring Tourist (Jay Ford) with Rainbow Empire (Robbie Fradd) a length-and-a-quarter away third.
Trainer David Hill has a big opinion of the New Zealand-bred son of Ishiguru who is from the Catrail mare Moroco and cost NZ$120,000 as a two-year-old.
“He’s a bit temperamental but I think he is a classy horse,” said Hill. “He’s a strong horse who left them standing when he sprinted tonight.
“I think there might be a good race in him.”
Hill said he would possibly bypass the $200,000 Orchid Trophy over 1200m on November 21 and instead will prepare the gelding for the $200,000 Stewards Cup over 1400m a month later.
“I don’t think he’s really a 1200m horse,” said Hill. “The 1400m and 1600m is a trip that is going to suit him much better.
“He’s even going to be a better horse when he gets older. He’s not matured yet. When he’s fully matured he’ll be a class horse.”
Hill explained that Saifudin had secured the mount on the head strong galloper after riding the three-year-old in his work.
“He’s done a lot of work on the horse who can be a real handful on the track,” said Hill. “It was only fair that I give him the opportunity on race night.
“This horse is more relaxed when he gets to the race track.
“He’s a real racehorse.”
12th September
Promising Us Debut For Hellvelyn
Ishiguru’s first crop continues to excel on the racecourse. The high-class Coventry Stakes (Gr.2) two-year-old winner and sprinter Hellvelyn recently made a very promising debut in the US. He was only beaten by a nose in a blanket finish in the Quick Call Stakes over 5½f at Saratoga, having been off the racecourse for a year.
Hellvelyn is one of three Group winners from just 43 foals in Ishiguru’s first crop. This impressive first crop have also achieved an outstanding 76% winners to runners and 62% winners to foals. The best is still to come.
Shakara sets sail for Magic Millions
Former bush trainer David Peoples is eyeing next year's Magic Millions carnival at the Gold Coast with Shakara following his narrow victory at Eagle Farm.
Shakara recorded his third win and first in the city when he stormed home to down Aladdins Lion by a neck in the Judy Goodger Prestige Hcp (1000m).
Peoples paid only $16,000 at the Magic Millions for Shakara who is a son of New Zealand based sire Ishiguru.
"His sire came here for only one season and I think EI (equine influenza) put a stop to him coming back," Peoples said.
"He's thrown some nice types and his progeny are firing in New Zealand."
Peoples has 15 horses in work at Caloundra where he's trained for the past five years following a brief stint at Peachester Lodge in the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
"It was a nice win and I think I'll give him one more run before he goes for a short break," Peoples said.
'He's Magic Millions qualified and I'll find a suitable race for him that day.
"I've got no doubt he'll run 1400 metres so the Magic Millions Cup might prove a suitable race for him."
Winning jockey Jason Holder backed Peoples' belief that Shakara was looking for further ground.
"He's got 1400 metres written all over him," Holder said.
"He's looks like he wants further now.
"About 200 metres out I thought he was going to win easily but he's still a little bit green and will be better next preparation."
Cholula (NZ) Returns To Winning Form
Caulfield and Melbourne Cup nominee Cholula (NZ) (Kaapstad x Human Touch by Deputy Governor bred by Chequers Stud) returned to winning form at Flemington on Saturday, with an encouraging hit-out over 1710 metres in the Vella and Dizgalvis Handicap.
"We gave him plenty of time and he has come back stronger than ever," reported his Melbourne trainer Brian Mayfield-Smith.
"I think he can get to the Cups," he said.
The NZ-bred galloper looked a promising stayer in the making last season, carving our four wins including success over the Caulfield Cup hero Master O'Reilly (NZ) (O'Reilly) in the Hyperno Handicap (2400m) at Caulfield.
28th July 2008
Ishiguru Double
Ishiguru struck with a double success on Saturday 26th July. The three-year-old SILVER WIND won the last race of the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Meeting at Ascot over 6f, having also won as a two-year-old. Further north MALGURU, from Ishiguru's first crop, won for the second time this year comfortably landing the 1m2f Handicap at Newcastle ....
11th May 08
Ferneley makes all in Amethyst
Ferneley by Ishiguru set out to lead all the way in the Group Three Amethyst Stakes at Leopardstown and never looked in danger once he quickened clear coming down the straight.
The Francis Ennis-trained four-year-old had Tian Shan for company for the first half of the mile contest, but shook him off and ran on too strongly for challengers coming from the rear.
Willie Supple kept the 8-1 shot going to win by two lengths, with favourite Lord Admiral edging second spot close home.
The race lost a degree of interest when former Aussie star Haradasun, due to make his debut for Aidan O'Brien, was declared a non-runner.
Ennis said: "That was very impressive. The good ground is the secret to this horse."
Ishiguru Adds Irish Gr3
In Europe, NZ Chequers Stud stallion Ishiguru (Danzig-Strategic Manuever, by Cryptoclearance) added an Irish group success when 4YO entire Ferneley (Ishiguru-Amber Tide, by Pursuit Of Love) led most of the way to win the Gr3 Amethyst Stakes (8 furlongs) at Leopardstown. Ferneley (ridden by W.Supple for trainer Francis Ennis) defeated 7YO entire Lord Admiral (El Prado-Lady Ilsley, by Trempolino) & 5YO gelding Excelerate (Mujadil-Perle d'Irlande, by Top Ville). Ferneley was a €24,000 (A$41,000) yearling at the 2005 Tattersalls Ireland September Sale. As a 2YO in 2006, he finished 3rd in both Ireland's Gr2 Futurity Stakes (7 furlongs) at The Curragh & the UK Gr3 Somerville Tattersall Stakes (7 furlongs) at Newmarket; & last year as a 3YO he finished runner-up in Ireland's Gr3 Ballysax Stakes (10 furlongs) at Leopardstown. Overall he now has 3 wins & 4 placings from 13 starts. (May 14)
9th May 08
2008 Service Fee Announced for Ishiguru (USA)
Due to popular demand Chequers Stud have announced a service fee of $10,000 (plus GST) for their resident Danzig sire Ishiguru (USA) this season.
Ishiguru (USA), who has enjoyed full books in the last two years, commenced stud duties in New Zealand in 2004 and has so far been well represented with three winners from the 4 two-year-old’s to have hit the tracks locally this season.
Of these three winners, Ishiguru’s case has been best advanced by the Gr.3 placegetter I Robot (NZ) and the Listed level placegetter, Ishibabe (NZ).
Shuttling to Tween Hills Farm in the United Kingdom, Ishiguru (USA) counts the Gr.2 winner Hellvelyn and the Gr.3 winner She’s Our Mark as his leading northern hemisphere propositions.
Ishiguru was Danzig's most expensive yearling of 1999 when he was knocked down to leading bloodstock buyer Demi O'Byrne for $US1.15 million at the prestigious Keenland July sales.
Progeny by the Cambridge based sire have been well received in the sales arena, with offspring here selling for up to NZ$210,000 and averaging $84,600 (a figure nearly 17 times his initial service fee) at the recent Karaka yearling sales series.
To date, a half brother to the 2007 Hong Derby winner Vital King (NZ) has featured foremost of those yearlings sold, with the successful bidder on this occasion being the powerful Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Ishiguru fans will be afforded the opportunity to purchase 10 of his weanlings at this Sunday's New Zealand Bloodstock National Weanling, Broodmare and Mixed Bloodstock Sale (click here to view).
Trained by Aidan O'Brien, Ishiguru (USA) was a top class sprinter, who made the best possible start to his career when debuting as a two-year-old for an 11 length win.
Ishiguru (USA) subsequently earned a form rating of 114 for this and went on to score Gr.3 success in the Miller Flying Stakes at Leopardstown as a three-year-old.
5th May 2008
Ishiguru Filly 3rd In Group 3 First Time Out In 2008
2007 Group 3 winner and multiple Stakes performer, SHE'S OUR MARK, came a respectable 3rd in her first run of the 2008 season in the 7f Group 3 Oratorio EBF Athasi Stks at the Curragh today.
A good result for her sire ISHIGURU, a leading European sire last year with nearly 50% winners to runners including Stakes winners such as She's Our Mark who looks like she is holding her form again this year.
Saturday 12 April
3 Winners From 4 Starters
Jim Campin is doing his bit to promote his new stallion.The Chequers Stud proprieter produced Versace to record a debut win in his maiden
juvenile at Awapuni yesterday.Versace is a son of Campin's promising first season sire Ishiguru.
Ishiguru a Danzig horse had only 41 foals in his first New Zealand crop but is quickly making an impression with three winners and a
placegetter from his four New Zealand runners. In addition his two other winners I Robot and Julia are both running in stakes races today.
I Robot is favourite for the Champagne Stakes at Ellerslie and Julia tackles the Champagne Stakes at Riccarton .
Versace had won two trails before making his debut but was still at good odds yesterday in a capacity field.
"He's a nice promising horse" said Campin who also races the gelding himself. "But he's not a natural two year old , He's more of a stayer and will
probably go out now, I like trainning two year olds but it's a while since i had a stallion who left many two year olds .Ishiguru leaves natural runners
with good temperament. It also gives you a extra thrill when you win with a young horse by your own stallion."
Campin who has an outstanding record as a trainner , now prepares a small team at Cambridge in partnership with his son Mark Fraser-Campin
Anotherson Chris concentrates on the stud side of the business but neither son was at Awapuni yesterday .'They are both touring the South Island
on motorbikes." Jim said.
Monday, 24 March 2008
Moroney's Faith In I Robot Rewarded
Matamata trainer Paul Moroney's pre-race confidence in I Robot at Ellerslie today was right on the mark when the youngster won the $15,000 Legends Fellowship Juvenile. Moroney (pictured) got exactly what he had expected after the hot favourite had downed first-starter Sufficient by a long neck.
"I thought he would win and knew he wouldn't win by much," said Moroney, who prepares the colt with his brother Mike.
While some supporters of the $1.50 win chance may have been concerned in the straight, Moroney wasn't one of them.
"I was never worried - he only produces as much as he has to," said Moroney.
"He was doing his best work at the finish."
I Robot, who had the benefit of James McDonald's 2kg claim, sat outside the leader Sufficient to the turn then took control soon after and never looked in danger of defeat, despite the narrow winning margin.
"We only put him in when the entries were so short and he'll be improved for the outing," said Moroney.
Sufficient, a half-brother by Zabeel to Gr I Australasian Oaks winner Tully Thunder and to Gr 1 placegetter Fleur De'Here, fought on gamely to make a good first of his debut performance.
I Robot holds a nomination for next Saturday's Gr 1 $200,000 Ford Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes and a decision on a start will be made later this week.
"I'll see how he eats up but it's not as if we're under any pressure to get him there," said Moroney.
"The same syndicate have got Captain Fantastic in the race."
I Robot was a $110,000 purchase during last year's Premier session at Karaka. with Moroney buying him on behalf of the Ballymore Stallion Makers Syndicate (of which he is a member) from the draft of Cambridge's Chequers Stud, home to the colt's sire Ishiguru.
I Robot is from the stakes-placed Prince Echo mare Echo Beach and is a half-brother to Listed Northland Breeders' Stakes winner Echo Maid.
"He could defy his pedigree and be a stayer next year," said Moroney.
I Robot handled today's 1400 metre trip with ease and the $55,000 Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Ellerslie on April 12 seems a suitable race on his programme.
"The Champagne is his main aim and he looks an ideal type for that race," said Moroney.
ISHIGURU CONTINUES BUMPER YEAR
Ishiguru continues his amazing run of success with his 2008 sales results. His progeny sold up to $210,000 and averaged $84,600 . That's a whopping 17 times the service fees of these respective yearlings . Top price was for Ishiguru-Wahwinet (half brother to Izzit/Vital King) bought for the Hong Kong Jockey Club. With only a few runners out there on the track he has made his presence felt with three race day runners I Robot winner and group placed Julia a winner and place getter and Trade Mark multiple place getter. 5 horses have now trailed for 4 winners.Ishiguru served another full book in 2007 of 100 mares.
Cheap at the price
Taken from article in Pacemaker Magazine Feb. 2008
The second-season stallion who did manage to buck the trend and get stakes winners in his second year of runners was ISHIGURU, who had two stakes successes, though both were from his first crop. In his difficult three year old sprinting year the 2006 Coventry Stakes (G2) winner Hellvelyn managed to win a listed event at Beverley, beaten just 3 and a half lengths in the July Cup (G1), whilst She’s Our mark won the Group 3 Desmond Stakes at Leopards town.Ishiguru also had an impressive winners-to-runners percentage through 2007- at 47 percent is one of the highest in this list. He has never been blessed with large crops of foals- in his first three years the average was just around 30.
Ishiguru does have a chance to make it, as his race course results prove that he gets winners and good ones too.
27th December
Record-breaking I Robot
A track record more than 20 years old was broken on Saturday by a horse who nearly didn't start because he worked so poorly beforehand.
A time of 1.03.09 seconds for 1100m was clocked by I Robot when he downed hot favourite Sir Invincibe to win the $20 000 New Zealand
Bloodstock Hcp for 2 years old . The time smashed the previous Awapuni track record of 1.04.08 set in 1986 by Heavenly Veiw.
I Robot is trained at Matamata by Micheal and Paul Moroney. I Robot trailed Sir Invincible in the lead but looked to have his work cut out when
the leader kicked halfway down the straight.But that was not the opinion of I Robot's jockery Micheal Coleman . "I was always confident
of picking up the leader ", Coleman said. " As soon as I gave him a tap behind the saddle I knew it was all over". I Robot was having his
second start after finishing fifth in his debut at Te Rapa on November 10. Moroney said the horse will be aimed at the $1 millon
Karaka Millons 1200 on January 27.
The sire of I Robot Ishiguru, who stands at Chequers Stud in Cambridge .Chequers Stud principal Jim Campin said I Robot was the second
of two winners from three runners in New Zealand.Ishiguru shuttles from the northern hemisphere .Campin said Ishiguru was the leading
first-season sire in the UK where this oldest are now three year-olds.
22 December 07
I Robot Marches Towards Million
I Robot raced his way into Karaka Million contention with a stylish win in today's $20,000 New Zealand Bloodstock 2YO at Awapuni. The Matamata colt has now leapfrogged to sixth in order of entry for the juvenile feature at Ellerslie on January 27.
"That showed he's on target for the Karaka Million and he'll have one more run before it right-handed at Ellerslie on January 12," said Paul Moroney, who prepares I Robot with his brother, Mike.
From the first crop of Chequers Stud stallion Ishiguru, I Robot was unplaced in his first two trials before a turnaround performance at Taupo.
"We put blinkers on him there and he went straight to the front and killed them," said Moroney.
I Robot made his raceday debut at Te Rapa last month and finished fifth behind the talented filly Key Message.
"He got trapped three and four wide all the way and did pretty well," said Moroney.
"It was a tough race so we backed right off him after that."
Moroney said I Robot was a different horse on raceday.
"He's very lazy on the training track and doesn't do much," said Moroney.
I Robot was perfectly handled today by stable rider Michael Coleman, who secured a dream trail behind the leader.
I Robot was hooked out on straightening and powered home to beat the favourite Sir Invincible by a length.
Sir Invincible, a two-time winner and fifth in Karaka Millions order of entry, made the pace but had no answer to I Robot's finishing run.
They were lonesome at the finish with Seathepost seven lengths back in third position.
I Robot was a $110,000 yearling buy during the Premier session at Karaka earlier this year by Moroney.
He is from the stakes-performed Prince Echo mare Echo Beach and is a half-brother to Listed Northland Breeders' Stakes winner Echo Maid
I Robot is raced by the Ballymore Stallion Makers Syndicate, |
28th October 2007
Ishetoo Good For Many
The Ishiguru three-year-old, ISHETOO, has stormed up the ratings this season from 58 to a respectable 92, with five wins and three places to his form for trainer Allan Dickman and owner John Sissons.
After his last race in the valuable racingpost.co.uk Handicap at Doncaster yesterday, The Racing Post quoted: “Ishetoo showed plenty of dash to lead for much of the race. One of the biggest handicap stars of the season, he continues to excel off an ever increasing mark.”
Ishetoo is certainly proving to be yet another outstanding racehorse from Ishiguru’s first-crop, who finished the season as the joint leading British-based sire with his percentage of winners to runners at 49%.
21 Oct 07
Vandalo Wins Winning Edge Cup
Former NZ Trelawney Stud shuttler Van Nistelrooy (Storm Cat-Halory, by Halo) added a black-type success (& 1st Australian stakes-winner) when gelded son Vandalo (Van Nistelrooy-Riverly Lass, by Gleam Machine)breed and sold by Chequers Stud, prevailed in a 3-way-photo-finish to the the $100,000 Listed Winning Edge Presentations Cup (1400m) for 3YO colts & geldings at Caulfield. Vandalo (ridden by Blake Shinn for trainer Shannon Hope) scored by a long-neck from fellow gelding Blue Sky (Bel Esprit-Aquatint, by Supremo) with a further head to another gelding Teskara (Testa Rossa-Costa Kara, by Encosta De Lago). Vandalo (passed-in for NZ$77,500 as a yearling at the 2006 NZ Bloodstock Premier Sale) and was sold for $115 000 at the ready to run sale by Chequers Stud now has 2 wins & 2 placings from 6 starts for $72,200 earnings.
15th October 2007
Ishiguru gets 1st NZ winner
ISHIGURU's first progeny to run in New Zealand have won and come third from just two starts. The two-year-old filly, JULIA, won the 800m race at Otaki Racecourse, and TRADEMARK came third in his race and now heads for the Wellesley Stakes.
31st August 2007
Hellvelyn Notches Up Another Stakes Success For Ishiguru
HELLVELYN notched up another Stakes success for his sire ISHIGURU when winning the Listed Beverley Bullet Sprint Stakes over 5f on 25th August.
It was a great result for last year's Coventry Stakes winner, who was sidelined for the first half of the season with a bruised foot and pulled muscle, and in the circumstances ran a creditable eighth in the Group 1 July Cup. Trainer Bryan Smart reckons the horse will be better again next year when he expects to see him competing for all the top sprint honours. His next immediate target will be the Group 1 Betfred Sprint Cup at Haydock.
Bred by NE and Mrs Poole and Trickledown Stud out of their mare Cumbrian Melody, this colt was sold to Bryan Smart for 100,000gns at the Doncaster St Leger Yearling Sales.
NOMOREBLONDES scored another recent win for her sire ISHIGURU when taking home the 5f handicap at Newcastle today. She is clearly on the upgrade scoring for the second time in a row.
Both wins will help ensure ISHIGURU maintains his position at the top of the table for British-based sires and second-crop sires in Europe with a phenomenal 48% winners to runners (as at 24th August, minimum of 30 runners, statistics provided by Hyperion Promotions).
30th Auguest 07
Ishiguru (USA) Progeny Flying in Northern Hemisphere
Northern hemisphere progeny by Chequers Stud's exciting Danzig stallion, Ishiguru (USA), have been flying the flag for their shuttle sire over the past two weeks, with black-type victory counted in both of the previous two weekends racing.
Leading the way at Leapardstown Racecourse in Dublin the weekend before last, the three-year-old filly She's Our Mark (GB) dismissed the bridesmaid tag of her last four starts to land the Gr.3 Leapardstown Desmond Stakes (1600m) by half a length, and in so doing confirmed her trainer Pat Flynn's high opinion.
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| Chequers Stud's shuttle sire, Ishiguru (USA), has been strongly represented recently by two northern hemisphere black-type winners. |
"She's a fantastic unreal filly. I told the owners a long time ago that she's one of the best fillies I've ever trained," Flynn reported after the race.
The success represented She's Our Mark's (GB) third raceday win and added to the six placings already achieved from 12 previous outings.
Following on from She's Our Mark's (GB) success, the exciting three-year-old colt Hellvelyn (GB) bounced back to the winners' enclosure to take out the Listed Beverley Bullet Sprint (1000m) in the United Kingdom last weekend.
Trained by Bryan Smart, Hellvelyn (GB) has been a strong ambassador for his sire in the Northern Hemisphere, with black-type victory already counted in the Gr.2 Royal Coventry Stakes (1200m) last season.
Hellvelyn (GB) also demonstrated his Gr.1 class during this time with a second placing in the Curragh Phoenix Stakes (1200m) and has amassed a smart race record of four wins and a placing from his seven career starts.
Having commenced stud duties in New Zealand in 2004, Ishiguru (USA) will have his first NZ crop hitting the racetrack this season, and looks to have a promising type in Trademark (NZ) (ex Charismatic), who scored a four length trial win over 650m at Waipa racecourse on August 28.
Ishiguru (USA) was a Group 3 winner in the northern hemisphere with blistering speed over 1000-1200m.
The handsome son of Danzig was the leading British-based sire according to winners-to-runners last season and is currently the second leading sire by winners-to-runners in the UK, with a strike rate of 45.5 per cent.
Ishiguru (USA), who is 50 per cent owned by Cambridge-based Chequers Stud, will stand alongside the proven Gr.1 sire Deputy Governor (USA) (NZ$5,000) for a service fee of NZ$7,500 this season.
20th August 2007
Group 3 Success For Ishiguru
SHE'S OUR MARK collected a well-deserved Stakes victory when gamely winning the Group 3 Desmond Stakes over 1m at Leopardstown yesterday. This three-year-old filly by ISHIGURU had previously been second in the Group 3 Brownstown Stakes and two Listed races.
She is further proof of Ishiguru's ability to upgrade his mares. It was also good news for her trainer Pat Flynn being his first Group-race success in 25 years. The Group 1 Matron Stakes will be her next target.
10th August 2007
Tweenhills Stallion Ishiguru - Leading British-based Sire
A phenomenal run of eight winners in 13 days by Ishiguru progeny in July ensured his position at the top of the league table for British-based sires in order of percentage of winners to runners. Ahead of other top sires such as Dansili, Rainbow Quest, Pivotal and Green Desert.
This Tweenhills stallion also rates 7th out of all sires standing in Europe.
With an incredible 45.45% winners to runners, Ishiguru is way ahead of other notable second-crop sires in Europe such as Sakhee (40%), Rock of Gibraltar (33%), Invincible Spirit (32%), Kyllachy (31%) and Val Royal (27%).
Add to that his Stakes performers, Hellvelyn, Ferneley, and She's Our Mark, who was recently second again in a Stakes race, Ishiguru is shaping into a top quality proven sire. Not bad for a sire who stood at only £4,500 this season.
Statistics based on results received to 7th August 2007 and a minimum of 30 runners, as provided by Hyperion Promotions.
30th July 2007
One More Day, Two More Winners For Ishiguru
There is no stopping the recent success of progeny by Tweenhills' stallion ISHIGURU with two more winners yesterday.
The two-year-old colt, THE REAL GURU, ran on well to comfortably take the 5f Maiden at Pontefract and should progress to better things for owner/ breeders Adrian and Alison Parry. The first foal out of Aloma's Reality who ran twice and whose dam's progeny did not score on the racetrack The Real Guru is further proof of Ishiguru's ability to upgrade his mares.
The second winner, COPPER KING, bounced back to winning form in style when easily taking the 7f Claiming Stakes at Carlisle.
25th July 2007
Six Winners In A Week For Ishiguru
Wow! What a week for ISHIGURU whose progeny scored again last night when NOMOREBLONDES won at Musselburgh making it the sixth win in a week for this Tweenhills sire.
As a result he has stretched his lead again at the top of the league table for second-crop sires in Europe in order of percentage of winners to runners with an amazing 45%! He also rates 2nd out of all British-based sires.
With 45% winners to runners he is now way ahead of other notable second-crop sires such as Sakhee, Rock of Gibraltar, Invincible Spirit, Kyllachy and Val Royal.
23rd July 2007
Five Winners In Five Days For Ishiguru!
ISHIGURU stretched his lead at the top of the league table for second-crop sires in Europe in order of percentage of winners to runners with five winners in five days! He also rates 3rd out of all British-based sires, to Dansili and Generous, and 15th for all sires in Europe.
With 42.5% winners to runners he is now way ahead of other notable second-crop sires such as Sakhee (39.5%), Rock of Gibraltar (30.1%), Invincible Spirit (30.5%), Kyllachy (28.1%) and Val Royal (25.5%).
Add to that his major Stakes performers, Hellvelyn, She's Our Mark and Ferneley, Ishiguru is shaping into a top quality proven sire.
His recent winners are ISHI ADIVA who found the winning touch once more when scoring in the 5f handicap at Newmarket on Saturday 21st July, and GIDDYWELL won the day before over 1m2f at Nottingham. Earlier in the week DEE JAY WELLS scored at Beverley, the two-year-old SILVER WIND won at Folkestone, and GENTLE GURU won again, this time at Sandown, having also been second three times.
20th July 2007
Ishiguru - Leading Second-crop Sire In Europe
Three winners in two days has helped put ISHIGURU right at the top of the league table for second-crop sires in Europe in order of percentage of winners to runners.
With 39.5% winners to runners he is now way ahead of the notable sires such as Invincible Spirit (29.7%), Kyllachy (28.9%) and Val Royal (26.1%).
Add to that his major Stakes performers, Hellvelyn, She's Our Mark and Ferneley, produced from relatively small crops compared to these sires noted, Ishiguru is shaping into a top quality proven sire.
His latest winners included Dee Jay Wells at Beverley, the two-year-old Silver Wind won at Folkestone, and Gentle Guru won again, this time at Sandown, having also been second three times. Trainer of Gentle Guru, Richard Phillips, will now look for a race at Goodwood for this consistent performer. |
16th July 2007
Stakes Winning 3yos On The Horizon For Ishiguru
Another exciting prospect from the first-crop of Ishiguru, SHE'S OUR MARK, ran a great race again to come an unlucky second to the highly rated Alexander Tango in the 1m1f Listed Kilboy Estate Stakes at the Curragh.
This three-year-old filly out of the handicap winner Markskeepingfaith has been raised a remarkable 31lbs this season. She is further proof of Ishiguru's ability to upgrade his mares.
Earlier in the week at Newmarket, Ishiguru's two-year-old star from last year, the Coventry Stakes winner HELLVELYN, was only beaten 4l in the Group 1 July Cup to finish 8th on his first run back in 287 days. |
5th July 2007
Shes Our Mark Second In Gr.3 Ishiguru
SHE'S OUR MARK maintained her progress when coming second in the Group 3 EBF Brownstown Stakes at Leopardstown last night.
The three-year-old filly by ISHIGURU, had gone up 21lb for a commanding victory in a 1m Handicap at the Curragh Irish 1,000 Guineas Meeting and had since run a fine second in a 7f conditions race at Naas where she finished 2l in front of Redstone Dancer.
Out of the seven times scorer Markskeepingfaith, bred by M Barrett and Redmyre Bloodstock, she looks to be an exciting prospect for her sire Ishiguru, from his first-crop, with a Stakes win not far away.
Trainer, Pat Flynn, said: "She's a very classy, honest filly and is as tough as nails."
2 July 07
Chequers Stud Announce 2007 Fee for Ishiguru (USA)
Chequers Stud has announced that the leading England-based first-season sire of 2006, Ishiguru (Danzig x Strategic Maneuver), will stand at a fee of $7500 plus gst in New Zealand this year.
In announcing the fee Chris Campin of Chequers Stud said that Ishiguru is having another superb year with his progeny in the Northern Hemisphere.
Ishiguru, a Group 3 winning sprinter, is already the sire of 19 individual winners (as at July 1 2007), which have won a total of 29 races, as well as having a further 8 placegetters.
The leading performer for Ishiguru to date was Hellvelyn who won the Gr. 2 Royal Ascot Coventry Stakes last year and was also the runner-up in the Gr. 2 Curragh Phoenix Stakes.
“His progeny have been racing in the very best races in the United Kingdom and he has achieved a very high strike rate of winners to starters. During the month of May he sired nine individual winners,” Campin said.
Another Group performer sired by Ishiguru has been Ferneley who was runner-up in the Gr. 3 Leopardstown Ballysax Stakes and third in both the Gr. 3 Curragh Futurity Stakes and Gr. 3 Newmarket Somerville Stakes.
A number of Ishiguru’s progeny are managing to win races in-a-row. These include Ishetoo who completed a hat-trick of wins with success over 1000m on June 8.
From Ishiguru’s only Australian season, prior to standing at stud in New Zealand, he sired a very small crop of only 18 foals yet these are already showing the young sire is going to be a big success in both hemispheres.
From only a handful of runners to date in Australia he has sired Aquatic King, a winner on debut over 1200m at Randwick; Guru, who has weighed in at each of his three outings, and Pretty Beach, a trials winner at Hawkesbury.
Ishiguru made a superb start to the 2007 yearling sales in New Zealand, averaging nine times his service fee and selling for up to $110,000.
Chequers Stud will be limiting the number of outside mares visiting Ishiguru this year to 70.
Chequers Stud’s proven successful sire Deputy Governor will stand again this year at a fee of $5000 plus gst. Deputy Governor is the sire of almost 270 individual winners which includes 27 individual stakes winners featuring the Gr. 1 winners Leica Guv, Yelgun Dawn, Zirna, Clear Rose, My Duke, Hero, Sawatdee and Holy Grail.
13th June 2007
Hat Trick For Ishetoo
ISHETOO completed a hat trick on the trot when comfortably winning the 5f handicap at Haydock on 8th June, following his previous wins at Catterick and Ayr for trainer Allan Dickman. From the first-crop of ISHIGURU this three-year-old was bred by Longdon Stud and is owned by John Sissons. He continues on the upgrade and should be watched out for in future big sprint races.
5th June 2007
Ishiguru First-crop Clocking Up The Wins
Two more three-year-olds from Ishiguru's first-crop, entered the winner's enclosure recently.
ISHETOO made it a second win on the trot when bolting clear of the opposition to win the 5f Handicap at Catterick last Friday for trainer Allan Dickman. Bred by Longdon Stud and owned by John Sissons, he looks on the upgrade and is one to follow.
The next day, the Ishiguru filly NASHHARRY, won her first race, the 7f Handicap at Wolverhampton
29th May 2007
Ishiguru Double
The three-year-old filly by ISHIGURU, SHE'S OUR MARK, scored her second win on the trot when very comfortably taking the 1m Handicap at the Curragh Irish 1,000 Guineas Meeting on Sunday following her maiden win 10 days earlier.
Out of the seven times scorer Markskeepingfaith, bred by M Barrett and Redmyre Bloodstock, she looks to have a very promising future with a rating now of 103.
She was the second winner for Ishiguru last week as ISHETOO nicely won on his seasonal return, at Ayr over 6f, for trainer Allan Dickman.
SHE'S OUR MARK's half-brother by another Tweenhills stallion, FRAAM, was also in the news recently when making €60,000 at the Goresbridge Breeze-Up Sale. Trainer Liam Roche purchased the colt and said: "He is a very nice horse and breezed well this morning. His half-sister looks smart too."
18th May 2007
Ishiguru Filly Wins On 3yo Debut
SHE'S OUR MARK comfortably won her three-year-old debut yesterday in the EBF Maiden at Limerick over 6½f, having shown some useful form towards the end of last season when she filled the runner-up spot in two Leopardstown nurseries.
By Ishiguru she is out of the seven times scorer Markskeepingfaith, bred by M Barrett and Redmyre Bloodstock. She won going away from the field and is sure to pick up another race soon for owner/trainer Pat Flynn.
25th April 2007
Ishiguru Fillies Come First And Second
Fillies from ISHIGURU's first crop took first and second places in the 5f maiden at Bath yesterday.
The three-year-old, KEN'S GIRL, who had ran well when second at Sandown last season, was soon in front and stretched right away winning by 3l. The other filly in the race by Ishiguru, METAL GURU, came second for trainer and breeder Reg Hollinshead.
23rd April 2007
Future Looks Bright For 3yo Ishiguru Colt
The Ishiguru colt, FERNELEY, made a fine start to his three-year-old campaign when coming second by ½l to Mores Wells in the Group 3 Ballysax Stakes over 1m2f at Leopardstown yesterday, beating the hot favourite Macarthur.
He tried to make all and it is testament to his performance that he finished so close as the other early pace setter was last.
As a two-year-old this smart colt was third in the Group 2 Futurity Stakes to the highly rated Teofilo and Eagle Mountain, and third in the Group 3 Somerville Tattersall Stakes.
He looks to have a bright future for owner D O'Rourke and trainer Francis Ennis. Bred by Mount Coote Stud and Richard Pegum he is out of the mare Amber Tide (Pursuit of Love). |
15th March 2007
Sunny Winners For Ishiguru
Ishiguru's first-crop are thriving in the Mediterranean sunshine during our winter. The Tweenhills bred City Bhoy has recently won twice in Spain, and Mihalos Terz picked up a valuable 5f maiden in Greece.
20 Jan 07
Ishiguru Records First Southern Hemisphere Winner
Chequers Stud first-crop sire Ishiguru (USA) (Danzig) has been represented by his first winner in the southern hemisphere.
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Chequers Stud's promising sire Ishiguru (USA) recorded his 1st southern hemisphere winner in Australia over the weekend. |
Aquatic King (AUS) (Ishiguru x Mermaid by Crested Wave) won the Schweppes Lemonade Handicap (1200m) on debut at Randwick in Sydney on Saturday by two lengths.
Believed to be only ¾'s ready by trainer Gregory Hickman, Aquatic King (AUS) will now be aimed towards the Inglis Classic.
Aquatic King (AUS) was bought for A$60,000 as a yearling and his win on Saturday recouped his purchase price.
Ishiguru (USA), who was himself a smart debut winner and Group performer on the racetrack, commenced stud duties in Great Britain in 2003.
Since this time Ishiguru (USA) has made a tremendous start in the Northern Hemisphere with his 9 winners featuring Hellvelyn, who won the Group 2 Coventry Stakes in England last year and finished runner-up in the Group 1 Curragh Phoenix Stakes in Ireland.
Ishiguru (USA) will be represented at the pending Karaka sales with 1 yearling in the Premier Sale (click here), 6 yearlings at the Select Sale (click here) and 5 yearlings at the Festival Sale (click here).
21th November 2006
Ishiguru Proves A Leading First-crop Sire
As the flat turf season draws to a close, ISHIGURU, proved himself to be one of the top five first-crop sires in Britain and Ireland, even from limited opportunity.He covered only 48 mares but managed to produce a Royal Ascot winner, and score 35% winners to runners, and 9% Stakes Performers to Runners.He was also the leading sire in Britain by average earnings per runner, above Kyllachy, Auction House, Tobougg etc.
20 November 06
Hasta La Ciao Ciao Wins Summoned Stakes
Former Arrowfield Stud shuttler Unbridled's Song (Unbridled-Trolley Song, by Caro) added a black-type success when 6YO mare Hasta La Ciao Ciao (Unbridled's Song-Ester Kelly, by Famous Star) scored a 2.75-lengths victory in the $100,000 Listed Summoned Stakes (1500m) for mares 4YO & up at Sandown. Despite racing 3-wide throughout, Hasta La Ciao Ciao (ridden by Greg Childs for trainer Roger James) defeated 4YO mare Apaiser (Dieu D'or-Elecampagne, by Festal) & 5YO mare Melrose Gardens (Marju-Grosvenor Gardens, by Grosvenor). Hasta La Ciao Ciao (Sold by Chequers Stud for NZ$170,000 yearling at the 2002 NZ Bloodstock Premier Sale at Karaka) now has 7 wins (also including the Listed Gai Waterhouse Classic over 1350m at Ipswich in June) & 4 placings (including last start's Listed Liberty Financial Stakes over 1400m at Flemington on November 7 & October's NZ Gr3 Lion Red Plate over 1200m at Arawa Park) from 15 starts for $207,354 earnings.
18th October 2006
Ishiguru Chalks Up Another Winner
The progressive Ishiguru two-year-old, ISHI ADIVA, put up another fine performance to win the 5f maiden at Bath yesterday, following her second to Elhamri in the Weatherbys Super Sprint over 5f at Newbury.
She looks sure to improve again for owner and breeder, Stephen Bayless, and trainer Tom Dascombe who said: "Ishi Adiva is the best I've got - tough, genuine and extremely quick. She has really put me on the map."
13th October 2006
Ishiguru Double
Ishiguru continued his amazing year as one of the leading first-crop sires with a double at Warwick today.
Gentle Guru took the 6f juvenile maiden for trainer and breeder Richard Phillips, and Copper King comfortably won the claimer for owner breeder Miss Audrey Hill. Ensuring Ishiguru remains in the top three of the first-crop league by progeny earnings, despite limited opportunity compared to the likes of Rock of Gibraltar, Kyllachy etc.
29th August 2006
Ferneley Third In Group 2 For Ishiguru
The smart FERNELEY followed up his victories at Galway and Tipperary to come third in the 7f Group 2 Futurity Stakes to the highly rated Teofilo and Eagle Mountain at the Curragh on 26th August.
Another quality two-year-old for Britain's leading first-crop sire Ishiguru. Owned by D O'Rourke, he was bred by Mount Coote Stud and Richard Pegum out of the mare Amber Tide (Pursuit of Love).
20 August
Hellvelyn targets Middle Park
HELLVELYN, runner-up to Holy Roman Emperor in the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh last Sunday, has "come out of the race well" according to trainer Bryan Smart, and is now being targeted at the Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket on September 29.
Smart said: "Hellvelyn seems well and I am pleased with him. He looks great and, although he lost some condition traveling, he is fine now. It will be interesting to see how the Phoenix winner gets on in the Prix Morny."
Smart's charge had previously won the Group 2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, where Holy Roman Emperor had disappointed in 15th, and the trainer intends to remain at 6f in next month's Shadwell-sponsored event.
"He ran a bit free if anything, but ran a cracker in Ireland," added Smart. "The other horse has obviously come on a lot. Atthe moment, as a two-year-old, Hellvelyn is the best I have trained."
The Sheikh Rashid-owned colt also has entries in the Two-Year-Old Trophy at Redcar - but will miss that Listed contest as it is the day after the Middle Park - and the Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket in October.
14th August 2006
Ishiguru - Leading First-season Sire In Britain
Tweenhills’ stallion Ishiguru has got off to a flying start, currently ranking first in the list of first-season sires standing in Britain by progeny earnings, and third overall in Europe.
He rates above the likes of Rock of Gibraltar, Kyllachy and Johannesburg, whilst the two stallions ranked higher than him in Europe covered over twice the number of mares.
Royal Ascot Group 2 Coventry Stakes winner and Group 1 Phoenix Stakes second, Hellvelyn, is the leading earner, with several other two-year-olds also making their mark. Ishi Adiva stayed on strongly to come second in the 5f Weatherbys Super Sprint and take home £30,000. And a Stakes race is the likely target for Ferneley who comfortably won his last two races in Ireland.
11th August 2006
Another Stakes Contender In Ferneley For Ishiguru
The smart FERNELEY followed up his victory at Galway last week to take the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Race at Tipperary yesterday evening. This two-year-old colt is shaping up to be another strong Stakes contender for Tweenhills' first-crop sire Ishiguru.
Trainer, Frank Ennis, said: "I think he is the best I've ever had. He just has that extra gear that normal horses don't have. I've entered him in the Futurity Stakes and I'd be tempted to go there with him. He'll make a lovely three-year-old as he still has to fill out."
Ishiguru had another winner today when ISHIBEE comfortably won her first race at Lingfield.
7th August 2006
Ferneley Proves Another Promising 2yo For Ishiguru
FERNELEY justified favouritism to comfortably land the 7f Guiness Auction Maiden at Galway last Friday evening. He is proving to be another exciting 2yo for his first-crop sire Ishiguru.
Trainer Frank Ennis said of the winner: "He may turn out again at Tipperary on Thursday, when he won't have a penalty to carry. Willie [Supple] said the horse didn't really handle the track and that he only got going when they levelled up for home. He's good and we might go for a Listed race with him later on."
Owned by D O'Rourke, he was bred by Mount Coote Stud and Richard Pegum out of the mare Amber Tide (Pursuit of Love).
29th July 2006
Ishiguru 2yo Okikoki Gets Up Near The Line
OKIKOKI got up near the line to win the two-year-old maiden auction at Chepstow over 6f yesterday evening for trainer Willie Muir.
He is by Tweenhills' first-crop sire Ishiguru, who is also the sire of the top two-year-old colt HELLVELYN, and ISHII ADIVA who was second last week in the Weatherbys Super Sprint netting nearly £30,000 in prize money. Bred at Tweenhills by Redmyre Bloodstock and Stuart McPhee, Okikoki is out of Crofters Ceilidh who also has a yearling filly by Fraam to be consigned by Rathmore Stud at Doncaster St Leger Sale.
24th July 2006
£30,000 Netted For Ishi Adiva
The Ishiguru two-year-old, ISHII ADIVA, stayed on strongly to take second close home to Elhamri in the Weatherbys Super Sprint over 5f at Newbury on Saturday at 100/1. She netted nearly £30,000 in prize money for owner and breeder, Stephen Bayless, and trainer T Dascombe. Also ensuring Ishiguru remains one of the top first-crop sires in the UK.
This filly out of Nightingale Song had previously come a short head second in a maiden, and is sure to be in the winner's enclosure soon.
28th June 2006
Ishiguru 2yos Success In Sight
As well as the Royal Ascot Gr.2 Coventry winner, HELLVELYN, first-crop sire has a few other two-year-olds with success in sight.
OKIKOKI was just beaten by a short head in the 6f maiden at Windsor on 26th June for trainer Willie Muir. It was the second outing for this colt out of Crofters Ceilidh. He was also bred at Tweenhills by Redmyre Bloodstock and Stuart McPhee.
The other Ishiguru 2yo colt sure to win soon is DEE JAY WELLS, who came second in a maiden at Sandown on 1st June for trainer Richard Hannon. Out of Stravaig, he was bred by Wallhouse and Ballyhane Stud.
20 June 06
Ishiguru Adds UK Gr2
NZ Chequers Stud's 1st season sire Ishiguru (Danzig-Strategic Manuever, by Cryptoclearance) added a juvenile group success overnight when the colt Hellvelyn (Ishiguru-Cumbrian Melody, by Petong) scored a 0.75-lengths victory in the £80,000 (A$192,000) Gr2 Coventry Stakes (6 furlongs) for 2YOs at Royal Ascot. Hellvelyn (ridden by Ted Durcan for trainer Bryan Smart) defeated Major Cadeaux (Cadeaux Genereux-Maine Lobster, by Woodman) & Tariq (Kyllachy-Tatora, by Selkirk). Hellvelyn was purchased for 100,000 guineas (A$260,000) at the Doncaster St Leger Sales by trainer Smart on behalf of Sheikh Rashid Bin Mohammed. His sire Ishiguru was Danzig's highest-priced yearling sold in 1999 when purchased by Demi O'Byrne for US$1.15 million at the Keeneland July sale; he was subsequently a Gr3 winner in the northern hemisphere. (Jun 21)
High Hopes For Hellvelyn, Top 2yo By Ishiguru
27 May 2006
HELLVELYN, a winner at Leicester on his debut last month, came home an easy winner of the Youngsters Conditions Stakes at Pontefract last night. Proving that his sire Ishiguru clearly has the ability to produce an outstanding horse.
Hellvelyn's trainer Bryan Smart said: "I've had some good two-year-olds - Monsieur Bond, Misu Bond and Sir Xaar were rated high class horses in the 100s - and it's early days, but on his homework this is the best two-year-old I have trained. He has done things you would only dream about - he is just awesome at home and he has to work with older horses as he goes so well with the two-year-olds."
Bred by NE and Mrs Poole and Trickledown Stud out of their mare Cumbrian Melody and sold to Bryan Smart for 100,000gns, Hellvelyn now heads for the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.
First Runner Wins For Ishiguru
First season sire, Ishiguru, got off the mark when his son HELLVELYN made a commanding winning debut today at Leicester. His trainer, Bryan Smart, holds him in high regard, and he is sure to come on plenty for the run.
This two-year-old colt made 100,000gns at the Doncaster St Leger Sales when bought by Bryan Smart for owner H E Sheikh Rashid Bin Mohammed. Congratulations should also go to breeders N E and Mrs Poole and Trickledown Stud.
Williams Team Firing Up For NZ Cup Carnival
Riccarton trainers Peter and Dawn Williams have plenty to look forward to at the New Zealand Cup carnival on their home track next month.
Promising three-year-old Al Farouk (NZ) (Cape Cross x Temptation) sealed his plans for the carnival with his win in the Listed Slade Farm Canterbury Stakes (1600m) at Riccarton on Sunday.
The colt will go on to contest the Gr. 1 $300,000 Christchurch Casino New Zealand Two Thousand Guineas (1600m) on the final day of the Canterbury Jockey Club's major summer meeting on November 12.
Peter Williams purchased Al Farouk at the 2004 New Zealand Bloodstock Ready-To-Run sale for $90,000 from the draft of his breeders, Chequers Stud.
Ishiguru Yearlings Going Up In A Storm |
22nd September 2005 |
The first crop of ISHIGURU yearlings are being extremely highly rated as they go through the sales this autumn.
Fetching prices of 100,000gns, 27,000gns, 20,000gns, 17,000gns etc the current average purchase price is 22,500gns. A great return on his stud fee of just £3,000. In fact, the lowest price fetched so far for one of his yearlings was 7,000gns, twice his stud fee.
Don't miss his yearlings being offered at Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Parts 1 and 2.
Tattersalls October Sale Part 1: Lot 622
Tattersalls October Sale Part 2: Lots 913, 1063, 1257, 1349, 1406, 1517 |
Ishiguru Colt Tops Day 3 at Doncaster Sales
Eddie O'Leary's Lynn Lodge Stud topped Day 3 of the 2005 St. Leger Sales with a spectacular pinhooking coup when his Ishiguru ( Danzig ) colt realised 100,000 guineas to the bid of trainer Bryan Smart who saw off a determined challenge from Simon Callason and assistant to Neville Callaghan.The Ishiguru youngster was purchased by Maggs O'Toole for 32,000gns in December. |
