By Brian Sheerin
Freddy Tylicki, part-owner of the Jim Bolger-trained Fleetfoot (Ire), who advertised his Classic credentials with a gritty success at Leopardstown on Wednesday, has spoken glowingly about the Teofilo (Ire) colt's claims of major honours this season.
Fleetfoot was placed on all three of his starts at two, bumping into some smart colts each time, including subsequent G1 National S. hero Al Riffa (Fr) (Wootton Bassett {GB}).
But the Shadwell-bred colt made no mistake on his seasonal return, battling best to land the 1m maiden as a 7-4 favourite despite racing on unsuitable ground.
That performance marked Fleetfoot down as a bright prospect, according to his part-owner Tylicki, who recalled how he has seen the potential in the horse ever since he was catalogued as part of the Shadwell dispersal at Goffs last year.
Tylicki said, “I took notice of this horse once the catalogue was published for the Goffs February Sale last year. Two weeks beforehand, we had the February Sale at Tattersalls, where I saw two of his siblings. One of those was Mashaaer (Ire) (Muhaarar {GB}), who placed in the G1 Pretty Polly S. for Henry Spiller, and the other was a weanling by Blue Point (Ire).
“When I saw this fella in the flesh I was very impressed by him and, to cut a long story short, went off to Goffs to try and buy him. Unfortunately, I was completely blown out of the water but was ever so delighted to see that Mr Bolger bought him because the rest is history.”
Fleetfoot was knocked down to Boherguy Stud, which is managed by Bolger's granddaughter Clare Manning, for €135,000. Having started his career at Bolger's Coolcullen Stables, Tylicki had forged a long and fruitful relationship with the legendary trainer, something the former jockey turned bloodstock agent says is enhancing his experience with Fleetfoot.
He explained, “Life can be so good at times and so bad as well, but I obviously started with Mr Bolger and spent over three-and-a-half years there. It was a very tough school but it made a man out of me and got me on the right road in life. I knew exactly what I wanted in racing and in life when I left Mr Bolger's. We all know what happened to me in my career but I am now very focussed on the bloodstock side of things and, when I saw this horse, I absolutely fell in love with him, and so did Mr Bolger. It's such a pleasure to be a small part of the team that looked after me so well once upon a time and got me on the right road in life. I don't know how to describe my feelings, I am just overwhelmed with emotions and it's a great feeling. I won't forget this day in a hurry, that's for sure.”
Tylicki added, “Fleetfoot probably wasn't in love with the ground but he went on it and that is the main thing because he showed his versatility on the ground as well as the trip because there is no doubt that he will stay further in time. He just has that willing attitude that most of those good Teofilos have. Look, if there's one man to train a Teofilo, Mr Bolger is the man.”
Fleetfoot will now be aimed towards the Classics but just where the strapping colt lines out next is a different conversation for a different day according to Tylicki.
“He is entered in the Irish Guineas and Irish Derby and I think he is in the French 2,000 Guineas as well but, at this moment in time, all I am going to do is enjoy this evening! I am not sure where we will go but I am looking forward to the discussions once we know he came out of the race okay. The world is his oyster.”
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