horse for sale, sell horse

Racing Needs A Champion is a common enough cry in both hemispheres and sadly right now Australia feels they have lost one, in So You Think. Much like a family wedding, however, Australia hasn't lost a son, but Europe has certainly gained one, and the feel-good impact will have welcome repercussions in his homeland.

For those who were fortunate to see So You Think race in the flesh, they must now be content with early morning 

hours television coverage, but for the many who have only been able to watch him on TV, the exploits they are viewing are now global and even more dramatic and exciting. So You Think has arrived in Europe in the same season as two very outstanding champions, in the shape of four-year-old Workforce, last year's Derby and Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe hero, and the year younger Frankel, who only last week retained his unbeaten record with an amazing display of speed in the Two Thousand Guineas, Europe's first Classic of the year. A clash between these current 'Greats' will establish the victor, truly, as the Best In The World - and that is purely thanks to So You Think.

It is only through international campaigns at this highest level that we can set up genuine world rankings, based on actual racecourse victory rather than Ranking Figures. Not only is So You Think serving as a great marketing and promotional gift to Australian racing and New Zealand breeding, but he is the best ambassador attainable.

This can be seen from the crowds who flocked to see his first European run, at the Curragh on 2nd May. They included one lady, Carol Cleary, who had flown directly over from Melbourne in her eagerness to see him. By the end of his campaign, we can only savour the prospect of the many Europeans who will be making the reverse journey to sample the delights of Australian racing and visit New Zealand and Australian studs.

Aidan O'Brien, Seamie Heffernan (jockey) & David Hickey with SO YOU THINK 

Fans such as Carol are recognised and respected by So You Think's new owners and they are at pains to make it known that they are privileged and honoured to present their Champion to Europe. Europe, in turn, is grateful for a Champion, So You Think already providing a carnival atmosphere at the Curragh and boosting attendance figures.

His astounding 10-length victory in the Gr.3 2000m High Chaparral Mooresbridge Stakes (a race named appropriately after his sire) was a stepping-stone to the Gr.1 2000m Tattersalls Rogers Gold Cup at the Curragh on 22nd May and that is also to be the target of Workforce, setting up a mouth-watering clash and early claim to the World Throne. At home, So You Think has only cantered and done half-speed work, and it was little different on the racecourse itself, where he left in his wake five none-too-shabby opponents, Gr.1 winner Termagant among them. What he will reveal when truly extended his home fans already know, but here in Europe we can only wonder and relish.

"He's an incredible horse and we feel privileged to have him," said trainer Aidan O'Brien after the race. "He didn't do much between his racecourse gallop here last month and today and he only needs to do half-speeds at home. He came to Ireland with the most unbelievable reputation. We heard all the things about how unbelievable he was and when you see him, you can now believe it. We've had some good horses from Australia, Starspangledbanner and Haradasun, but when this fellow walked through the door, we'd never experienced anything like it. He's unique. He went through the line like he was going to the start."

Others to appreciate his might include the Curragh management team, who put in a great deal of effort to see the day went with a bang. 500 children from local schools had attended racecourse open days earlier and many were back with their parents to experience a real day at the races and to be presented with prizes for the essays they had written on the subject. A Reptile Zoo exhibit, an Equisizer (racehorse simulator) complete with RACE apprentice school instructor, pony rides, live bands and stalls were all part of the carnival atmosphere to make So You Think feel at home.

"The day has gone very, very well," said General Manager Paul Hensey after racing, "there was a great atmosphere. It's always good to see a superstar and hopefully we'll see him back here at our next meeting." Commercial Manager, Evan Arkwright, agreed, saying, "It has been a really positive day. We have been working with the local community and it's good to see local families coming racing for the first time, having an enjoyable day and hopefully they will come back. We have worked very hard and it's good to see it all come together so well."

With falling attendances matching decreased interest in racing, So You Think has provided the much-needed boost European racing requires.