CURTAIN CALL (Sadler’s Wells), second to New Approach (Galileo [Ire]) in the
Futurity S. (Ire-G2) and a four-length winner of the Beresford S. (Ire-G2), is being syndicated and has moved to two-time Epsom Derby (Eng-G1)-winning
trainer Luca Cumani for his three-year-old campaign.
Bought as a yearling last year by BBA Ireland’s Patrick Cooper for a small group
including Tattersalls Marketing Director Jimmy George, Curtain Call is the first
foal of Apsara (Darshaan), a half-sister to Group 1 winners and sires Hernando
(Fr) and Johann Quatz (Fr), who was second to Barathea
(Ire) in the 1994 Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1).
“We’re very excited about Curtain Call’s prospects
for next year,” Cooper said. “He finished three lengths behind New Approach in
the Futurity at seven furlongs in only his third start, making up 15 lengths on the winner. He then went on to dominate the opposition, winning off
by four lengths in the Beresford, a race whose previous winners include
Sadler’s Wells himself, El Prado (Ire), and subsequent Group 1 12-furlong winners Alamshar
and Azamour.
“He’s the best two-year-old to come out of a very
good family, probably ever, and we think he’s nailed on to get a mile and a half
next year,” Cooper added. “We respect all of them, but we fear none.”
Curtain Call, who races in
the colors of Cooper’s wife, Juliet, is to be syndicated into 50 shares, at a
cost of £75,000 per share, with syndicate members sharing in racing earnings as
well as an eventual stud career.
“Horse racing is meant to be fun,” Cooper said.
“But believe me, it’s a lot more fun when you have a really good horse, and
we’re lucky enough to have one. In a game, and at a level dominated by the
really big stables, it’s great to be in a position to give them a run for their
money.
“I’d also like to pay tribute to Jesse Harrington, who did a fantastic job
developing the horse. Jesse’s a big part of the reason we’re in the position we
are, and we’re just hoping we can build on the foundation she laid, and produce
a genuine Epsom Derby contender on the big day.”