Breeding and Bloodstock

Galileo’s progeny have won nearly all the world’s best races, but despite 34 attempts, never a Melbourne Cup. On Tuesday, the late Coolmore legend has three more chances. But he is not the sire with the strongest numerical hand.

A 2.5 percent stake in North American stallion Flightline sold for US$2.5 million at the inaugural Keeneland Championship Sale on Thursday (AEDT), while a share in Widden-bound speedster Cogburn also changed hands, days out from his racetrack farewell.

When Brian Siemsen saw “tension and fragmentation” when it came to sorting through equine insurance, the insurance mogul and thoroughbred investor was eager to utilise his industry experience to find a solution.

While the Melbourne Cup scratching of Jan Breughel was hitting headlines for the wrong reasons in Australia, another Coolmore-owned colt was making waves in the sales ring in England.

Militarize has been retired from stud duties because of fertility issues with the multiple Group 1 winner to be gelded in preparation for a return to racing.

In this week’s Rowe On Monday, Tim Rowe examines how Inglis and Magic Millions almost came together on a co-branded two-year-old sale, how a change of heart of Bittercreek has proven sweet for Troy Corstens, James Cummings’ affinity for a Snitzel and Tubba Williams salutes at Harden.

Bowness Stud will be thrust into the carnival spotlight with three runners by its sire D’Argento taking their place in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick.