November 14th, 2008

Danehill’s outstanding sire son Desert King is once again in the headlines as the sire of an exciting staying prospect – his son Banana Man a gutsy winner of Wednesday’s $150,000 Listed Bendigo Cup.

Always travelling well for jockey Michelle Payne, the lightly raced five-year-old was in front half way down the straight – only to be headed by favourite Imvula. But there was to be no denying the determined bay who just kept digging deep – and it was his nose in front on the line.

Always well regarded by Cranbourne trainer Michael Kent, Banana Man broke his maiden in easy style at only his third outing last spring. Since then he has been given time to make his way through the grades and his strike rate of five from 14 is excellent.

Running cheeky races without luck in the Bart Cummings Stakes-LR and the Geelong Cup-Gr.3, Banana Man fought on well last Saturday when third over 2000m at Flemington. Putting his toughness on display, he was able to back up at Bendigo where the summer sun provided for testing conditions. And he won in one of the fastest times in Bendigo Cup history!

That sort of toughness and determination is just what Desert King passes on – as well as class! His champion daughter Makybe Diva possessed both qualities as did the warrior Desert War. Just two of Desert King’s 26 individual stakes winners.

And the best is yet to come for Banana Man for whom Kent has plenty of time. “We were very pleased with Banana Man’s effort,” he said.

“It was a good tough win and the horse is still on the improve. He didn’t have a lot of things go his way over the past few weeks so it was rewarding to see him finally get a chance and take advantage of it.”

“We’re expecting him to be a better horse in the autumn and plan to enter him for the Sydney and Auckland Cups.”

Payne is also impressed by Banana Man… “the other horse got a head in front of me halfway down the straight,” she said, “but my horse toughed it out well.”

“He’s still a big baby,” she continued – “he is going to be better next year, he is doing it on raw talent.”

Bred and raced by Samantha Pelly, Banana Man is out of the four times winning Kaapstad mare Chinju, a daughter of the Listed winner Pusan. 

September 24th, 2008

A horse on the up was in impressive winning form at Moonee Valley on Wednesday, the Michael Kent trained Banana Man overcoming trouble in running to take out the Mayoral Charity Plate.

Looking to be in trouble early in the straight – held up behind a wall of horses, Banana Man was gently steered towards a gap by in-form rider Michelle Payne and once clear the 5Y0 quickly put ground on his rivals.

Winning by just short of a length at only his second run this campaign – one in which he has had to overcome the set-back of a foot abscess – Banana Man recorded the fourth victory of his ten start career.

So well regarded that races like the Moonee Valley Cup-Gr.2 and the Queen Elizabeth Stakes-Gr.2 are on his agenda, Banana Man is the latest rising star for the classy and reliable stallion Desert King.

Best known as the sire of the remarkable Makybe Diva, Desert King continues to prove that he is no one horse sire – to date the 13Y0 siring 25 individual stakes winners including the big race winners Desert War, Mr Dinos, Darsalam, Chelsea Rose and Lachlan River.

Recently serving Songline (dam of the champion mare Sunline) and Passefleur (dam of the Melbourne Cup heroine Jezabeel), Desert King is proving understandably popular with breeders this season at Bombora Downs.

“We have been thrilled with the response to Desert King,” said Julie Nairn – “breeders are well aware what great value he is as a proven stallion capable of siring something really special.”

Described by Kent as “a natural stayer,” for whom “we have always had the spring in mind,” Banana Man impressed his trainer – “he is a horse of the future” – and his jockey…

“He raced well amongst them and really hit the line,” said Payne – “he is very promising, a very nice horse for the spring.”

Bred and raced by Sam Pelly, Banana Man is out of the four times winning Kaapstad mare Chinju, a daughter of the Listed winner Pusan. 

Having skipped a couple of Australian seasons whilst in Japan, Desert King has no three or four-year-old representation but already his two-year-olds are showing encouraging ability.

“I am getting great reports,” said Nairn… “the half to Wayne’s Gold is a great mover with a ‘can-do’ attitude and the For Survival colt is a powerful tough youngster who looks the real deal.”

Desert King stands the 2008 season at a great value fee of $13,200 (inc gst)

September 2nd, 2008

Songline - dam of the legendary Sunline, an all-time great of the Australian turf.

Makybe Diva - triple Melbourne Cup-Gr.1 winner, an all-time great of the Australian turf.

The link between them? Danehill's outstanding sire son Desert King.

The sire of Makybe Diva - and 24 other stakes winners - and the stallion who has been chosen as the 2008 season mate for Songline.

"This mating brings together two horses," said John Starr of Bracken Stud (owner of Songline) - "Desert King and Songline, who between them, have produced two of Australia's great champion racehorses and highest prize money earners. Sunline and Makybe Diva."

Sunline - winner of over $11.3 million and Makybe Diva over $14.5 million.
20 Group One races - history makers!

"I have had a good feeling over the past year about this mating," he continued. "it just makes sense when you look at a stallion with Desert King 's proven credentials and his impeccable record of producing top class gallopers."

"This mating on pedigree I believe will produce a great result and the foal will carry very similar bloodlines to Sunline."

Very similar in fact - Sunline being line-bred to the influential mare Red Sunset as will this foal be - and as is Desert King's best son Desert War.

Songline is in great condition having had a season off. "she looks exceptionally well and we are all looking forward to her mating this season with Desert King," said Starr.

Lynden Park Stallion's Julie Nairn is also excited and all the more so for having visited Desert King upon his arrival at Bombora Downs last week.

"He covered 125 mares in Ireland and he looks amazing," she enthused - "just awesome!"

"He has settled in well and is very much enjoying his new surroundings."

"He has attracted a great book this year including three amazing mares - Songline as well as High Heels, dam of Desert War - and Passefleur - dam of Jezabeel."

Also optimistic about Desert King is Bombora Downs' Christoph Bruechert.
"securing Desert King has been a major coup for Bombora Downs and the response from breeders both local and interstate has clearly vindicated the decision to stand him."

"When you consider that mares of the calibre of Passefleur, High Heels and Songline could go to any leading stallion in Australia, the fact that their owners have chosen to go to Desert King this season is a great vote of confidence."

August 22, 2008

Imagine a stallion so prepotent that he has been able to sire 25 individual stakes winners. 

A stallion so successful that his six best progeny have between them won 18 Gr.1 races... the W.S Cox Plate, the Melbourne Cup, the Tancred, the Australian Cup, the Sydney Cup, the Ascot Gold Cup, the Prix Royal Oak, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, the Epsom Handicap, the Chipping Norton Stakes, the Mackinnon Stakes, the Rawson Stakes , the Queensland Derby... and more.

A stallion so versatile that his 442 winners have been successful at a variety of distances from 800m to 4023m – on all types of tracks in all sorts of conditions.

A stallion whose runners are so talented that they average over $68,000 in stakes each... his winners over $130,000.

A stallion whose progeny have won all around the world – Australia, England, New Zealand, Ireland, France, Italy, Germany, America, Canada, South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Dubai, Denmark, Norway, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland – amassing in excess of $50 million in stakes.

A stallion whose yearlings over a seven year period have averaged over 3.4 times his service fee... and have sold for up to 32 times his fee.

A stallion who is still young – just 14, with so much ahead of him.

You don't have to imagine him – he is real! And he stands in Victoria for just $13,200 - making him, in the words of Gooree's Andrew Baddock “one of the best value stallions in the country.”

Desert King – a triple Gr.1 winner crowned European Champion 3Y0. Outstanding pedigree, outstanding racehorse, outstanding stallion. The sire of superstars. The right man for your mare!

Desert King is back in Australia, due at Bombora Downs, Bittern on August 26.

July 18th, 2008
“One of the best value stallions in the country,” is how Gooree's Andrew Baddock describes Victoria's very own Desert King (Danehill – Sabaah by Nureyev).
“From breeding to Desert King we are a mile in front,” Baddock enthused – pointing out the big race successes of not only the “great warrior” Desert War but also of the the New Zealand Gr.2 winner Basra, trainer Gai Waterhouse's only off short stakes success.
“Desert War is the best horse we have bred and raced,” he continued, “and it will be a while till we get anything to match him.”
Not that Gooree are not going to try – announcing this week that High Heels, dam of Desert War, will be returning to Desert King this spring.
“We are not hesitating in sending her back,” Baddock said - “why would we?!”
In fact Gooree were keen for High Heels to visit Desert King last season but of course the EI outbreak hit and quarantine restrictions meant that he could not be released to serve.

Now retired and enjoying life on the farm (being “spoilt rotten!”), Desert War was a truly remarkable galloper, the winner of 12 races – all but two of those at stakes level. Reliable and classy, he graced the tracks for five seasons – amassing over $3 million in prizemoney.
Whilst breaking the hearts of many of his rivals, and winning the hearts of racing fans, Desert War won six Gr.1 races – two Epsom Handicaps, a Chipping Norton Stakes, a Mackinnon Stakes, a Queen Elizabeth Stakes and a Ranvet Stakes.
A horse with such a stellar record as that would normally be the very best by his sire. But not so with Desert King for he also sired the mighty Makybe Diva – Australia's highest ever prizemoney earner.
Winner of a record breaking three Melbourne Cups and 12 other races, the earner of an incredible $14.52 million was one of those rare and gifted thoroughbreds able to mix handicap and weight-for-age form at the highest level over several seasons.
Just behind the placings at debut, Makybe Diva then put six together – after her Queen Elizabeth Stakes-Gr.2 victory in the spring of 2002 trainer David Hall commenting that he thought he had “a nice Melbourne Cup prospect for next year.”

He was right and wrong – she won the 2003 Melbourne Cup but he could never have predicted further memorable victories in 2004 and 2005. Throw in a Sydney Cup-Gr.1, a BMW-Gr.1 and an Australian Cup-Gr.1 for good measure – oh, and a W.S Cox Plate-Gr.1 too!!
Makybe Diva and Desert War shared a winning spirit together with a toughness and soundness inherited from their sire.
In the first two (five wins, five seconds) and ten of his 12 starts, Desert King is one of the legendary Danehill's finest. Crowned the European Champion 3Y0 of his year, he won the Irish Derby-Gr.1, the Irish 2000 Guineas-Gr.1 and the National Stakes-Gr.1.
Strong and handsome at 16hh, Desert King is only 13 years old and just imagine if the best is yet to come!
The sire of 25 stakes winners – his other elite level winners being Mr Dinos, Darsalam, Chelsea Rose and Lachlan River – Desert King is as versatile as he is classy. His black type performers have won from 1000m to 4023m and there is no gender bias – as one superstar of each sex attests.
And he may have another Melbourne Cup aspirant this spring, his Danish based Irish bred son Alpacco – a winner in German and Dubai – taking out the recent Valley Chapel Memorial-LR at Ovrevoll. His trainer Lars Kelp is keen to head down under with the talented stayer.
Desert King was much missed last season and breeders who supported him with 130 mares in 2006 are lining up to use him again. Not only has High Heels already been booked in, but also Passefleur – dam of Melbourne Cup heroine Jezabeel.
Passefluer is already the dam of a Desert King weanling filly and owner Graeme Little is delighted with her. 
“The Pines Stud is delighted to return to Desert King with our Melbourne Cup producing mare Passefleur,” he said – “particularly given the way our gorgeous weanling filly is developing.”

“With her distinctive blaze she looks the part already! She will be given every chance to succeed on the track.”
Desert King will stand the 2008 spring at Bombora Downs, Bittern at a fee of $13,200 (including gst). Compare his fee to those of many a lesser performed stallion and consider the value! 
Andrew Baddock sums it up best - “Desert King is incredible value for a horse with his record.”

December 23rd, 2007

"He is by the right sire,” said trainer Mick Kent after the impressive Sandown victory recorded by exciting up-and-comer Banana Man on Wednesday, Decmeber 19.

And who else could that be but Desert King?!

An outstanding stallion – a triple Gr.1 winning sire of 25 stakes winners including the local champs Makybe Diva and Desert War (recently crowned Australia's Champion Middle Distance Galloper), Desert King is the sire everybody looks to when seeking a tough, durable and classy campaigner.

Banana Man looks a star in the making. As he crossed the line nearly two easy lengths in front of his rivals over 2100m the race broadcaster said “Banana Man – a most promising stayer.”

And Kent agreed.

“He has always shown good ability,” he said – adding that he had been unlucky not to win four instead of three of his seven starts to date.

The defeat he was talking about? An unlucky second (a protest lodged) to subsequent city winner Redondo Beach over 1850m at Kyneton in early November.

Banana Man had previously bolted in with his maiden at Hamilton and he subsequently raced away to an easy victory at Cranbourne. Wednesday saw him rise to city grade for the first time and his next step up is an even bigger one – to the Listed Bagot Handicap at Flemington on New Year's Day.

“I know its a big leap,” Kent said, “but I can't wait to get him to Flemington over a bit of distance.”

Regular rider Michelle Payne is another big Banana Man fan.

“He's improving all the time,” she said, “and he looks like he is going to make a really nice stayer – he won really well today.”

A home-bred for Samantha Pelly, Banana Man is the second foal for Chinju, a provincial winner of four races up to the mile. His victory was one of 11 for the progeny of Desert King since the start of last month. Winners week in, week out!

Overall Desert King is the sire of over 350 winners and he boasts progeny earnings in excess of $46.8 million. His progeny are sound and tough and they sprint and stay – he stakes winners successful at a variety of trips between 1000m and 4023m.

Desert King sadly did not stand in Australia this year; not making it out of quarantine due to the EI outbreak. He will be back in 2009 however – Lynden Park's Julie Nairn is keen to welcome him back.

“He was due to serve a high quality book of mares this spring – including High Heels, the dam of Desert War,” she said.

“It is a pity he could not stand but he continues to produce high quality winners and there are always plenty of inquiries about him.”

“I am confident he will be extremely well supported next season and I am presently taking bookings for 2008.”

To underline his runners to winners ratio, Regal Dash (ex Highgate by Yeats) took out the John McBain Hcp (1800m) at Morphettville on Saturday making it two wins in a row for the five-year-old after his victory at Strathablyn on December 12 over 2050m.

August 3rd, 2007

Coinciding with the return of Desert King (Danehill – Sabaah by Nureyev) to Australian shores last week was the announcement that his outstanding son Desert War was officially proclaimed a Champion.


Crowned NSW Champion Horse of the Year at the NSW Racehorse Owners Association Awards, Desert War also earned the honour of the title of NSW's best Middle Distance Runner for the 2006/07 season.

During that 12 month period Desert War raced 14 times – each time at either Gr.1 or Gr.2 level. Only twice out of the first four, he added to his already impressive tally the Mackinnon Stakes-Gr.1, the Ranvet Stakes-Gr.1, the Queen Elizabeth Stakes-Gr.1, the Hill Stakes-Gr.2 and the Apollo Stakes-Gr.2.  In winning those races, Desert War was able to defeat the likes of Eremein, Grand Zulu, Headturner, Railings, Ice Chariot, El Segundo, Aqua D'Amore, Roman Arch, Mentality, County Tyrone, Fashions Afield and Haradasun – all Gr.1 winners.  Also Gr.1 placed on three occasions, Desert War went close to recording his third consecutive Epsom Handicap-Gr.1, finishing a brave half neck second to Racing To Win – conceding him weight.

Desert War is the fourth of Desert King's high class progeny to claim champion status. Triple Melbourne Cup-Gr.1 heroine Makybe Diva, dual Gr.1 UK stayer Mr Dinos and the Gr.1 European Darsalam have all been awarded such prestigious honours.  Desert King, who since his return to Victoria two years ago has served 260 mares, is again proving popular this season. In fact his book is not far off full so those broodmares interested should contact Julie Nairn. 

Desert King is soon due to arrive at the picturesque Independent Stallions, Nagambie. A recently established show case thoroughbred property, it is in the heart of Victorian breeding territory.

Desert King is the sire of 25 individual stakes winners who have won from 1100m to 4023m. They are adaptable, strong, tough, classy and sound. His progeny have amassed in excess of $45.6 million. His average prize money per run is $5,560 whilst his 345 winners boast average prize money of over $53,200.  Very very few stallions can claim that their winners average prize money of over three times the price of their service fee. Which makes Desert King Victoria's best value stallion. And the best is yet to come!

July 3rd, 2007

Hot on the heels of the recent Listed success by the promising Roman Squire, there has been another feature race win for the in form stallion Desert King (Danehill – Sabaah by Nureyev).

His Gr.3 winning UK based daughter Mango Mischief was back to her brilliant best at Newcastle last week, blitzing her rivals in the Hoppings Stakes-LR. Taking the lead early in the 10 furlong event, she raced away over the final stages – winning by no less than seven lengths.   It was the fifth win of her impressive 26 start career, one that has also seen her win the Daffodil Stakes-Gr.3 by a length and the Fillies Stakes-LR by 3.5 lengths.

Desert King's French daughter La Dunette was also in winning form on the weekend whilst locally there is much to look forward to in regards to the spring carnival – the likes of Desert War, Desert Master, Roman Squire and Desiarnez set for big races.  

Desert King, who this year shuttles to Independent Stallions at Nagambie, is Victoria's best value stallion. Standing at $16,500, he is amongst Danehill's finest sire sons – and the best is yet to come.

Still young at rising 13, Desert King has been strongly supported by breeders during his two years in Victoria – each season serving 130 mares. His fans realise that they have a strong chance of breeding a good runner. An outstanding 84.7% of Desert King's named foals make it to the track and he is the sire of 342 individual winners.  25 of his sons and daughters are stakes winners and those talented gallopers have put on display their sire's versatility – winning from 1000m to 4023m. Desert King's progeny have won all around the world – in Australia, England, Ireland, New Zealand, France, Italy, Germany, America, Canada, South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Dubai, Denmark and Switzerland.  

A truly international stallion, he fares particularly well in Australia where he boasts an excellent winners to runners strike rate of over 60%. 

June 29th, 2007

Another great weekend for stallions managed by Lynden Park Stud – Desert King (Danehill – Sabaah by Nureyev) represented by yet another stakes winner and Golden Snake (Danzig – Dubian by High Line) adding another promising type to his every increasing winners tally.


At Eagle Farm on Saturday Desert King's in form son Roman Squire made the step up to stakes class, sent out a strongly fancied favourite in the Tatt's Mile-LR after having won his previous three races in impressive style.

Again he was too good, finishing powerfully along the slower part of the track to win by a long neck. He has now been successful at six of his 16 starts, amassing over $200,000 in stakes for the O'Hagan family who also raced his dam Belle Salieri. 

Roman Squire – who will now spell in preparation for a spring campaign aimed at the Gr.1 Salinger Stakes – is the 25th individual stakes winner for Desert King, also sire of the mighty Makybe Diva and the big race performer Desert War. 

Desert King's progeny are always in form and he sires sprinters, milers, classic horses and stayers. In England his Gr.3 winning son Bygone Days has been racing well – on Saturday a close up sixth in the Golden Jubilee Stakes-Gr.1, the race in which Australian Takeover Target was a game second. 

Desert King is understandably proving popular this year and Lynden Park's Julie Nairn is excited. “I have had so much positive feedback on him, so many clients coming up to me to tell me how pleased they are with their Desert King youngsters.” 

“Those interested in him this year should get in quick as his book is filling fast. He will be covering his best book of mares yet.” 

At the Inglis weanling sales on the weekend a Desert King colt out of the city winning mare For Survival was in demand, purchased for $40,000 as a pinhooker. A late foal, he was described by Nairn as “a lovely type who will develop into an impressive yearling.” 

A number of Golden Snake's weanlings were also purchased for pinhooking purposes, New Zealand buyers keen on his prospects. Earlier this month Antidotes became the young stallion's first Australian stakes winner and he looks to have another nice one in the making – in the shape of Golden Papillon.

Spelled after an encouraging debut third at Moe in January, the Chris Hyland trained 3Y0 resumed at Benalla on Saturday. Despite enduring a chequered run he was able to finish on strongly – only just missing out after striking interference but winning the race on protest.

Lynden Park is in the process of closing down but the stud's Julie Nairn will continue to manage the careers of the two stallions in whom she has so much faith. 

“Desert King just continues to take his share of the spotlight and Golden Snake's horses are getting better and better as they mature,” she said – reminding breeders that Desert King now stands at Independent Stallions and Golden Snake at Bombora Downs.

June 10th, 2007

It was Group I racing at Eagle Farm on Saturday with the highlights on the card the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) and the Queensland Derby (2400m), these races were supported by a strong under card and local trainer Paul Dawson grabbed some of the prizemoney on offer with Roman Squire.

Roman Squire, who had been third emergency in the Group I Stradbroke Hcp missed securing a start in the feature and his five-year-old son of Desert King had little trouble disposing of his opposition in the Children's Hospital Foundation Hcp (1500m). 

Roman Square, easily cruised to a 3-1/4 length win over Old Belvedere (O'Reilly - Censibelle by Centaine) with a further 1-1/4 lengths to third placegetter Telegrand (telestor - Ratty's Grand by Grand Series). 

Roman Squire made it three straight wins and took his record to five wins from 15 starts and Dawson now plans to give Roman Squire an ease-up. 

May 27th, 2007

A full brother or sister to the six times Gr.1 winner Desert War – an exciting thought! And this time next year Gooree Stud will be looking forward to the arrival of such a foal; their fine broodmare High Heels this week booked in to revisit Lynden Park's Desert King (Danehill – Sabaah by Nureyev) who is now standing and Independent Stallions.

High Heels, a dual city winner for Gooree, first visited Desert King in 1999 and Desert War was the fabulous result. A 12 times winner of over $2.9 million he is considered by trainer Gai Waterhouse as amongst the toughest and classiest gallopers she has trained.

He is also a favourite of Gooree's, as is Desert King – also sire of their Royal Stakes-Gr.2 winner Basra.

“Desert King has been a great stallion to us,” said Gooree's Andrew Baddock. “For Gooree he has sired two Group winners and one of the best that we have ever bred.”

“Desert King has clicked so well with our Star Kingdom line mares in the past that we have decided to send High Heels back to him this season, along with three others of our well bred mares from that line.”

“Desert King has great credentials as a sire” he continued, “and he is amazing value when you compare him to other stallions with much higher service fees.”

Also booked into Desert King this week was a half sister to the four times Gr.1 winner Racing To Win.

Julie Nairn of Lynden Park, managers of Desert King, is thrilled.

“I am delighted at the response Desert King is receiving this season,” she said – “from breeders all around Australia.”

“It is now obvious that breeders are realising the value and quality in Desert King and his book is filling up fast.”

Mike Becker at Independent Stallions is also happy. “I think the confirmation of the booking of Desert War's dam, by one of the most successful breeders in Australia, is a great acknowledgment of the success of Desert King,” he said.

“We have had interest from a number of leading breeders across Australia and we are confident that Desert King will cover his best book of mares to date this season.”

Which augers well for the future as Desert King has already done a wonderful job. He is the sire of 24 stakes winners including the Gr.1 winners Makybe Diva, Desert War, Mr Dinos, Darsalam, Chelsea Rose and Lachlan River.

He boasts progeny earnings in excess of $44.68 million and has been represented by winners in Australia, New Zealand, England, Ireland, France, Italy, Germany, America, Canada, South Africa, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Macau, Japan, Switzerland and Dubai.  His progeny are strong and adaptable, racing on all surfaces and at all distances – his stakes winners successful from 1000m to 4023m! And he gets winners week in, week out – 16 since the start of April in fact.

Which makes Desert King one of the most reliable and best value stallions around!

May 7th, 2007

Desert King (Danehill - Sabaah by Nureyev), is on the move this spring and the popular sire of 24 stakes winners including the Gr.1 champions Makybe Diva, Desert War, Mr Dinos, Darshalam, Lachlan River and Chelsea Rose moves to Independent Stallions, Euroa, following the retirement of Jill Ross at Lynden Park Stud.

"I am delighted to stand him," said the stud's Mike Becker... "he is a lovely horse; a top class racehorse with a great pedigree and he is still a young horse... only 13, he has so much ahead of him." 

"We are delighted to be standing our stallion Desert King in association with one of Victoria's leading thoroughbred nurseries," said Nairn. "We feel 
that Mike Becker's Independent Stallions which is located at Tahbilk near Nagambie is a fantastic location with outstanding new facilities." 

"Desert King who is one of Australia's leading proven sires will be standing in the heart of Victoria's thoroughbred country, giving Australian breeders the best opportunity to utilize a proven sire of Group One winning champions." 

His fee this spring will be $16,500 ( inc gst ) and contact: Julie Nairn 0402901910 or 03 59892543

April 16th, 2007

The Gooree Pastoral owned Desert War did it again on Saturday when he broke the hearts of his rivals and led all-the-way in the Group I AJC Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) under weight-for-age conditions.

Ridden for the first time by Damien Oliver, Desert War was made to work for the lead by Coalesce (Zabeel - Essylt) who annoyed him for the best part of the first 800m.  Oliver was able to cruise to the front and set a solid tempo from the 1000m mark. Oliver, started kicking the six-year-old son of Desert King along just before the home turn and put a break on his rivals.  At this stage the three-year-old Haradasun was making ground.  Going over the rise Haradasun appeared to get within a half-length of Desert War, Oliver, then asked him for another effort and he powered away from the three-year-old who started to hang out towards the outside rail. 

Desert War won the race by 2-1/4 lengths from Haradasun (Fusaichi Pegasus - Circles of Gold by Marscay) with Spirit of Tara (Song of Tara - Gagoosh by Marauding) another 4-1/4 lengths further back in third.

Desert War was greeted with a hero's welcome from the on-course patrons and after dismounting Oliver told TVN's Bruce Clark - "He's a lazy horse - but the more I got into him the more he gave.  For a big horse he's got gears" 

Clark asked Oliver if he felt threatened at any stage by the runner up and Oliver simply answered "No" 

Then added "I did see him (Haradasun) out of the corner of my eye but I could also see him hanging and my horse felt very strong and powerful - he was never going to be beaten"

That's Desert War - a big brown horse that easily carries 59kilos and try's his heart out every time.  His record stands at 38 starts, 12 wins and nine placings with more than $3million in the bank.  He has an amazing six Group 1 wins to his credit and don't expect to see Desert War going for a spell.  Waterhouse told the media that the gelding does not enjoy moping around the paddock so he'll be off to Brisbane for the Winter Carnival.

Mr Eduardo Cojuangco and Andrew Baddock will proudly trumpet the cause for Desert War to be named 'Horse of the Year' at the end-of-season industry awards.

March 19th, 2007

  Desert War’s reputation as one of the best “milers” in training will be put aside by trainer Gai Waterhouse who plans to miss next month’s Doncaster Hcp (1600m) with her star performer.  Waterhouse hinted at Rosehill on Saturday that Desert War would follow his Ranvet Stales (2000m) win with an attempt on Sydney’s premier wfa event, the BMW (2400m).
  Desert War has 60.5kg in the Doncaster, a weight that wouldn’t be likely to unduly trouble a horse of his stature.
At his only previous run at 2400m, Desert War finished second-last in the 2004 Caulfield Cup.
But his trainer believes he was at a different stage of both his development and his preparation at the time.
“He’s a more mature horse now, and he’s racing better than ever,” Waterhouse said.
“He was very strong at the end of the race on Saturday, I don’t see why he won’t run a very good 2400m.”
Desert War has won two Epsom Handicaps and was second in last year’s running of the Randwick race.

March 18th, 2007

At Rosehill on Saturday, grand campaigner Desert War landed his fifth Group One success when he led-all-the in the Ranvet Stakes (2000m). 

Trained at Randwick by Gai Waterhouse, the six-year-old was taken to the front by Hugh Bowman, and although he had to use him up in the first two furlongs to establish his authority, Hugh Bowman was able to give him a breather down the back and dictated terms to suit throughout. 

Rounding the corner, Bowman, gave Desert War a couple of taps down his shoulder to ensure he was high-balling it when he straightened up and Craig Williams on Confectioner sensed the move and kept at his mount to get on terms with Desert War.  Getting to within a neck of Desert War at the furlong Bowman gave the son of Desert King another tap with the whip and he simply strode away from Confectioner who had began to wobble and run out.

Desert War was too strong and too good clocking a slick 35.15 for his final 600m and he had a widening 1-1/2 lengths on Confectioner (Bubble Gum Fellow - California Dreamin' by Slip Anchor) with Railing (Zabeel - La Suffragette by Palace Music) another length away in third.

Talking with TVN's Bruce Clark after he weighted in Bowman said, "It's a privilege to be riding this horse.

"Lot's of hard work goes in behind the scenes and Gai has this horse very happy and it shows."

Waterhouse told Clark, "He's just quality."  

"The top horse prevailed.

"He's a joy to behold, he's so big and strong and I'm very proud of him." 

Waterhouse added that she would think about a start in the Group One BMW (2400m) at Rosehill on March 31. 

Desert War took his overall record to 11 wins and nine placings from 36 starts for prizemoney of almost $2.5 million. 

Desert War is out of the Canny Lad mare High Heels and his pedigree is an example of the tremendously successful Danzig/Bletchingly cross, which has produced 45 stakes winners, including grade one scorers Redoute’s Choice and Platinum Scissors (both out of mares by Canny Lad, the broodmare sire of Desert War), Shogun Lodge, Outback Prince, Special Dane, Hotel Grand, Natural Blitz and Undue. The Danzig/Canny Lad version of the cross is also responsible for graded scorers Blur, Clothilde, Street Smart, Collate and Kusi.

Beyond the obvious appeal of Danzig/Bletchingly, Desert King does offer a particular twist with this broodmare sire line. His third dam, Loose Cover is by the top-class miler, Venture VII. He is a very close genetic relative to Coogee, the dam of Bletchingly: both are by the very influential sire, Relic; Venture VII’s dam is by Pherozshah (by Pharos out of a granddaughter of Lady Josephine) and Coogee’s granddam is by Fair Trail (by Fairway, brother to Pharos, out of a daughter of Lady Josephine); and Venture VII’s second dam, Rocklyn, combines Phalaris with a mare by the rarely seen Rock Flint, as does the third dam of Coogee.

November 5th, 2006

Tough gelding Desert War gave jockey Chris Munce a massive thrill when the pair combined for an emphatic win in the Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on Saturday.

Munce allowed Desert War to roll forward from the jump and he controlled the speed of the race as he strung the field out and making the most of his position, Desert War was able to get clear at the top of the straight and got away from his rivals in the sprint.

He’s got such a high cruising speed, Munce was able to stack them up a bit in the race and they couldn’t out sprint him in the last two furlongs. 
”Chris is a bit of a specialist at doing that. 
”We might run him again next week but we’ll just wait and see.” 
The Hong Kong bound Crawl turning in an outstanding run to finish off strongly and claim second in front of Desert War’s stablemate Aqua D’Amore who again ran a cracking race for the third week in a row and Aqua D’Amore’s jockey said about Desert War on dismounting “who put this horse in the race”. 
Desert War ($7) defeated Crawl ($14) by two and a quarter lengths with Aqua D’Amore ($9)a long head away in third. 
The time for the race was 2:02.38 and the last 600m was run in 36.08.

October 14th, 2006

Lynden Park Stud’s outstanding stallion Desert King a Group 3 winner at Newmarket and a Group 2 placegetter at Caulfield.

The 24th individual stakes winner for Desert King, Bygone Days has been in terrific form this campaign – winning at Hamilton first up and stepping up to stakes level second up.  Raced by Godolphin and trained by Saeed Bin Suroor, Bygone Days at the 200m mark of the Bentinck Stakes-Gr.3 spotted the leaders five lengths 200m but finished on strongly.

A tough sprinter (his Gr.3 success coming at six furlongs) who “shows plenty of speed,” Bygone Days campaigned well in Dubai earlier in the year and he has won six of his 19 starts.  

To Caulfield where on Saturday the up and coming Siamun tackled stakes company for the first time – taking on a smart group of stayers in the Winning Edge Stakes-Gr.2.  Drifting a long way back from his wide gate, Siamun was running on strongly over the final stages. Last of the 16 runners at the 800m, he was 11th with 400m to go and he was game in the straight – getting home to share third prize with Purde.  In doing so Siamun recorded the equal fastest final 400m – 23.96 seconds.  The winner (by wide margins) of his previous three starts, Siamun has always been well regarded by trainer Tony Vasil but he was off the scene for ten months with injury. A Melbourne Cup start is the aim.

October has been a good month for Desert King – his son Desert War going close to creating history when a game second to Racing To Win in the Epsom Handicap-Gr.1. The Gai Waterhouse trained miler had won the previous two Epoms.

Desert War won the Hill Stakes-Gr.2 in September and he is one of Desert King’s six black type performers for the season which is only two and a half months old.

In Europe his Gr.1 daughter Chelsea Rose was recently Gr.2 placed and his Listed winning son Alpacco was stakes placed. Meanwhile former French galloper Milwaukee was Listed placed at his American debut.

29 of Desert King’s progeny have already won 36 races this season and another showing considerable promise is Storm Action who has won three of his last four in Victoria.

October 2nd, 2006

At Sandown on Sunday the in form gelding Siamun, a Tony Vasil trained son of Desert King, was ultra impressive winning his third race in a row.  On the comeback trail after an injury that saw him off the scene for ten months, Siamun outclassed his opposition with a soft three length victory. 

“He is flying, absolutely flying,” enthused Vasil – keen to secure a run in the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.
“He’s a beautiful horse – he doesn’t pull, he has a lovely stride, he handles wet or dry tracks – really he’s the model horse.”

If Siamun should make it to that first Tuesday in November and win, it would be four Melbourne Cups in a row for Desert King. 

On Saturday, Desert War, ran another honest race after working hard early in the Group I George Main Stakes at Randwick.  Only beaten a little over a length by Racing To Win in the Group 1 feature at Randwick.  Desert War had backed up after an all the way victory in the previous weekend’s Hill Stakes-Gr.2.  He again faces the starter this Saturday – attempting to become the first horse ever to win three consecutive Epsom Handicaps.

More good news for supporters of Desert King the week – his ¾ sister by Green Desert fetching 380,000 euros (AU$645,000) at the Goffs Million Sale.  Consigned by the Irish National Stud and purchased by trainer David Myerscough for owner Frank O’Malley, the filly was described as having “a stunning pedigree… and she is an individual to match it.”  

The filly is a daughter of the Nureyev mare Sabaah who apart from Desert King – a triple Gr.1 winner of the Irish Derby, the Irish 2000 Guineas and the National Stakes – has produced the Gr.3 winner Cairdeas and the stakes placed winners Chianti and Wahj.

September 24th, 2006

At Rosehill on Saturday a brilliant front-running ride by Larry Cassidy on Desert War gave him his second Group 2 Hill Stakes.

Kicked away from barrier seven Desert War had the lead inside the first furlong.  Cassidy then increased the tempo down the back straight to extend his margin to eight lengths.  Looking around to see how far he was in front at the 1000m Cassidy was able to allow Desert War amble along at slower rate until the others caught him at the 700m.  Increasing his speed again Desert War was in full stride rounding the turn and held off all challengers to score by a length.

Race favourite Eremein (Timber Country - Marrego by Marscay), was coming off a tough win on heavy conditions at his last start in the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes, had worked hard from along way out under Glen Boss for second.  

Desert War (ex High Heels by Canny Lad) is trained by Gai Waterhouse for the Gooree Pastoral Company and she confirmed that he was on track for a tilt at his third Epsom Handicap on route to the Cox Plate. 

September 22nd, 2006

Desert King's star son Desert War is on target for a record breaking third Epsom Handicap-Gr.1, the Gai Waterhouse trained 6Y0 on Saturday lining up for the $140,000 Hill Stakes-Gr.2 – a race he won last year by an easy length. Desert War is one of only a few horses to win the Epsom Hcp twice.

In its star studded 141 year history, the Epsom Handicap has never been won by the same horse three times – and Desert War is one of only a classy handful (and the first since Super Impose) to win it twice. 

Close up in the Warwick Stakes-Gr.2 and the Chelmsford Stakes-Gr.2 at his two runs this time in, Desert War will again be partnered by Larry Cassidy on Saturday. He then progresses to the Epsom in which he has been allotted topweight of 58kg. The winner of $1.26 million, Desert War is described by Waterhouse as “a real professional” – a trait that makes him typical of the tough and classy Desert King breed.

Desert King’s progeny have already won ten races this month and Siamun looks a particularly promising prospect – the Tony Vasil trained grey winning his last two at metropolitan level by wide margins. Due to contest the Metropolitan Handicap-Gr.1, Siamun is nominated for the Caulfield and Melbourne Cups.

The talented sprinter Desiarnez (winner of three of five) meanwhile heads to the paddock with a summer Perth campaign on the agenda. “He is a big, well balanced gelding who still has a lot maturing to do,” said trainer Neville Parnham.

“He has plenty of speed for such a big horse and I am looking forward to a successful summer campaign with him.”

The Colonel Reeves-LR Stakes will be Desiarnez’s kick off and if all goes well Victorians will see this promising chestnut in Melbourne in the autumn.

Unfortunately Desert King’s exciting staying son Desert Master has incurred an injury and is out of spring contention but his trainer Brian Jenkins is confident of the 5Y0 being at his best for next year’s Adelaide Cup-Gr.2.

Desert King, who proved very popular with breeders upon his return to Australia last year – serving 130 mares at Lynden Park Stud – is in great health and the first positive pregnancy tests are already in. 

A future Melbourne Cup winner may have been conceived this week – Jezabeel’s dam Passefleur served by Desert King on Tuesday. Of course Desert King has already made his mark on Melbourne Cup history – his daughter Makybe Diva (who recently tested in foal to Galileo) taking out the last three runnings of the world famous two miler.

A big race won three times in a row by the same horse – now that sounds familiar to Desert King! 

July 18th, 2006

Big news on the home front - the terrific broodmare Passefleur - dam of the 1998 Melbourne Cup-Gr.1 heroine Jezabeel - has been booked in to be served by Desert King this spring. 

Also the dam of the Gr.3 winner Ashley Grove, Passefleur last year produced a colt by Encosta de Lago. It may be that in a few year's time we will be cheering home another Melbourne Cup winner for both Desert King and Passefleur!

Desert King is currently Australia's fourth leading sire after Redoute's Choice, Encosta de Lago and Zabeel and in front of his own sire Danehill and that stallion's fine sons Flying Spur, Commands and Lion Hunter.

At $13,200 by far the best value of Australia's top ten sires, Desert King's season's progeny earning sit at $7,408,973. His champion daughter Makybe Diva is now retired but also adding to his fine tally this season have been such exciting up and comers as Desert Master, Zaheerina, Desiarnez and Shotgun Saxon and the proven Gr.1 performers Desert War and Lachlan River.

In Europe Desert King has also been in form, his classy daughters Mango Mischief and Chelsea Rose recently adding further black type to their already impressive records - the former second in the Middleton Stakes-Gr.3 at York and third in the Dahlia Stakes-Gr3 at Newmarket at her two runs this time in whilst the Moyglare Stakes-Gr.1 winner Chelsea Rose was a second up second in the Glencairn Stakes-LR at Leopardstown.

Desert King is the sire of 54 individual stakes horses including the Gr.1 winners Makybe Diva, Desert War, Mr Dinos, Darsalam, Chelsea Rose and Lachlan River. He continues to upgrade his mares and even aside from the outstanding deeds of his most famous daughter Makybe Diva his record is one of a truly high class stallion.

July 16th, 2006

Hot on the heels of the exciting news that the Australian syndication of the proven stallion Desert King has been completed is another great result for the outstanding bay from Moonee Valley on Saturday.

At Moonee Valley on Saturday, Channon Princess (ex Fitting Innovation by Centaine) went out in her usual role of pacemaker and led from JayJaye with Diamond Masque enjoying a nice run behind them.  They were just ahead of Presenting with Wild Coast also settling well on the inside.  The best-backed runners, Dirty Denim and Miss la Tar, were both in the second half of the field.  Diamond Masque and Presenting both set out after Channon Princess, with Wildcoast looking to be travelling easily behind them and just needing a run.  when the opening came at the top of the straight, Wilcoast charged after Channon Princess.  But the daughter of Desert King simply refused to give in to take the prize by a half head from Wildcoast (Thunder Gulch - Queensgate by Danehill) with Diamond Masque (Align - Diamond Snip by Snippets) another 1-1/4 lengths away in third.

July 5th, 2006

Hot on the heels of the exciting news that the Australian syndication of the proven stallion Desert King has been completed are terrific results for the outstanding bay from around the world.

Last weekend at the Curragh, another daughter of Desert King's Chelsea Rose finished second to the champion mare Alexander Goldrun in the prestigious Group I  Pretty Polly Stakes.   Going down by only a neck after a courageous battle, Chelsea Rose earned the accolades – Racing Post reporting that she “refused to give an inch.”

A high class and versatile four-year-old, Chelsea Rose has won five of her 13 starts including (as a 2Y0) the Moyglare Stakes-Gr.1. One of the UK’s best juvenile fillies and now a leading older mare she has amassed over 280,000 pounds in prize money.

She will gain take on Alexander Goldrun in the Nassau Stakes-Gr.1 at Goodwood next month.

Meanwhile in Hong Kong on the last day of racing for the season, Desert King was represented by a double.  His in form son Fujian Prince recorded his third win from his last four starts and Maverick Star winning his second Sha Tin race in a row.

May 7th, 2006

Lynden Park Stud’s, Desert King, continues to churn out the winners and on Saturday at Flemington his grey son Desert Master demolished a good field in the Riding for the Disabled Association Cup (2800m).

Trained by Brian Jenkins and ridden by Steve King, Desert Master (ex Pinqelle by Toy Pindarri) settled well behind the early speed set by Sir Pentire.  The speed went on 1,000m from home with Prince Dande Lion (generous - Egoli Lass by Kaapstad) striding up beside Sir Pentire.  Then as they rounded the home turn Elwood (Touching Wood - Skai Glory by All Glory) joined in , however, King got through the field on Desert Master and when he got to the 350m he was in full flight to race clear.  

Showing a very good 'turn of foot' Desert Master raced clear and proved much too good for Prince Dande Lion to score by a widening six-lengths.  The older Elwood was another length back in third.

Desert Master will back up in two weeks time at the same course in the Andrew Ramsden (2500m). 

April 30th, 2006

Desert King sired 18 winners during April. He kicked off the month in fine style – Fujian Prince and Honey Money providing him with a Sha Tin double on April 1. The latter won again three weeks later.

April 5 and the talented 4Y0 Desert Master, who had won in soft style at Sale first up in late March, made it a double with a authoritative 1.8 length victory at Sandown.  Tanami Prince, Zaheerina and Roman Squire were three other metropolitan winners during the month.

In the United States he had, Urban King successful at Santa Anita, Italy (Desert Wood, Milan), Japan (Tai Intensely, Fukushima), Singapore (King’s Strike), England (Trew Style, Folkestone) and Malaysia (Eightfold Maze, Taipa).