Hot on the heels of siring two trial winners at Randwick on Monday at the official Sydney 2YO trials, Home Affairs produced an impressive trial winner at Te Rapa in New Zealand on Tuesday.
Trained by Stephen Marsh and ridden by George Rooke, two year-old colt Rupeni surged home to win the 730m heat by a neck coming from off the pace to score a stylish win.
Rupeni was a $160,000 Inglis Easter purchase from Alma Vale Thoroughbreds for Stephen Marsh Racing / Dylan Johnson Bloodstock and is the second foal of Yolanda, a half-sister by Shamus Award to Group III winner Tallow, the dam of Group I ATC Golden Slipper winner Farnan stakes-winner Group III winner Sandbar.
Yolanda was bought by North Bloodstock for $270,000 at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale in foal to Home Affairs last year and duly produced a filly for her new owners, who will no doubt be watching the progress of Rupeni very closely.
Home Affairs is working through his fourth book of mares at Coolmore Australia at a fee of $82,500 with high expectation for his first runners this season following some exceptional sale results in 2025.
