Arrowfield Stud’s much loved sire Not a Single Doubt was retired from stud duties earlier this year and in Golden Slipper winning colt Farnan he has found a true successor.
Prepared by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Farnan was given a low key start to his career winning at Canberra and Wyong before finishing unplaced in the Magic Millions.
He bounced back to win the Group II ATC Silver Slipper and Group II ATC Todman Stakes earning favouritism for the Golden Slipper and duly cemented his place as the best two year-old colt in the country.
Farnan bounded from gate 12 for Hugh Bowman and led all the way to score a commanding length and three-quarter win over Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Away Game (Snitzel) with talented colt Mamaragan (Wandjina) a brave third at his second race start.
“I’m lost for words to be honest,” said Hugh Bowman after winning his very first Golden Slipper.
“I’d just like to congratulate Gai and Adrian and their team for the preparation to develop this horse to behave and race the way he did this afternoon was second to none.
“I’ve been lucky enough to ride some really good horses over my career as everyone knows but I haven’t ridden a better two-year-old.
“Just his mannerisms and his professionalism that is one thing but his ability is another.
“I could sense the pressure coming at the 200m and I hadn’t asked for full throttle but when I did my word he responded and responded in style.
“I mean Sydney has been my home since I started riding and this is the signature race for me growing up and to win it - I’m just lost for words and so proud and thankful to connections to instill the trust in me to do the job.”
It was also a first time win for co-trainer Adrian Bott, although his partner Gai Waterhouse has won the race six times previously, but was not on track due to the restrictions of corona virus.
“What a thrill, I’m very honoured and very humble to do it alongside a legend,” Bott said.
“For her to have six Golden Slippers, and now seven, and to do it with her, and with a colt with such quality, it’s really special for all involved.
"She makes it easy because she just expects you to win.
“She’s as confident as ever, maybe I worry a little bit more, but she’s always been confident and it is comforting to have that person alongside you who has been there and done it before so many times.
“Even down to the tactics, being dominant from that draw, was never a worry.”
Farnan was a $550,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Vinery Stud draft for Phoenix T'Breds (II) Ltd/Aquis Farms Pty Ltd and was also bred by Phoenix Thoroughbreds, in whose colours he won today.
He has the impressive record of five wins from six starts with prizemoney of $2.5 million.
A three-quarter brother to stakes-winner Sandbar, Farnan is the third winner from Group III winning Street Cry (IRE) mare Tallow, who was bought at the Magic Millions Broodmare Sale in 2017 for $250,000 by David Lucas when carrying Farnan.
She has not produced a foal since then, although was covered by The Autumn Sun last year and appears to be in foal.
Mark Smith featured Farnan as his Best on Breeding tip and you can read more about his pedigree and history here.
Farnan is the 12th Group I winner for Not a Single Doubt and is also the 16th Group I winner to feature a double cross of Danehill.
