News

January Horse Of The Month

31st Jan 2006

William Inglis & Son is immensely proud of its graduates who every month promote our name in winners circles around the globe.

This month we are delighted to recognise the achievements of

CALIFORNIA DANE

Breeding: 3yo colt by Danehill ex Storminwinter (USA) , by Seattle Slew
Vendor: Coolmore Stud, agent
Owner: Dr Howard Liang
Trainer: Lee Freedman

California Dane put up a truly outstanding performance to win the Group 2 MVRC Carlyon Stakes at Moonee Valley on January 25, defeating five previous Group 1 winners.

On the back of a blistering track-record victory over the same course and distance on December 31, the colt handled the rise to Group company like an old hand, putting up a brave fight to beat flying filly Virage De Fortune in a tight finish.

“He’s certainly up in the top echelon now,” said trainer Lee Freedman after the race. “He’s an exciting colt.”

The victory was his fifth straight from six career outings and with previous Group 1 winners Virage De Fortune, Casual Pass, Bomber Bill, Spark Of Life and Valedictum behind him California Dane is certainly showing all the hallmarks of a class horse.

Inglis Director Of Sales Jonathan D’Arcy said: “California Dane was a stunning yearling who created plenty of interest at the 2004 Easter Yearling Sale. To see him go on and rise to prominence at this elite class comes as no surprise as he is by the prince of sires Danehill out of a superb American family.

“It will be no surprise if he goes on to emulate the deeds of Exceed and Excel, Elvstroem, Fastnet Rock and Reset, who were also sold through the Easter sales ring before going on to become sought after sire prospects.”

California Dane is the first foal out of the winning Seattle Slew mare Storminwinter, a half-sister to the Grade 2 winning miler Williamstown. Boasting a stallions pedigree he is from the immediate family of multiple Grade 1 winner and recently pensioned sire Broad Brush and Coolmore’s Mull Of Kintyre.