The Bob Scarborough-bred Magna Grecia Romps in the 2000 Guineas

Mark Smith - Sunday May 5

At Newmarket on Saturday, Bob Scarborough, the former Moonee Valley Racing Club chairman and master of Wood Nook Farm, joined fellow Victorian David Hains on the honour roll as breeders of winners of the Group 1 2000 Guineas.

Hains was the breeder of the 1991 2000 Guineas winner Mystiko (Secreto) while Scarborough entered the record books as the breeder of the Invincible Spirit colt Magna Grecia who provided Aidan O'Brien with a tenth victory in the classic.

Ridden by the trainer's son Donnacha, Magna Grecia was one of just three horses that raced close to the stands' rail.

He came clear in the final 200 metres to defeat King Of Change (Farhh by two and a half lengths with Skardu (Shamardal) a length and three-quarters back in third. (photo Sporting Life )


Ballydoyle's previously unbeaten Ten Sovereigns clocked in fifth.

It was the second Group 1 for Magnia Grecia after he closed out his juvenile year with a win in the final Group 1 of the British Flat season, the Vertem Futurity Trophy (formerly the Racing Post Trophy).

"I'm delighted. He (Magna Grecia) is a lovely, straightforward horse and he has done well over the winter, Aidan O'Brien told The Sporting Life.

"He has got very pacey. He is a strong traveller now and is very uncomplicated.

"We were a little bit worried as he was over there by himself and all the fancied runners were over on the other side. Donnacha gave him a lovely ride, had him in a lovely position and in a lovely rhythm and I couldn't be happier really.

"John (Magnier, owner) has been watching him in his work all winter and he knows pedigrees like nobody knows them, and he was very confident that he was going to be a miler.

"When he was getting a mile last year, some people were saying he would have to step up in trip, but John was adamant that from two to three he would get stronger and that's what it looks like he has done.

"What we were thinking of was coming here, going to the Irish Guineas and then going to (Royal) Ascot. We just feel so privileged to be part of this team. It is great for everybody - I can't tell you how delighted we are."

Scarborough sold Magna Grecia through the Norelands Stud draft for 340,000gns at the 2016 Tattersalls December Foal Sale to MV Magnier, Peter and Ross Doyle and Mayfair Speculators.

He had purchased Magna Grecia's dam Cabaret for 600,000gns at the 2011 Tattersalls December Mares Sale.

A daughter of Galileo, Cabaret won the Group III Silver Flash Stakes over seven furlongs as a juvenile.

She has a two-year-old Kodiac filly named Koala and a yearling colt by Siyouni.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Best On Breeding
A sensational day of racing at Morphettville on Saturday with seven stakes races highlighted by the $1,000,000 Group 1 Sportsbet Australasian Oaks (2000m) and $1,000,000 Group 1 Sportsbet Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m).
Woodside Park Stud 2024 Fees Announced - Hypo Matings for All Stallions
Woodside Park Stud have confirmed fees on their six strong roster for this spring headed by new addition Benbatl (GB), a triple Group I winning sin of Dubawi, who won the Group I MRC Caulfield Stakes in 2018 and chased Winx home for second in the Cox Plate.
Exciting New Addition and 2024 Fees for Blue Gum Farm
Blue Gum Farm are delighted to welcome a new addition to their stallion roster for 2024 with brilliantly fast Exceed and Excel sprinter Oxley Road to join Sejardan and Flying Artie.
Pedigree Watch – UK – 3YO Derby Hopeful
The Group III Bet365 Classic Trial (1m2f) was run overnight at Sandown with Godolphin unearthing a serious Epsom Derby contender by Dubawi.
Sires With Winners - Friday April 26
Here is the full list of 44 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
The Stars Come Out at Sha Tin for Champions Day
The crowd will flock to Sha Tin on Sunday for Champions Day, which features three of the most popular horses in recent years: Golden Sixy, California Spangle, and Romantic Warrior.
Sires With Winners - Thursday April 25
Here is the full list of 94 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Juvenile Trial Watch – Warwick Farm
Trials were at Warwick Farm on Friday morning with five heats won by juveniles and they included some unraced youngsters by champion sires Snitzel and Written Tycoon as well as first season sire Yes Yes Yes.
Bob Scarborough-Bred Colt Wins Final Group 1 of the British Flat season
Bob Scarborough may have sold his showpiece Wood Nook Farm in Nagambie but the former Moonee Valley Racing Club chairman is still making his presence felt in the breeding world.
Mission Accomplished - Invincible Spirit Blue Blood Captures Centaurea Stakes
Trainer Archie Alexander was given a brief to earn some black-type in three starts with the imported mare Clearly (GB) and both came through with flying colours when the daughter of Invincible Spirit finished best in Saturday's Listed Centaurea Stakes (2040m) at Morphettville.