By Heather Anderson
In this series, the TDN takes a look at notable successes of European-based sires in North America. This week's column is highlighted by the victory of Royal Majesty in a maiden race at Gulfstream Park.
Frankel Colt Lords It Over His Rivals At Gulfstream
Benjamin Leon's Besilu Stables' homebred Royal Majesty (GB) (Frankel {GB}) won in his American unveiling at Gulfstream Park on Saturday (video).
The Bill Mott trainee is out of former Besilu runner and GI Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup S. winner Crown Queen (Smart Strike). A half-sister to dual Eclipse champion Royal Delta (Empire Maker) and fellow Grade I winner Delta Prince (Street Cry {Ire}), she was purchased by Leon for $1.6 million out of the Keeneland November Breeding Stock Sale in 2011. Her latest foal is a 2-year-old filly by Kingman (GB), and she was covered by Flightline in 2023. Second dam Delta Princess (A.P. Indy) was a three-time graded winner and a half-sister to Group/Grade 1 winners Biondetti (Bernardini) and Indy Five Hundred (A.P. Indy).
Juddmonte's Frankel (GB), who is standing for an all-time high fee of £350,000, now has 27 winners from 52 runners (52%) in the U.S. His 11 North American stakes winners include top-level scorers McKulick (GB) and champion Inspiral (GB).
Royal Majesty (GB) finishes strong to grab the victory in the finale under @JuniorandKellyA. #GulfstreamPark #ChampionshipMeet pic.twitter.com/gQD6qT3DSI
— Gulfstream Park (@GulfstreamPark) January 20, 2024
Sir Percy Filly Breaks American Duck
Bred by Kirsten Rausing, Khinjani (GB) (Sir Percy {GB}) won her U.S. debut for trainer Mark Glatt at Santa Anita last weekend (video).
The daughter of Kandahari (GB) (Archipenko) won a pair of handicaps for her breeder during her 10-start career in the UK including an Oct. 16 affair at Windsor before changing hands for 160,000gns at the Tattersalls December Mares Sale. She now races for Jackpot Farm, Lordship Stud, Rancho Tememscal, Thoroughbred Partners and Joseph Navarro.
A full-sister to Rausing's stakes-winning and multiple group placed Kawida (GB) (Sir Percy {GB}), Kandahari is followed by a trio of half-sisters–the unraced duo of Vera Cao (GB) (Sea The Moon {Ger}) and Khadidja (GB) (Study Of Man {Ire}), and a yearling full-sister to the latter. Kandahari's half-brother Zaaki (GB) (Leroidesanimaux {Brz}) is extremely successful in Australia with four Group 1 titles to his name.
The pensioned Lanwades Stud stallion Sir Percy has sired 15 winners from 18 runners (83%) in the U.S. His six stakes winners (33%) are anchored by GI Man o' War S. winner Wake Forest (Ger).
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