$500,000 Weanling and G3 Winner for Aussie Mare
The Frankel colt that topped the Magic Millions Weanling Sale opening session on Sunday for $500,000 had a three-quarter brother by Galileo racing in Ireland on Sunday and progressive colt Chief Little Rock (3c Galileo x Amicus, by Fastnet Rock) led all the way and bolted clear to win the Group III Gallinule Stakes by nearly four lengths.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Wayne Lordan, Chief Little Rock set a good tempo in front and relished the challenge bowling along to claim his first stakes win with ease.
“Chief Little Rock stays very well, we always thought a mile and a half would be no problem,” said O’Brien.
“He is a very honest and genuine horse and could go to Ascot or back here for the Irish Derby.”
A full brother to Group placed stayer Okita Soushi, Chief Little Rock runs for the Coolmore partners and is now the first stakes-winner for Group I winning Fastnet Rock mare Amicus, who comes from the family of champion sprinter and sire Starspangledbanner.
The 374th stakes-winner for much missed legendary sire Galileo, Chief Little Rock has been super consistent with two wins and four placings from six starts.
His dam Amicus was returned to Australia last year in foal to Frankel and the colt from that mating made $500,000 for Coolmore when purchased by Clarke Bloodstock, Cunningham Thoroughbreds and Sydney trainer Bjorn Baker.
"He's a lovely colt with a big pedigree," said one of the purchasers Jim Clarke.
"We are delighted!
"The stallion is a freak and he's equally as good in this part of the world as he is in the Northern Hemisphere. He's an extremely versatile stallion - he gets two-year-olds and they train on at various distances.
"Being out of the mare (Amicus) - she was a Group One winner here and there's a lot of familiarity in that pedigree. She has done a really good job so far with her first couple to the races.
"We bought him to race. He will go back to Ridgmont Farm - he's been purchased by the Cunningham family and I will put some clients in as well with Bjorn (Baker)."
Amicus is now in foal to St Mark’s Basilica .