Queensland Oaks Target for Americain Filly

Americain had his first three-year-old winner yesterday when the “Oaks quality” filly, Queen Consort won dominantly at Ipswich for Toowoomba trainer John Zielke. A great way to welcome Americain back onto Aussie soil, the promising galloper easily broke her maiden over 1680 metres. Ridden perfectly by Luke Dittman to settle nicely, Queen Consort out classed the field down the straight to claim victory by over a length. Although now trained a long way from Americain’s Victorian base, the promising galloper started life at the Nagambie nursery. Bred by Rob Harding, a loyal, long term client of the farm, she was prepped at Limerick Lane by Swettenham’s nominations and marketing guru, Rachel Ritchie for the 2016 Inglis Premier Sale. “She was always going to grow into a tall, rangy filly, a lovely staying type. I knew she would run well,” Ritchie said. Breeder Rob Harding was very pleased to see one of his homebred’s win, and especially an Americain. “I just got a call from Adam (Sangster) who was thrilled to pieces too. As we are a shareholder in Americain and have nominations, it’s great to get an early win at this time of year.” Queen Consort is from the Harding’s well-bred Flying Spur mare Princess Isabella, who hails from the black type family of Group 1 winners Shogun Lodge, Referral and Singing the Blues. Still waiting for their first foal to arrive, Harding has around 14 mares in his high quality broodmare band due this season. “We are bringing some mares back from the hunter, and I would like to send them to Adam, as I like the way he conducts his business, very professional. He follows each and every runner, foal and mare like they are his own, he is so passionate,” Harding said. “I have a lovely Toronado filly who has just turned one, from my class mare, Kellys Ocean Jewel (Dansili). She is a half to New Bay, who placed third in the 2015 Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, beating Treve and I am looking forward to seeing her grow up and race.” Queen Consort was sold from Swettenham Stud’s 2016 draft at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale for $36,000 to trainer John Zielke on behalf of the current owners Dovedeen Syndicate, managed by Evan Hartley. “I bought this filly down in Melbourne for Even, to specifically target the Queensland Oaks. This filly will run two miles, and there is no doubt she will get the Oaks distance. She's by Melbourne Cup winner Americain, and she seems like she'll stay all day,” Zielke said “This is only her second start, so there is still plenty of improvement to come. She can travel a bit up and down, but she stretched out today and really used herself correctly when she hit the line,” Queen Consort is the second Australian winner for Americain, who stands at Swettenham Stud this spring at a competitive fee of $11,000 (Inc gst). All potential breeders are warmly invited to come and see a full parade of the Swettenham stallions, including Americain at their upcoming Open Days, at 11am on Sunday 20th August and 10.30am on Sunday 3rd September. Swettenham Stud will also offer a stand-alone stallion parade by appointment only at 12pm on Sunday 27th of August. For more information and to RSVP your attendance, please call Swettenham Stud on 5794 2044 or email office@swettenham.com.au

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