Briefs for 11th May 2015

Ocean Emperor a work in progress; International date for Silent Achiever; European Group One for Makfi;Boost for Jakkalberry

Ocean Emperor a work in progress

Gary Hennessy hasn’t lost faith in his Zabeel colt Ocean Emperor.

“He’s still got a lot to learn, but he’s a horse with a lot of raw ability,” the Matamata trainer said.

An impressive debut winner in the spring, Ocean Emperor was spelled after he ran fifth behind Huka Eagle at Ellerslie and was unplaced last month when resuming at Trentham where he over-raced in front.

“He’s better when he’s tucked in behind,” Hennessy said. “All going well he’ll run at Te Rapa this weekend.”

International date for Silent Achiever

The retirement of the outstanding mare Silent Achiever has been confirmed, but that doesn’t mean her travelling days are over.

Owner Kevin Hickman has plans to send the daughter of O’Reilly to Europe where she will be served to Southern Hemisphere time. He has yet to decide on a stallion.

The curtain came down on Silent Achiever’s racing career after her unplaced run in the Gr.1 Doomben Cup.

Her 10 wins featured Group One successes in the New Zealand Derby, the New Zealand Stakes, the Ranvet Stakes and The BMW.

European Group One for Makfi

Westbury Stud’s shuttle stallion Makfi has sired his first European Group One winner.

His son Make Believe was successful in the French 2000 Guineas at the weekend for trainer Andre Fabre and rider Olivier Peslier.

Makfi, the sire of the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes winner Marky Mark, divides his time between Westbury and Haras de Bonneval in France.

Boost for Jakkalberry

Jakkalberry’s pedigree received an international boost at the weekend when a half-sister to the Waikato-based stallion posted a stakes victory.

Joyful Hope, a daughter of Shamardal, maintained her unbeaten record in Italy when she won the Listed Premio Mario Incisa della Rochetta at her second appearance.

Jakkalberry will stand his second season at Luigi Muollo’s Novara Park at Cambridge.