Sadler’s Wells the daddy of past Eclipse winners
1984 Sandown champion has also left his mark on the race as a stallion.
Saturday marks 40 years since Sadler’s Wells added Sandown’s Coral-Eclipse to his decorated racing CV, but it is the presence of his achievements off the track that are still being felt every day. Owned by Robert Sangster, a member of ‘the brethren’ alongside fellow Coolmore founders John Magnier and training legend Vincent O’Brien, Sadler’s Wells is one of the most famous runners to carry his fabled green and blue colours that were a staple part of racing coverage during the 1970s and 80s. A son of the great Northern Dancer, he finished his Eclipse-winning year of 1984 as European champion miler, having also tasted success in the Irish 2,000 Guineas and the Irish Champion Stakes, as well as rattling the crossbar in the Prix du Jockey Club and King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Stakes. However, even such a distinguished record on the track would be surpassed once stepping into the breeding sheds for a stallion career that would make him one of the most influential sires of all time.His first crop included the likes of Prix du Jockey Club and Irish Derby winner Old Vic, while Salsabil would be the first of many British Classic winners during a period that saw him crowned leading sire in Britain and Ireland a record 14 times. Capable of producing champions across the distances on the Flat, luminaries such as Galileo and Montjeu feature on his list of Derby heroes, while Gold Cup stars Yeats and Kayf Tara are among those to excel over further. Sadler’s Wells’ impact was even seen over jumps, as he counts three-time Champion Hurdle winner Istabraq as one of his progeny – as well as Cheltenham Gold Cup scorer Synchronised. Today, his legacy lives on through both his progeny and the exploits of their offspring in the breeding world, with his greatest son Galileo holding the record for number of Derby winners sired and on the cusp of reaching 100 individual Group/Grade One winners. Sadler’s Wells’ imprint on the Eclipse has continued through the success of sons Opera House and Refuse To Bend, plus grandsons Falbrav, So You Think, Nathaniel and Ulysses, as well as granddaughter Enable. Move on another generation and he also features in the family tree of recent victors Ghaiyyath, St Mark’s Basilica and Vadeni.
Follow us on Twitter racing365dotcom and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
French Master shows true worth with Doncaster triumph
Son of Frankel claims race won by stablemate Sweet William last term.
-
Trueshan returns to top form with classy Sandown strike
Alan King’s popular veteran scores for first time this season under Hollie Doyle.
-
Late rain helps Al Mubhir to put win drought behind him
John Smith’s Cup at York could be next target for Sandown scorer.
-
Aesterius scorches Sandown turf in Dragon Stakes
Goodwood beckons next for the Richmond or the Molecomb.
-
Prescott content with opting to take Haydock chance with Tiffany
Progressive filly was a winner just over a week ago at Newcastle.
-
Loughnane hoping Soprano will be on song again at Sandown
Royal Ascot heroine bids for Listed-class success in Coral Distaff.
-
‘Unique’ City Of Troy primed for another epic display in Eclipse
‘He has grown up and matured and we’ve been very happy with everything since Epsom.’
-
Back-to-form Al Riffa one of those looking to sack City Of Troy
Joseph O’Brien runner is almost an enemy from within.
-
West hoping for Dream outcome to set up Nunthorpe defence
Things went against York winner last time out at Haydock.
-
Total Eclipse by St Mark’s has special place in O’Brien’s affections
Sandown defeat of Addeybb and Mishriff ranks highly for Ballydoyle trainer.