| A thoroughbred
stud could not possibly wish for a better start to a new foaling season, the safe delivery
of a magnificent liver chestnut colt by one of two recent additions to the stallion
roster, from the dam of the newly crowned Champion 2YO of Australasia. Such events are rare for any breeding establishment to experience
but actually occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning at Wattle Brae Thoroughbred
Stud on the Darling Downs of Queensland.
Born at 2.40am on August 1 was the very latest foal of
Protective, dam of 2-year-old of the year Victory Vein, and the first born offspring of
the greatly admired, former top-class galloper Mr Innocent.
Proprietor Gary Turkington was beside himself in relaying
the good news, claiming that the newborn colt was "a magnificent type doing
absolutely everything right virtually from the time he first took breath".
Mr Innocent was selected as Protective¹s partner for 2001
as easily the most outstanding performer produced by the Mr Prospector stallion Mr
Henrysee (USA) at such time. In light of the ensuing 12 months, and in particular Victory
Vein's exceptional juvenile season, the mating has proven to be an inspired decision.
Besides the newborn colt being a three-quarter
brother-in-blood to the head of Australasia's 2YO Classifications for the just completed
season, his bloodlines also boast two lots of the former Australian Champion Sire Showdown
(GB), who figures as the sire of the grand-dam of both Mr Innocent and Protective.
Mr Innocent retired to Wattle Brae Thoroughbred Stud for
the 2001 breeding season the winner of 14 races, of which no fewer than 11 were stakes
contests and included the Group 1 BTC Doomben 10,000.
He covers his second book of mares, which will include
Protective again, this season alongside fellow Group 1 winning sprinter Easy Rocking and
the first season sire Dolphin's Ace, a half-brother to champion sprinter Testa Rossa. |
