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Frankel. |
I’m still recuperating from a busy trip to Europe but thought it beyond time I posted some photos, beginning with these from a February 25th visit to Banstead Manor Stud -- home of some of the best stallions in Europe -- in Newmarket, England.
It’s been so long since I was at Banstead Manor that Dansili, who is now recognized as one of the top sires in the world, was unproven and standing for just £10,000. His 2014 covering fee is £95,000, with only Frankel (£125,000) and Dubawi (£100,000) breeding for more in England, and Oasis Dream (at £85,000) close behind.
And Frankel...well, he
’s Frankel. Click here for fun Frankel facts and a photo of him as a foal.
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Observatory, winner of the Queen Elizabeth II S.-G2 and Prix d'Ispahan-G2. His son Twice Over won back-to-back Champion Stakes, among other Group 1 wins. |
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Dansili, a Group 2-winning full brother to champions Banks Hill, Intercontinental, and Champs Elysees, and a leading sire. |
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Dansili wasn't interested in putting his ears up. |
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This is a priceless expression. |
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Dansili's Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe-winning son Rail Link. |
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Pensioner Zamindar, sire of Arc-winning filly Zarkava and classic winners Zenda and Darjina. |
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Another Dansili son at Banstead Manor: Bated Breath, a Group 2 winner with first foals of 2014. |
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Champion Oasis Dream, sire of 10 Group/Grade 1 winners. (Odd photo angle because I had to maneuver around a large group of students.) |
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Frankel stepping out and eyeing his audience. |
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Frankel says: "I can pose and hold my own shank, thank you very much!" |
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He was as interested in us as we were in him. |
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On their way back to his box, Frankel's groom reached over and played with the gentle stallion's ear. |
Love these - what an adventure you had!
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