Trained at Caulfield by Tony Vasil, True Tales travelled on the outside of the early leader Total Liberty, who then eased.  True Tales had command of the race at the half-way point and as the gelding cornered Carryusall issued his challenge.  True Tales showed plenty of grit to hold off the strong challenge issued by Carryusall (Distant Music - Toy Carousel by Toy Pindarri) to score by a nose with another length to Forays (Anabaa - Quinze Love by Danehill).

True Tales is the first foal and winner for his dam Mystic Elle (by Encosta de Lago).  A winner of five races from 1100 to a mile Mystic Elle is a half-sister to the Robbie Griffith trained Cancanelle (by Danehill Dancer), a winner of more than $300,000 and runner-up in the Group I SAJC Australasian Oaks.    A nice bay gelding he was purchased by Vasil at the William Inglis Premier Yearling sale for $42,000 and todate his earnings total more than $66,000.

Tale Of The Cat has had a good season sofar in Australia and New Zealand where he sired the Group I 2000 Guineas winner Tell A Tale and fans of the son of Storm Cat's progeny will be pleased to see Tale Of The Cat will be represented by 20 yearlings at the forthcoming Magic Millions Yearling sale series in the new year.

November 16th, 2008

Progressive Tale of the Cat gelding Tell a Tale stamped himself as New Zealand’s best three year-old with a thrilling win in the Group One NZ 2,000 Guineas at Riccarton on Saturday.

Slowly away, Tell a Tale charged home to take the 1600 metre classic by a head over last season’s star filly Il Quello Veloce (Captain Rio) with Minstrel Court (Danehill Dancer) more than a length back in third place.

“He missed the jump, and at the 300 I said no, but he is a very good horse, and it was an incredible performance," said senior part-owner Bill Galvin in his post race-comments.
Purchased by David Ellis for $125,000 from the Coolmore draft at the 2007 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale, Tell a Tale is from the Sir Tristram (IRE) mare Cheeky Veronika, a half-sister to stakes-winner Kidlat from the Group Three winning mare Our Libra Lady.

Mr Galvin praised his good mate and leading New Zealand agent David Ellis for his foresight when buying Tell a Tale as a yearling.

“David told me from the Gold Coast Sale 'I have bought you a Guineas horse', and so it has proved,” he added.

Trainer Mark Walker said he would be considering pressing on to the NZ$2.2 million Group One New Zealand Derby at Ellerslie.

"His dam is by Sir Tristram, anything is possible," he said.

Tell a Tale has been rare form this spring winning three of four starts having already tasted stakes success in the Group Two Hawkes Bay Guineas and Listed Canterbury Stakes, his overall record staning at four wins and two placings from seven starts with earnings of more than $700,000.

His dam Cheeky Veronika has a yearling colt by Snippetson that was bought by astute agent Paul Willetts for $36,000 at the Inglis Great Southern Weanling Sale and has since been exported to New Zealand where he will be offered at Karaka next year.

Tell a Tale becomes the fourth Group One winner worldwide for Coolmore based Tale of the Cat (USA) and his second in Australasia having had earlier success with the former top sprinting mare Glamour Puss.

Having missed most of last season in Australia due to a premature return to the US resulting from EI, Tale of the Cat is currently back in the Hunter Valley at a fee of $33,000 standing alongside his Group One winning sire son Lion Heart (USA).

October 5th, 2008

Accomplished shuttle sire Tale of the Cat was responsible for the Listed AJC Breeders' Plate winner Real Saga and Tell A Tale in the Group Two Hawkes Bay Guineas in New Zealand on Saturday.

A runaway five length winner at his official barrier trial on September 19, the John Hawkes trained Real Saga travelled just behind the early speed. He took a gap after straightening to dash clear of Winter King (One Cool Cat ex Something Special by Bletchingly) and Onemorenomore (Red Ransom - Palia by Last Tycoon) to claim the Listed five furlong event by more than two lengths.

“He hit the line really well,” Hawkes told TVN.

“He just sharpened a little bit since the trial. He’s a real professional and has been from day one.

“He loves to race this horse, I’m sure he’s got a lot of good races in him.”

Retained to race by his breeders, Real Saga is the only foal of the stakes-placed Air Express mare Windy Kate, who died in 2007.

In New Zealand, the Australian bred Tell a Tale gave young trainer Mark Walker his second stakes feature on the rich Kelt Stakes card when he did best in a driving finish to land the Group Two Hawkes Bay Guineas (1400m).

In recording his first stakes win, Tell a Tale, beat the Group One winning Fully Fledged by half-a-neck, and in doing so he took his overall record to two wins and two placings from five starts.

"It was a big effort second up, all credit to Troy (Harris, rider) he rode a good race," Walker said.

Walker indicated that Tell a Tale would now be aimed towards the Group One New Zealand 2000 Guineas in November.

Purchased by David Ellis for $125,000 from the Coolmore draft at the Magic Millions National Yearling sale, Tell a Tale is from the Sir Tristram mare Cheeky Veronika, a half-sister to stakes-winner Kidlat from the Group Three winning mare Our Libra Lady.

Real Saga and Tell a Tale are the 50th and 51st stakes-winners for prolific sire Tale of the Cat.

September 19th, 2008

Maverick Racing paid $190,000 for a colt by Tale of the Cat to top Thursday’s session of Keeneland’s September Yearling Sale. 

Consigned by Woods Edge Farm (Peter O’Callaghan), agent, the colt is out of the stakes-placed Dehere of the Dog, by Dehere, and from the family of graded stakes winners Heavenly Cause, Northern Soldier and Sunray Spirit. 

Gross receipts on Thursday totaled $7,386,400, down 16.4 percent from the $8,840,400 posted last year. The session average of $28,519 dipped 5.8 percent from $30,275 recorded in 2007, while the median of $20,000 was down 9.1 percent from last year’s $22,000. A total of 259 horses were sold this year compared to 292 in 2007.

After 10 days, 2,492 horses have been sold for $313,084,500, down 13.9 percent from last year’s $363,554,600 when 2,561 horses were sold. Average was down 11.5 percent from $141,958 to $125,636. The median of $70,000 was down 6.7 percent from $75,000.

Arch Bloodstock LLC, as agent for Avalon Farm, went to $180,000 to acquire a colt by Medaglia d’Oro out of Babeinthewoods, by Woodman. The colt was consigned by Trackside Farm (Tom Evans), agent for Liberation Farm et al.

Keeneland’s September Yearling Sale continues through Tuesday. Sessions begin at 10 a.m. daily. 

September 23rd, 2007

Racing to Win’s little brother Purrealist nailed his first black type success at Caulfield on Saturday when he took an inside run to score a half neck win in the Group Three MRC Caulfield Guineas Prelude over 1400 metres.

The powerful liver chestnut had difficulties securing a run at the top of the straight, but when he saw daylight, knuckled down to the task at hand with plenty of enthusiasm to post a narrow but impressive win.

“He’d have been unlucky if he didn’t win,” said trainer Danny O’Brien.

“This race and the Guineas (Caulfield) were always going to be his races and he’ll be better again in three weeks time.”

Purrealist is trained by Danny O’Brien for a syndicate including Tony Santic and Michael Sullivan, the handsome colt already having won two races and placed three times from just five starts earning $200,650.

A half-brother by Tale of the Cat to four-time Group One winner Racing to Win, Purrealist was purchased for $700,000 by astute bloodstock agent John Foote from the draft of Coolmore Stud at the 2006 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

He is the most expensive yearling sired by Tale of the Cat to be sold in Australasia so far and his two year-old full brother is the next highest, having made $625,000 to the bid of Anthony Cummings at Magic Millions earlier this year for Oaklands Stud.

Purrealist is the fourth foal of the Kenny’s Best Pal mare Surrealist, who was purchased by Coolmore last year at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale for a sale-topping $1.6 million.  A glorious dapple-grey mare, she produced a colt by champion sprinter Fastnet Rock last spring and is due to foal to Racing to Win’s sire Encosta de Lago.

Purrealist becomes the 41st stakes-winner worldwide for Tale of the Cat, who was returned to Ashford Farm Kentucky in prematurely last weekend to avoid being stranded in Australia beyond the end of our breeding season as a result of EI.

September 19th, 2007

Coolmore Australia has sent three of their American based shuttle stallions – Tale of the Cat, Johannesburg and Lion Heart - back to America.

Coolmore took the precaution of returning the three stallions to Ashford Stud in America, as the Australian base is still EI-free. The stud had made application to the Department of Primary Industries, to move the horses out of the Hunter Valley, to avert any chance of them being stranded in Australia in December given America’s import regulations. 

“American importation rules insist that no horse can come into the country unless it has been on a disease free farm for at least 60 days prior and while Coolmore at Jerry’s Plains is to this point free of EI, it was regarded as a prudent decision to send some of the horses back to America,” said Coolmore spokesman James Bester.

The stud have retained Fusaichi Pegasus, Dehere, Royal Academy, Spinning World and Fastnet Rock at it’s Australian base. 

April 22nd, 2007

At Sandown on the Lakeside course Purrealist made an impressive winning debut when he took out the Canonise Super Vobis Handicap (1200m) on Saturday.

One of nine juveniles to face the starter, Purrealist, got away well from his inside barrier draw and settled well for his rider James Winks.  As expected the dual winning Queen Falvelon took up the running and took them along at a solid pace.  Leading until the final furlong, Queen Falvelon got very tired and Rosaria ranged up one the outside.  After taking a little while to win up, Purrealist finished on strongly closer to the inside to score a half-length win over Rosaria (Ror's Jester - Rosa Nilda by Thunder Gulch) with Queen Falvelon (Falvelon - Queen Castellii by Leo Castelli) hanging on for third another half-neck away.

Trained at Flemington by Dan O’Brien for a syndicate that includes Tony Santic and Michael Sullivan, Purrealist did a great job to score over six-furlongs at his first outing.

A half-brother by Tale of the Cat to four-time Group One winner Racing to Win, Purrealist cost $700,000 at the 2006 Inglis Easter Yearling sale and he was selected for the syndicate by bloodstock agent John Foote from the draft of Coolmore Stud. Earlier this year his yearling full brother sold to the bid of Anthony Cummings at the Magic Millions earlier this year from the Oaklands Stud draft for $625,000.

Purrealist is the fourth foal of the Kenny’s Best Pal mare Surrealist, who was purchased by Coolmore last year at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale for $1.6 million.  She has a foal on her by Fastnet Rock and was covered again by Racing to Win’s sire Encosta de Lago last spring.

February 7th, 2007

With only three days to go to the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale results from yesterdays Ballarat meeting have given the catalogue another pedigree update.

Victory in the Porter Plant Maiden by Tower Cat (ex Tilting by Don't Say Halo) added a further enhancement to the Fantastic Light colt, pictured on the left, that will be offered on Sunday February 11th as Lot 178 from the draft of Lord Bloodstock.  

Tower Cat was coming off a 18-week break after his second placing in the Listed Maribyrnong Trial Stakes (1000m) at his debut in October last year.  He took the maiden out in tough fashion on a very windy afternoon, running a solid 57.80 for the five-furlongs beating Blue Sky (Bel Esprit - Aquatint by Supremo).  Tower Cat appeared very robust in condition and under the care of David Hayes he will improve yards off the kill.

Ridden by Craig William who told TVN after the event win, “He’s a big raw boned sort of a horse who is going to be better suited over further than 1000 metres, so he’s done a good job to win.” 

Along with the stakes placed Tower Cat, Tilting has produced the Singapore winner Hutton (by Real Quiet) and the metropolitan placed Tampered With (Fantastic Light).  The Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes placegetter, Tilting, hails from the same family as Speed Check and Munchen.  

Tower Cat was a $90,000 purchase for Mark Pilkington Bloodstock from the draft of Vinery Stud at the 2006 Magic Millions Yearling Sale.

Tower Cat’s sire Tale of the Cat (USA) has had four individual Australian two year-old winners this season – De Jetcat, Puss ‘n’ Boots, Maltese - coming from his first crop of Australian bred horses and he will be represented by 17 youngsters at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.

December 24th, 2006

A half sister to Saturday's impressive Brisbane juvenile winner Puss 'n' Boots is a star of the Furlong Stud draft at next month's Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Yearling Sale on the Gold Coast.

A member of the Shaun Dwyer stable, the Magic Millions 2YO Classic bound Puss 'n' Boots showed a great turn of foot early in the straight to dash to the front and from that point the result was never in doubt.

Dwyer, who has tasted Magic Millions success with former star filly Regimental Gal, prepares the well bred filly for connections who purchased her through prominent bloodstock agent Paul Willetts for $90,000 at last January's Gold Coast auction.

In the run to the line in the City Pacific Finance Handicap (1110m) it was Puss 'n' Boots who proved two and a quarter lengths too good for Falco Star (Falvelon - Coveteele by Covetous). First starter Jellicles (Tale of the Cat - Songfest by Unbridled's Song) was third, another length and a quarter back.

Puss 'n' Boots is the third winner from the top producing and former classy Imperial Baron mare Tranquil Love. A ten time winner in her own right - three in Brisbane - Tranquil Love has already proven herself as a star stakes producing mare. Her daughter Brief Embrace (by Brief Truce) is a triple stakes winner with wins including the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude and she finished runner up in the Group One Blue Diamond.   Her great grandam, La Cassiere (by Luskin Star) was a multiple stakes winner with two Group 2 victories to her credit the VRC Wakeful Stakes and the AJC Flight Stakes.  A successful broodmare, La Cassiere, is in turn the dam of the dual Group I winning, Dashing Eagle (by Danehill).  

Tranquil Love's latest filly, chestnut in colour, is catalogued as lot number 408 and will be offered during the latter stages of the second session on January 12.

She is by General Nediym - the sire of Dwyer's multiple Group One winner and MM Classic heroine Regimental Gal.

Furlong Stud have eleven yearlings catalogued for the MM Yearling Sale including youngsters by Beautiful Crown, El Moxie, French Deputy, General Nediym, More Than Ready, Secret Savings and Show a Heart.

July 24th, 2006

Tale of the Cat five-year-old Mr Ubiquitous made it two wins in a row when he took the honours in the de Bortoli Wines Handicap (1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

The win, gave Mr Ubiquitous (ex Zahra by Zabeel) valuable points in the sixth heat of the Winter Challenge and his rider a farewell present from Sydney as he heads off to Hong Kong where he will be taking up a contract for the new season which kicks off on September 10th.

Mr Ubiquitous defeated Real Strike (Real Quiet - Deanie by Key to Content) by three-quarters of a length with Fire Song (Senor Pete - Dance On Fire by Volksraad) another two lengths away third.

March 19th, 2006

Tale of the Cat, horse, Falkirk, bounced back to his brilliant best with a display of speed and strength to claim the Listed ATA Bob Hoysted Handicap (1100m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Last spring, Falkirk, claimed an impressive win over Glamour Puss (Tale of the Cat) in the Group 3 Gilgai Stakes (1200m) down the famous straight carrying 59 kilo's.  At his next start, he stepped out in the Group I Salinger Stakes during the Melbourne Cup carnival week and finished nearly 12-lengths behind Glamour Puss showing none of his brilliance.  

His trainer Lee Freedman revealed pre-race on the Sport 927 racing radio show that Falkirk had quartered a heel.  

Resuming with the steadier of 60kgs Falkirk was ridden by Noel Callow.  Callow got him away well from barrier nine electing to go towards the 'grandstand' side of the straight course.  Travelling well on the bit up on the speed for Callow, Falkirk, displayed his talent running 10.41seconds from the 800m-600m, then another sub 11 section - 10.47 from the 600m-400m and when Callow asked him for his final effort he ran 10.81 seconds from the 400m to the 200m to hold off a late charge from the lightly weighted Message Bank (All Chatter -Zonki by Zephyr Zip) to claim a half-head victory.  Dea (West Point - Sonsie Mary by Sovereign Red) kept her great fresh record in tact running a cheeky third 1-1/2 lengths away.

Freedman was very impressed with Falkirk's victory telling Damian Oliver from TVN that he may consider the Global Sprint challenge with the good looking brown and head towards the Golden Jubilee at Royal Ascot.   

Falkirk was bred by his owners, the Schick family of Windsor Park Stud, Cambridge, in partnership with successful New Zealand breeder and owner, Alan Burnet. 

Falkirk is from the Palace Music mare, Madam Valeta, who won nine races including stakes events at Group 3 level. She is a half sister to Group 1 Epsom and Toorak Hcp winner, Golden Sword (Kaapstad - Lovenvain), as well as to stakes winners Greta Hall (Kaapstad) and Balmoral Keep (Balmerino). Madam Valeta has produced seven foals to race for six winners, including Group 2 STC Hill Stakes winner Mulan Princess (Kaapstad) and stakes winner Luscilla (Entrepreneur).

A win in any group one sprint would be the perfect icing on the cake for Falkirk's future stud career when he eventually returns to New Zealand to his owners' property.

November 6th, 2005

The last day at Flemington was full of drama with Kerrin McEvoy having a heavy fall from the favourite Queen Of The Hill in the Group Two The Age Classic (registered name: The Linlithgow Stakes (1200m)) on Saturday.

The VRC's club doctor, John McCorkell, said McEvoy had sustained facial injuries requiring surgery as a result of the fall and had been transported to Epworth Hospital.

With 700 metres to travel in the weight-for-age feature, Queen Of The Hill (Danehill) appeared to get onto the heels of Cape Of Good Hope when he shifted in and she blundered badly, dislodging McEvoy who got tangled up in the fillies hind legs. 

As Queen Of The Hill galloped on riderless, the accident took some gloss off the classy win of Glamour Puss who took out the Salinger Stakes-Classic double since three-year-old filly Pharein in 1999.

Trainer Danny O'Brien said that champion three-year-old filly of last season Alinghi clearly had the measure of Glamour Puss last season but the daughter of Tale Of The Cat was now the best sprinter of her sex in Australia.

"She's a very courageous mare and she's even better with the cut out of the ground as she finds a couple of extra lengths," he said.

Glamour Puss is a dual Group One winner having won the Goodwood Hcp (1200m) at Morphettville in May as well as the Salinger (1200m) at Flemington last Saturday.

"She'll go to the Lightning, the Robert Sangster, the Newmarket and hopefully she'll go to Royal Ascot. She's a high-class mare," O'Brien said.

"She loves big tracks and this is the best sprint field assembled all spring."

Ridden by Steven King, Glamour Puss (ex Centenaire by Centaine) held off Golden Slipper winner Stratum (Redoute's Choice -Bourgeois by Luskin Star) to score by a head with Hong Kong's Cape Of Good Hope (Inchinor - Cape Merino by Clantime) 2-1/4 lengths away third.

October 31st 2005

Talented sprinting mare Glamour Puss took out the Group I Seppelt Salinger Stakes at Flemington on Saturday completing a unique sprinting double with victory in the Goodwood Handicap last season.

Bred in New Zealand, at Waikato Stud in Matamata by her owner Garry Chittick the daughter of Tale of the Cat has vindicated Chittick's  decision to transfer her to the Flemington stable of Dan O'Brien.

Glamour Puss was coming off a good second to fellow Tale of the Cat galloper Falkirk (ex Madam Valeta by Palace Music) who was sent to the post as favourite in the sprinting feature on the strength of his last start win down the same 'straight six' 1200m course in the Group 3 Gilgai Stakes on October 1st.  Although, Falkirk had the better of Glamour Puss on that day, it was the Derby Day prize that Chittick and trainer were after.

In the Victoria Racing Club Stakes, Glamour Puss raced just behind Falkirk who moved up to challenge Gonski and Takeover Target as they came on to the course proper.  Out wide, Barely a Moment had started to work into the race.  Glamour Puss then went past the tiring Falkirk and Gonski at the 300m to get clear. Out wide with Barely a Moment Cape of Good Hope appeared to be right in it.  However, in the run to the post the daughter of Tale of The Cat had Barely A Moment (Gilded Time - Lady Darna by Danehill) covered and scored a scintillating one-and-three-quarter length victory with Hong Kong's Cape Of Good Hope (Inchinor - Cape Merino) third a head away.

Glamour Puss and stablemate, Melbourne Cup aspirant Demerger, had achieved a rare feat when they claimed the Goodwood-Adelaide Cup double earlier this year for O'Brien.

O'Brien said he was confident 200 metres out but had a few anxious moments as he watched the others gaining.

"I got a bit panicky when the horses on the outside got close," he said.

"But she is a great sprinting mare. The only one to beat her last season was a champion, Alinghi."

The first three across the line are all likely to back up in the Group 2 Emirates Classic, November 5th, with David Oughton extremely happy with Cape Of Good Hope, winner of the inaugural global sprint series this year.  A challenge that O'Brien will set Glamour Puss for next Autumn.

October 3rd, 2005

At Flemington on Saturday, the New Zealand bred Falkirk put in a powerhouse performance to claim the Group 3 Gilgai Stakes (1200m).

Falkirk was bred by his owners, the Schick family of Windsor Park Stud, Cambridge, in partnership with successful New Zealand breeder and owner, Alan Burnet. 

Falkirk is from the very good Palace Music mare, Madam Valeta, who won nine races including stakes events at Group 3 level. She is a half sister to Group 1 Epsom and Toorak Hcp winner, Golden Sword (Kaapstad - Lovenvain), as well as to stakes winners Greta Hall (Kaapstad) and Balmoral Keep (Balmerino). Madam Valeta has produced seven foals to race for six winners, including Group 2 STC Hill Stakes winner Mulan Princess (Kaapstad) and stakes winner Luscilla (Entrepreneur).

Falkirk's next goal will see him return to the scene of his most recent victory, when he tackles the Group 1 Salinger Stakes down the 'straight six' again at Flemington on Derby Day, October 29.

A win in the Group 1 sprint would be the perfect icing on the cake for Falkirk's future stud career when he eventually returns to New Zealand to his owners' property.

May 15th, 2005

    Tale of the Cat has been on a Group I winning spree this month. In Australia on Saturday, Glamour Puss added the Group I Goodwood Hcp (1200m) to her resume annihilating a top-class field. Glamour Puss, travelled well in the run settling midfield, before unleashing a powerful sprint down the centre of the track, scoring by a widening 2-3/4 lengths.

    Trained at Flemington by Dan O’Brien who was doing his duty as best man at an interstate wedding and is hoping for a Group I double with her stablemate Demerger in the Adelaide Cup on Monday. 

    “The boss will definitely be here on Monday,” said stable foreman Paul Koumis after Glamour Puss careered to one of the easiest Goodwood victories of recent times.

    Top Melbourne jockey Steven King maintained his unbeaten record on Glamour Puss, the Goodwood being his fourth win on the four-year-old from four rides.  Glamour Puss had made one previous visit to Morphettville when finishing second to champion filly Alinghi in the Group 1 Robert Sangster Stakes in February before going to Sydney here she won the Group 3 Sapphire Stakes at last month’s Randwick carnival.

   Glamour Puss, who has had only 16 starts for seven win and six placings and more than $500,000 prizemoney, raced away from another Melbourne mare Solar Antiquity (Desert Sun - Pompeii Glory by Pompeii Court), who ran a bold race for second with Shablec (Blevic - Shabet by Amen Brother) a neck away in third.

May 9th, 2005

    With the Kentucky Derby being the focus of attention this past weekend, Tale of the Cat produced My Trusty Cat to win the Group I Humana Distaff on the under card. 

    The David Vance-trained My Trusty Cat had earned previous victories in the G2 Honorable Miss Hcp, G3 Chicago Breeders' Cup Hcp, Delta Princess Stakes and Honeybee Stakes with placings in the G1 Ballerina Hcp in her 27 start career that has yielded 8 wins, 7 seconds and 2 thirds for earnings of US$869,753. 

    Tale Of The Cat will be returning for his third stint in Australia this Spring, where he will be accompanied by his Grade 1 winning son, Lion Heart, and his three-quarter brother Johannesburg. 

April 4th, 2005

Randwick galloper Catreign confirmed her liking for producing a good effort in second-up during her campaign to take out the P & O Cruises Welter Handicap (1200m) at Randwick on the final day of the big Easter carnival.

Catreign (ex New Victoria by Colonel Collins) returned to racing this campaign with a very poor performance at Newcastle on February 12th, given more than a month to recover, Catreign stormed home to claim a length victory over Force Apollo (Catrail - Clear Apollo by King Apollo) with race favourite Words of Magic (Magic Ring - Love of Words by Esperanto) 1-1/2 lengths away in third.

In recording her sixth victory from 12-starts, Catreign shows enough class to suggest that she wouldn't be out of place in a stakes event this winter in Queensland.

March 29th, 2005

Talented Tale of the Cat mare Glamour Puss continues to improve and on Saturday she went one better to claim the Group 3 Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.

After an eye-catching second placing behind Alinghi (Encosta de Lago) in the Group 1 SAJC Robert Sangster Stakes in February, Glamour Puss travelled like the winner for the majority of the 1200-metre journey and at the wire she had a half-length to spare on her nearest rival.

Now the winner of six races from just 15 outings, Glamour Puss began her racing career in New Zealand and was only transferred to the Flemington stables of Danny O'Brien at the beginning of the current racing season. 

Glamour Puss was bred and is raced by Waikato Stud principal Gary Chittick from the Centaine mare Centenaire.  Glamour Puss is from the one and only New Zealand crop of Tale of the Cat, a group of horses which also features the stakes winners Scaredee Cat (also raced in Chittick's blue, green and white colours), Falkirk, Ubiquitous, Al Jameel and Hulachine. 

February 15th, 2005

Waikato Stud had a great day out at Caulfield on Saturday when their smart four-year-old mare Glamour Puss (ex Centenaire by Centaine) proved too strong in the Listed Moduline HRC Stakes (1200m).

January 3rd, 2005

On New Year's day at Flemington, four-year-old bay Tale of the Cat mare Catscan claimed the Jayco 1400.

Ridden by apprentice jockey Ryan Hinton, Catscan settled well behind the early pacemaker Fairweather.  As the Fairweather got to the 800m peg she appeared to charge off on Stephen Baster opening up a huge lead.  Catscan (ex Transluscent by Grosvenor) the short-priced favourite, had settled well for young Hinton well back. Once Fairweather rounded the home turn she shortened stride, allowing Catscan to come into the race without any effort.  Hinton angled her into the open to stride away for any easy 2-1/2 length victory over Light of Day (Woodman - Turkodawn by Turkoman) with Kayano (Our Poetic Prince - Before Her Time (Karou Star) in third  a short-half-head away.

The win of Catscan's was her seventh career victory. 

Tale of the Cat's progeny had a good year overall in North America he finished tenth on the General Earnings list for 2004.

September 13th, 2004

New Zealand bred Falkirk returned to racing in the best possible fashion with an first-class victory in the G2 Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday. 

Stable mate Private Steer opened an odds-on favourite, but drifted to $2.10 at the jump, however on her least favoured track she never looked like a serious threat even when the field straightened for home. 

Oscar Warrior (Zeditave) led the field with jockey Darren Beadman settling Falkirk just behind him in the run. Grand Armee and Fiery Venture were two lengths further back with Private Steer following in last position. 

Turning for home, Falkirk sprinted quickly putting the race beyond any doubt with Glen Boss switching to the outside on Private Steer giving chase. Grand Armee (Hennessy - Tambour by Marauding) past Private Steer but Falkirk had the Theo Marks scoring by a 1-1/2 lengths.  Private Steer (Danehill Dancer - Lisheenowen by Semipalatinsk) was a long neck away third. 

Falkirk ran 1:17.74 for the 1300m, covering the last 600m in a slick 34.84.

The Theo Marks was Falkirk's (ex Madam Valeta by Palace Music) second stakes success after he won the G2 QTC Cup at Eagle Farm in the early winter.  

Falkirk a striking entire has raced nine times for six wins and one second. 

August 22nd, 2004

Tale of the Cat mare, Catreign scored her most valuable success on Saturday when she made it two wins in a row to claim the listed Toy Show Handicap (1400m) at Warwick Farm. 

Ridden by Corey Brown, who settled the mare wide without cover for most of the journey. Catreign who races in a shadow roll showed plenty of determination to grab the victory in the last 50m of the race from top-weight Zagalia (Zabeel - Snow Quill by Bluebird) by three-quarters-of-a-length with Freeroller (Royal Academy - Zabori by Zabeel) in third a short-neck away.

August 8, 2004

Talented filly Catreign returned to racing after a short break with a determined win in the Kay Plate (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.

Catreign (ex New Victoria by Colonel Collins) jumped away from barrier 6 and she always travelling well up on the bridle for Corey Brown.  In the run to the winning post she was too strong for Prestigic (Strategic - Century Maid by Century) a half-length away in second with 2 lengths to Little Jerboa (Langfuhr - Vicarious by Covetous) in third.

June 6th, 2004

Coolmore's Tale of the Cat is having a great run with winners galore in America and on Saturday his son Falkirk, claimed his first stakes success in Australia by winning the Group 2 QTC Cup at Eagle Farm.

Prepared by Hong Kong bound, Paul O'Sullivan, Falkirk, got the race on protest. 

Falkirk, was ridden by Scott Galloway, who settled the colt back off the speed, causing the youngster to race greenly.  Falkirk jumped the crossing and then was hampered on the turn but it wasn't until Galloway angled Falkirk into the clear that it seemed like a lost cause when Patpong took his running rounding the turn.  

Falkirk set about pulling back the leeway in the final chase to the line in narrowing the gap to a half-head behind Patpong (Royal Academy - Rouquin by Paris Prince) at the line.  Bomber Bill (Air de France - Lady Special by Alzao) finished the race off nicely to claim third 1-1/4 lengths away.

The Stewards did not take long to reach a ruling. Their decision was to reverse the finishing order between Patpong and Falkirk, making Falkirk the winner. It was the Tale of the Cat's second win at stakes level but his most important securing him a start in the group one Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) next Saturday, June 12th.

May 9th, 2004

Tale Of The Cat's three-year-old gelding son, Listen Pal chalked up his fifth career success from 12-starts in the John Holland Mile (1600m) at Eagle Farm on Saturday. 

Listen Pal (ex Pageant by Oregon) enjoyed the slow going and never looked like being defeated scoring a 1-1/4 length win over Devastating (Pentire - La Chataigne by Khozaam) with Fashion Jewels (Forever Regal - Kellina Rules by Pride of Kellina) another length away in third. 

April 25th, 2004

Tale of the Cat's unbeaten Falkirk, survived a protest in winning the Group 3 Westbury Stud Sunline Stakes (1200m) at Te Rapa on Saturday.

Falkirk settled behind the early speed set by the group one placed Pay My Bail.  Once the field rounded the home turn Falkirk eased off the fence around the small Justice Prevails filly and as his rider asked him to improve he appeared to lay in towards her causing the rider on Pay My Bail to check at the 200m mark.  

However the colt's winning margin of length-and-a-quarter was to great to warrant a change of placings with Brave Flyer (Danasinga - Jelignite Jen by Crested Wave) running home for second ahead of the luckless Pay My Bail (Justice Prevails - Ebony Jane by Three Legs).

Trained by Paul O'Sullivan, who said Falkirk will now be aimed at the Brisbane winter carnival where his main target will be the G1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m). 

The win as Falkirk's first at stakes level, however his owners are expecting big things from the colt as he is owned in partnership by Windsor Park Stud and Alan Burnet.  "He's a great looking horse with an exciting pedigree and has a big future as a stallion," said co-owner Nelson Schick.

Falkirk is a son of the Palace Music mare Madam Valeta who was also raced by Nelson Schick's Windsor Park Stud, she won nine races including the G3 Lion Brown Handicap (1200m) at Rotorua.

At stud, Madam Valeta has been a resounding success. All six of her raced foals have won, headed by G2 STC Hill Stakes winner Mulan Princess (Kaapstaad) and Taranaki Listed winner Luscilla (Entrepreneur).

February 16th, 2004

A surprise win at Matamata on Saturday by Catscan (ex Transluscent by Grosvenor) means that Mark Walker is now likely to have two runners in next month’s G3 Desert Gold Stakes at Trentham.

Although opposed by only three rivals in the Fayette Park Stakes, Catscan’s prospects were not rated highly by Walker. The Whakanui Stud-owned and bred filly destroyed that perception, by powering home for a convincing win. 

Catscan has grown into a lovely type and looks to improve on her two-year-old record, where she finished fourth in the G1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes and the G2 Matamata Breeders’ Stakes. 

February 15th, 2004

At Randwick on the inside Kensington track, three-year-old Tale of the Cat filly Catreign, ran a mighty race in winning the Thrifty Handicap (1400m) on Saturday afternoon. 

Settling well back off the pace, three and four deep for most of the journey, Catreign rounded the turn very deep out on the track.  Once she was balanced her rider Corey Brown allowed the filly more reign and she let down to score a comfortable 1-1/2 length win over her stable mate Vachere (Flying Spur - Forget Paris by Bluebird) with 1-1/4 lengths to Curvy Girl (Desert Sun - Seductive by Arch Sculptor) in third.  

Prepared by John O'Shea, Catreign will now head towards the Surround Stakes after scoring her third career victory.

Catreign ran 1:23.67 for the 1400m, covering the final 600m in 35.13 seconds.

January 18, 2004

An interstate double of winners for Tale Of The Cat on Saturday.  His 3YO filly, Catreign (ex New Victoria by Colonel Collins) grabbed her stable mate Al Yafil (Secret Savings - Zaghaareed by Riverman) in the shadows of the winning post to claim the Choisir Handicap (1300m) at Warwick Farm.

Promising young trainer John O'Shea said, "I couldn't split them leading into the race."

"Al Yafil is a bit weak at this stage of her career and she'll now go for a nice break in the paddock. She'll be a lovely filly later on."

As for the winner Catreign, "She's very green and the race will improve her."

Catreign scored by a nose.  Celebrtiy Rose (Peintre Celebre - Rose a Slew by Slew City Slew) hung on for third a neck away.

Catreign set a new class record of 1.18.41 for the 1300m.

O'Shea purchased Catreign after she recorded a 1:21-93 for (1400m) in a maiden at the stiff Hastings track in New Zealand, November 22.  

Listen Pal (ex Pageant by Oregon) chalked up Tale Of The Cat's second leg of his interstate double in the Thexton Racing Handicap (1800m) at the Gold Coast.

In chalking up his fourth success Listen Pal won by 2-1/2 lengths running the journey out in 1:55.48 covering his last 600m in 39 seconds on a heavy track.

January 5, 2004

Le Bec Fin, the half-brother to Caulfield-Melbourne Cups winner Ethereal (Rhythm), scored a brilliant win on debut in the John Sheargold Maiden (1000m) at Taupo in New Zealand on January 4.

The Tale Of The Cat-Romanee Conti colt blitzed his rivals with a six-length win and better a track record which had stood for 20 years. 

Part-owner Peter Vela of Pencarrow Stud, which bred Le Bec Fin, was full of praise for the training performance of Matamata-based Mark Walker.

'The horse has been patiently handled by Mark Walker and today's winning result is a tribute to his horsemanship,' Vela said.

Le Bec Fin was entered for the Karaka yearling sales but failed a pre-sale veterinary examination and was subsequently withdrawn from the sale. The Velas decided to race him themselves.

Besides Ethereal another smart performer out of Romanee Conti (Sir Tristram), a Hong Kong Cup winner, is current Hong Kong star Prince Golf (Entrepreneur) who has won three of his last four starts in Hong Kong.

The family is represented by Lot 509 at the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sales later this month - a Danehill colt from the Australasian Oaks winner Grand Echezeaux (by Zabeel) which will be offered by Pencarrow Stud.

December 29th, 2003.

In New Zealand on Boxing Day at the Ellerslie meeting, Tale Of The Cat produced Ubiquitous to beat his more seasoned older rivals in the weight-for-age G3 King's Plate (1600m).  As the sole three-year-old runner in the race and Ubiquitous, embarrassed his opposition greatly.

Ubiquitous sailed away in the home straight to win by 2-3/4 lengths with eight-year-old Doyle (Dance Floor - Shelley Lack) second with another long head to Surprize Surprize (Prized Impossible Dream) in third. 

29th December 2003 

Tale of the Cat's star juvenile Lion Heart put in his final bid for champion 2-year-old colt after extending his unbeaten record to a perfect three-for-three with a front running victory in the G1 Hollywood Futurity at Hollywood Park on Saturday, December 21st. 

Fresh off a impressive 6-length win in the G3 Hollywood Prevue last month, Lion Heart was sent off a firm favourite. Jumping smartly under Mike Smith, the $1.4 million 2-y-o purchase set sharp fractions of :23 1/5 and :46 2/5 under a hand ride and bounded clear of the field at the top of the stretch to score by 3-1/2 lengths.

"He's very impressive," said Smith. "This is one of the best young horses I've ridden in a long, long time. He took the race right to them right away." 

Winning trainer Patrick Biancone said Lion Heart would now be rested, and likely would have just one start before the Gr.1 Santa Anita Derby. "He's an exceptional, exceptional horse. I said before the race he needed to give an outstanding display. He did it", commented Biancone, adding "Now we're going to point for the first Saturday in May".

Leading Juvenile sire Tale of the Cat has an exceptional bunch of two-year-olds and is responsible for no less than five Stakes winning juveniles this season, four of them graded. 

Another double for Tale Of The Cat his bay filly, Belle Feline, got the ball rolling when she won the Marriott Hotels Australia Handicap (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday afternoon.

Belle Feline (ex Belle Star by Star Way) scored by three-quarters of a length from Polish Empress (Polish Navy - Imperial Elder by Sir Tristram) with Xanex (Polish Laughter - Edgecliff by Sea Anchor) 4-3/4 lengths away in third. 

Later on in the day at the Gold Coast, Listen Pal (ex Pageant by Oregon) scored his second win in from just five starts in the 1400m Handicap.   

Arguably the best performance anywhere in Australasia on Saturday came at Hastings racetrack in New Zealand from a horse having just his second race start.

The Paul O’Sullivan-trained three-year-old colt Falkirk kept his perfect record intact when streaking to a 13-length romp in a track record 1.08.18 for the 1200m.

A stunning looking colt with a wonderful flowing action, Falkirk was passed in at the 2002 N.Z. Premier Yearling sale when bidding halted $2,500 short of his 100,000 reserve.

Bred by Alan Burnet in partnership with Windsor Park Stud, Falkirk is the sixth named foal of the Palace Music mare Madam Valeta.

A top-class performer Madam Valeta (ex Lovenvain by Vain) won nine of her 24 starts including the Lion Brown H. (G3) and QTC Ascot H. (LR). She is a half-sister to three stakes winners including the 1993 AJC Epsom H (G1) and Toorak H (G1) winner Golden Sword (Kaapstad). Like Falkirk, Golden Sword was a sensational type. He went to stud with high expectations but when he failed to get any of his first 28 mares in foal at Wakefield Stud he returned to the track with tragic results.  At his second start after a break of ten months Golden Sword was euthanised when breaking down in the 19995 Chipping Norton Stakes (G1) won by Pharaoh.

Madam Valeta is also a half-sister to Carrington Stakes (LR) and STC Triscay Stakes (LR) winner Greta Hall and the dual metropolitan winner Suresh (Star Way), which stands at Bob and Ivy Hawkes Tolka Stud near Casterton, Victoria. From a handful of runners Suresh has been represented by Marapana Magic, 3-length winner of a 2yo maiden at Mortlake and Calypso Summer, runner-up in a 3yo Handicap at Cheltenham.

Madam Valeta has not let the side down in the broodmare barn. She has produced six winners from her first six starters including the STC Hill Stakes (G2), Premier's Cup (LR) and AJC P.J. Bell H. (LR) winner Mulan Princess (Kaapstad) and the Listed Stakes winner Luscilla (Entrepreneur). She has also netted the Burnet – Windsor Park Stud partnership $1,045,000 from the sale of her seven foals to go through the sales ring. But I doubt that they will have any regrets in keeping the exciting Falkirk. Although he is yet to win a stakes race he would be worth many times his $100,000 price tag as a yearling. 

Trainer Paul O’Sullivan rated Falkirk a future stallion prospect after his impressive winning debut at Paeroa on November 5 when winning by 1 ¼-lengths despite hanging out throughout the race.  The leading trainer has earmarked the Group 1 Telegraph Handicap at Trentham in January as the immediate goal of Falkirk.

Coolmore Stud's sire Tale Of The Cat added a treble of winners to his tally when Faiveley (ex Clinique by Dance Floor) chalked up his second career victory in the Class 1 Handicap (1100m) at Werribee on Saturday.  

Then in New South Wales, at Kembla Grange, Interjo (ex Royal Dancer by Mistral Dancer) clocked up his maiden victory over a journey of 1400m.

In New Zealand, Tee Cee (ex Zablinka by Zabeel) chalked up his third win from only six race starts when he claimed the John Warren Insurance Handicap (1400m) at Tauranga.

There are few more promising young stallions standing anywhere in Australia this season than Coolmore Stud’s Tale Of The Cat.  But it is not just south of the equator that the son of Storm Cat is making his presence felt. A stunning burst of two-year old graded stakes winners has moved Tale Of The Cat into second leading sire of juveniles in the U.S. with earnings of $1,049,372, just $35,000 less than the current leader, his sire Storm Cat.

With his only New Zealand conceived crop now three-year-olds Tale Of The Cat has sired recent Ascot Vale Stakes (G2) hero Scaredee Cat (ex Last Lady by Centaine), Dulcify Quality (LR) winner Al Jameel ex Canny Asset by Marscay), Great Northern Foal Stakes (LR) winner Hulachine (ex Its Hula Time by Sir Tristram), Ellerslie Eclipse Stakes (G3) and Matamata Fairview Ford Slipper (LR) winner Ubiquitous (ex Zahra by Zabeel).

Tale Of The Cat produced another stakes horse at Flemington on Saturday when Tchaikovsky (ex Zorina (USA) by Nureyev) was a brave second to Delzao (Encosta De Lago) in the Listed Concept Sports Stakes (registered name: Poseidon Stakes).

Tale Of The Cat is also making a huge impression in the U.S. When his two-year old daughter Be Gentle (ex Gentlelilstar by Risen Star) romped to a 5 ½-length win in the Darley Alcibiades (G2) at Keeneland on Friday it was the second time in the last few months that a two-year old daughter of Tale Of The Cat has annexed a prestigious “breeders” race. On August 11 Whoopi Cat a daughter of the New Zealand bred mare Whoopi (Sky Filou) took out the time honoured Saratoga, Adirondack Stakes (G2) at Saratoga.

Another two-year old Tale Of The Cat two-year old filly, Feline Story (ex Shappy by Really Secret), added the Sorority Stakes (G3) at Monmouth and the Astoria Stakes (LR) at Belmont to her sires rapidly growing list of achievements.

Be Gentle made a spectacular debut with a 8 1/2-length victory at Churchill Downs in May then led all the way to take the Grade 3 Debutante Stakes at that track on to July 4. She was never out of trouble when suffering her first defeat when fifth in the Grade 1 Schuylerville Stakes at Saratoga on July 23. Be Gentle was runner up behind Ashado (Saint Ballado) in the Grade 1 Spinaway Stakes at her previous start on Aug. 29.

Be Gentle went straight to the front in the Alcibiades and never looked in danger of being caught.

Bred in Virginia Be Gentle increased her record to three wins from five starts for earnings of $380,478. She is out of the winning Risen Star mare Gentlelilstar, a half-sister to multiple stakes winner Carrie Can (Saratoga Six). Gentlelilstar’s dam Gentle Kelly (Gentle King) is a half-sister to multiple stakes winner Big Dreams the dam of Champion sprinter Housebuster and Honeymoon Breeders' Cup Handicap (G2) winner Quero Quero.

At Randwick on Saturday, Al Jameel tracked the favourite Square One (Lake Coniston) to the turn and when Danny Beasley pushed the button the son of Tale Of The Cat quickly had the race in his keeping.

Having his fifth run back from a spell Al Jameel had been slow to capture the form that last season saw him runner-up to Secret Land in the Listed Illawarra Classic, third to Hasna, Bushland and Face Value in the Group 1 AJC Sires produce Stakes and fourth in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes.

At the post Al Jameel had three-quarters-of-a-length on L'Espalier (Marscay - Pretty Buttons by Danehill) with the same margin back to Superior Sateen (Danehill - Shantha's Choice by Canny Lad) in third.

From 15 starts Al Jameel has recorded two wins, two seconds and two thirds for earnings of $155,380.

A $100,000 purchase by Emirates Park Stud’s Nasser Lootah at the 2002 N.Z Bloodstock Premier yearling sale Al Jameel is the second foal and first winner for his dam Canny Asset (Marscay) an unraced daughter of Astute Angel (Godswalk) winner of the VRC Gibson Carmichael Stakes (LR) and runner-up in the VRC Bloodhorse Breeders' Plate (G2). Astute Angel is a daughter of triple Group 1 winner Canny Lass (Bletchingly) a sister to Golden Slipper winner and prolific sire Canny Lad. 

Earlier in the day at Mornington, Catboy (ex Honey Be Ours by Sir Tristram) notched up his second career win from just five starts, in the Progress Signs Handicap (1200m) with an easy 1-1/4 length win.

Two shuttle stallions, one former and one current, provided the quinella in the Adirondack Stakes at Saratoga on Monday, August 11. Whoopi Cat, a daughter of Coolmore’s Tale of the Cat, worked hard to get past Unbridled Beauty, a daughter of former shuttler Unbridled’s Song, but did so to win prestigious Saratoga event. 

Unbridled Beauty took the early lead, sizzling an opening quarter mile in :21 1/5 and a half-mile in :44 3/5 on the muddy track. Whoopi Cat was under pressure from her jockey Edgar Prado but eventually wore down Unbridled Beauty and Jerry Bailey to win the 6 1/2-furlong race by 1 1/4 lengths. Owned by Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor, the same duo that own leading 2-year-old colt Chapel Royal, Whoopi Cat is trained by Patrick Biancone.

"She stumbled a little at the start; she was a little anxious at the gate," said Biancone. "The plan was for her to rate like she did the first time. She kicks in when she switches leads. She is very fast, but she has stamina. She is a lovely filly. We'll have to see how she comes back. The Spinaway (G1) comes back very quickly in 18 days." 

Whoopi Cat was bred in Kentucky and is out of the New Zealand-bred Sky Filou mare Whoopi. This is the family of former top class hoses Sierra Sand and Dorset Downs.

Two shuttle stallions, one former and one current, provided the quinella in the Adirondack Stakes at Saratoga on Monday. Whoopi Cat, a daughter of Coolmore’s Tale of the Cat, worked hard to get past Unbridled Beauty, a daughter of Arrowfield’s former shuttler Unbridled’s Song, but did so to win prestigious Saratoga event.

Unbridled Beauty took the early lead, sizzling an opening quarter mile in :21 1/5 and a half-mile in :44 3/5 on the muddy track. Whoopi Cat was under pressure from her jockey Edgar Prado but eventually wore down Unbridled Beauty and Jerry Bailey to win the 6 1/2-furlong race by 1 1/4 lengths. Owned by Derrick Smith and Michael Tabor, the same duo that own leading 2-year-old colt Chapel Royal, Whoopi Cat is trained by Patrick Biancone.

"She stumbled a little at the start; she was a little anxious at the gate," said Biancone. "The plan was for her to rate like she did the first time. She kicks in when she switches leads. She is very fast, but she has stamina. She is a lovely filly. We'll have to see how she comes back. The Spinaway (G1) comes back very quickly in 18 days." Whoopi Cat was bred in Kentucky and is out of the New Zealand-bred Sky Filou mare Whoopi. This is the family of former top class hoses Sierra Sand and Dorset Downs. 

The highly promising Tale of the Cat filly Hulachine has been sold and will do her future racing from the stable of Sydney trainer John O’Shea.

Her sale was finalised during the week when a “substantial six-figure sum” was paid by her new owner, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, a member of the Saudi Arabian royal family. 

Hulachine’s sale was negotiated by Otaki bloodstock agent Phil Cataldo, who was also involved in Sheikh Mohammed’s earlier purchases. The Tale of the Cat filly will initially be set for the Gr. 1 MRC One Thousand Guineas in October, with her longer term three-year-old target the AJC Oaks next autumn. 

“She is a quality filly and is recognised as one of the most promising of last season’s two-year-old crop,” said Cataldo in confirming the sale. “She’s very typical of the Storm Cat line with a stamp of class about her.”

Hulachine, whose dam is the Sir Tristram mare It’s Hula Time, was unbeaten in two late autumn starts, on both occasions coming from a seemingly impossible position. Her debut win was at Te Rapa in early May, while three weeks later she deepened that impression by taking the listed Great Northern Foal Stakes at Ellerslie. 

Former trainer Paul O’Sullivan is philosophical about her sale. He bid $100,000 for the Cambridge Stud-bred brown at last year’s National Yearling Sale on behalf of Hong Kong-based New Zealander Gary Plowman. 

“Every horse has its price and her owner felt that the offer was one he could not turn down,” said O’Sullivan. “She’s a lovely filly and I’m sure she’ll do well for her new connections.”

New Zealand bred, Listen Pal (ex Pageant by Oregon) won his maiden at his second career start by a neck at the Gold Coast on Saturday. 

A stunning win was recorded by Hulachine (ex Its Hula Time by Sir Tristram) in the listed Great Northern Foal Stakes at Ellerslie on Saturday, May 24th.  Her performance had to be seen to be believed as she came from a seemingly hopeless position to down Our Kashani (Kashani - Liloy's Girl) and Seigla Bay (Maroof - Green Point).

This classy looker is now headed for the spelling paddock for a month, after which O’Sullivan plans
to aim her for the New Zealand One Thousand Guineas at Ricarton in early November.

Owner Gary Plowman instructed Matamata trainer Paul O’Sullivan to bid on the Tale of the Cat - It’s Hula Time filly from the Cambridge Stud draft at last year’s National Yearling Sales.  Thinking he would be most unlikely to secure the filly for the amount allocated by his client, O’Sullivan joined the bidding with a solitary $100,000 bid. To O'Sullivan's surprise, the filly met no further response and thus joined the Plowman Bloodstock portfolio.

Her value now is well above that purchase price. Tale of the Cat has been a phenomenon as stud with six individual winners in New Zealand making him leading freshman sire for the current season.

Hulachine’s obvious ability is a major factor in considering her increased value, her damsire
Sir Tristram could well be wielding an influence judging by the massive strides that have taken her to
wins from her only two starts. 

Tale of the Cat performers include the dual stakes winner Ubiquitous (ex Zahra by Zabeel), while his Australian list is headed by the Melbourne stakes winner Scaredee Cat (ex Last Lady by Centaine). 

Tale of the Cat has begun his stud career in the northern hemisphere in similar style, having taken out freshman honours in the United States last year.