Easter Summary 2009

BEL ESPRIT'S EASTER EGGS
BEL ESPRIT has been a busy boy over Easter with winners in Hong Kong and Australia, plus a double in Singapore.
Bondi Lad kicked off proceedings with an outstanding performance over 1000m at Sha Tin on Wednesday night (8 April) when he jumped to the front and held on gamely to score a deserved victory.
Headed in the back straight, Bondi Lad showed all the fighting qualities of his old man and prevailed on the wire for Douglas Whyte, who has now ridden 1100 winners in Hong Kong.
Bred by Brian Forrest and Roger Nathanielsz, Bondi Lad is out of the Geiger Counter mare, Bondi Lass and was sold at the 2007 Sydney Classic Yearling Sale by Eliza Park.
This was Bondi Lad’s third try since shifting to Hong Kong where he can now lay claim to a win and two seconds for trainer Danny Shum. Check out his win by clicking here
Snip Esprit didn’t muck around at Ascot on Saturday either, recording win No. 5 for his band of owners including breeder Simon Hearnden-Hunter.
A grandson of Adelaide Cup-G1 winner French Resort, Snip Esprit is out of multiple winner French Snip and continues the amazing run by Snippets mares.
Indeed, apart from Snip Esprit’s city winning full brother Babeica Noire, four other Bel Esprits out of Snippets mares have brought home a cheque, including Group winner Vivacious Spirit and Magnus’ three quarter brother Ibsen.
Meanwhile, Mark Jackson’s nippy 3YO, Darwin, showed plenty of intestinal fortitude to grab the major prize at Stawell on Sunday (12 April) at only his second start.
One can only assume that this promising youngster will train on as he’s a half brother to Adelaide Cup-G1 winner The A Train, multiple Group placed Kiwi, Instantly, and Launceston Cup-G3 runnerup Lady Atire.
But while Bel Esprit’s currency is robust in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Hong Kong – all of which have hosted his winners – the Royal Academy stallion is extremely popular in Singapore. Read Lyle Plumb’s report on Kranji ‘cruisers’ Aranda and Mooring by clicking here.