Haras Du Saz Buys Elm Park

Group 1 winning 2-year-old Elm Park (GB) (Phoenix Reach {Ire}-Lady Brora {GB}, by Dashing Blade {GB}) has been purchased by Haras du Saz near Nantes in France where he will stand for a covering fee of €3,000. Bloodstock agent Richard Venn brokered the deal to buy 2014 G1 Racing Post Trophy winner from owners Qatar Racing. Elm Park was one of the juvenile stars of 2014 and in addition to his top level win at Doncaster he also won the G2 Juddmonte Royal Lodge S. at Newmarket having previously won a listed race at Salisbury.

A setback delayed his intended 3-year-old return in the G1 QIPCO 2000 Guineas and he reappeared in the G2 Dante S., where he finished third to the brilliant Golden Horn (GB) (Cape Cross {Ire}). He failed to stay in the G1 Investec Epsom Derby, but returned to winning ways when dropped back to a mile, when he comfortably landed a listed race at Sandown later that season before bowing out in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II S. at Ascot in 2015.

Elm Park is synonymous with the Balding family having been bred at Kingsclere Stud by Emma Balding and trained by her son Andrew who commented, “Elm Park was an exciting horse to train as he was always impressive in his homework. He had such a relaxed nature in his slower paces but when it came to pressing any buttons the response was electric. He was a very good two year old and it was unfortunate that he was not have the opportunity to show how good he was as an older horse. If Elm Park's progeny inherit his temperament and even half of his ability they will be in good standing. We will be supporting him with mares and look forward to seeing his progeny in the future.”

David Redvers of former owners Qatar Racing added, “Elm Park's impressive victory in the Racing Post Trophy gave Sheikh Fahad and the Qatar Racing team a huge thrill. He was a top class 2-year-old and we look forward to supporting him and his progeny in the future.”