Wed 2nd Oct 2002

Shadwell Stud Middle Park Stakes Day

Newmarket’s Rowley Mile Racecourse, 3rd October 2002
This week marks the start of a very busy period for the British Bloodstock industry. The world renowned Tattersall’s Houghton Yearling Sales has seen breeders and buyers from all corners of the globe converge on Newmarket eager to purchase the cream of this year’s yearling crop. Added to this there are four days of top class racing on the Rowley Mile, culminating in the Tote Cambridgeshire Showcase Handicap on Saturday. Shadwell is marking the occasion through the sponsorship of three races on Thursday 3rd October.

The principle race on that day is the Group 1 Shadwell Stud Middle Park Stakes. This race has an impressive role of honor and has featured a number of future champions:
1990 Lycius
1991 Rodrigo de Triano
1992 Zieten 1993
First Trump
1994 Fard
1995 Royal Applause
1996 Bahamian Bounty
1997 Hayil
1998 Lujain
1999 Primo Valentino
2000 Minardi
2001 Johannesburg

This year's entry looks particularly exciting. Gerard Butler runs the unbeaten Elusive City who renews rivalry with the Mick Channon trained Zafeen. Aiden O’Brien brings a strong hand from Ireland with no less than nine entries at the five day stage whilst David Loders’ Country Reel comes to the race unbeaten in two starts. Also on the card are the Shadwell Stud Joel Stakes and the EBF Unfuwain Maiden Stakes. The later has attracted a huge entry (71) at the five-day stage and should provide a fitting tribute to the late, great, Unfuwain. He was, of course, best known for the success of his middle-distance progeny, and again this race is likely to produce some interesting prospects for next year. 2002 marks the eleventh year of Shadwell’s association with Newmarket Racecourses.

Stud Director, Richard Lancaster, commented, “The day creates a wonderful shop window for Shadwell Stud, Newmarket Racecourse and the British Racing and Breeding industry as a whole. Shadwell is proud of its association with this day.” Following the days’ racing the great and the good of the bloodstock world will make their way back to the Tattersall's Sales ring for the second and final session with a keen eye for finding next year’s winners.