Haras de Bonneval-based first-crop sire makes a flying start Three-time Group 1 winner Charm Spirit, currently standing at the Aga Khan’s Haras de Bonneval, has made an impact with his first juveniles on the track.

The son of Invincible Spirit has recorded a hat-trick of wins in the last week in England, and his progeny already have ambitions for Royal Ascot. During the same period, the produce of Gilltown Stud sire Sea The Stars recorded three Stakes successes led by the victory of Stradivarius’ in the Group 2 Yorkshire Cup.

Diviner set the ball rolling for her young sire Charm Spirit when making virtually all the running to win on 14th May. The Mark Johnston-trained filly was eased towards the end of the five furlong event and scored easily by five lengths.

Charm Spirit’s next success came thanks to Charming Kid, who overcame his inexperience to win on his debut in the British Stallion Studs EBF Novice Stakes during the Dante meeting at York. The colt, who changed hands for 75,000 Guineas as a foal, and for £105,000 recently, when purchased by Cool Silk PS/ Stroud Coleman Bloodstock at the Goffs UK Breeze-up Sale, is a half-brother to five winners including Group 2 winner Juniper Pass. Trainer Richard Fahey is now aiming Charming Kid towards the Group 2 Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot.

The Paddocks completed Charm Spirit’s hat trick when making a successful debut at Newbury on 18th May. The colt demonstrated both speed and good battling qualities, staying on well at the end of the six furlong contest, he too could be headed towards Royal Ascot as his trainer Richard Hannon told the Racing Post, “We hoped he’d be an Ascot horse. He’s a six-furlong horse, but if he’s got the speed for five we might enter him in the Norfolk.”

The Paddocks was sold for 120,000 Euros as a yearling at Arqana’s August sale, and he is out of an Arch half-sister to Group 2 winner Pomology.

Sea The Stars was also in the news with a series of wins for his progeny. Already a Group 1 winner at three in 2017, Stradivarius further stamped his credentials as a top stayer with a smooth success in the Group 2 Yorkshire Cup. A Group 1 runner-up last season, Crystal Ocean registered a third Group victory when coming home six lengths clear in the Group 3 Al Rayyan Stakes at Newbury, while on the same card, Sea of Class lifted the Listed Haras de Bouquetot Fillies Trial Stakes on just her second career outing for owners Sunderland Holdings.

Charm Spirit has alternated between Tweenhills Farm and Haras de Bonneval to date during his stallion career, and he is currently available in France at a fee of 20,000 Euros. Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe hero Sea The Stars stands at Gilltown Stud for 135,000 Euros.

Updated on 22/05/2018.