Encosta on Fire
17th October 2007
Outstanding sire Encosta de Lago has started the new season with a bang both on the track with his runners and in the breeding barn where four very special mares have just returned positive tests after being covered on September 28.“He covered Milanova, Calaway Gal, Lisheenowen and Lotteria on Friday September 28 and we’ve just got the great news that they are all positive,” said James Harron of Coolmore.
Currently the leading sire by combined earnings for Australia and New Zealand, Encosta de Lago has been in top form with brilliant mare Princess Coup capturing the $2million Kelt Capital Stakes, while Tan Tat De Lago and Douro Valley have both posted stakes wins in Australia.
Add to that a stakes victory for exciting Hong Kong based sprinter Sacred Kingdom and it’s not hard to see why breeders are keen to stick with Encosta de Lago, despite his late exit from quarantine.
Both Lisheenowen and Lotteria have had foals by Encosta de Lago this spring, the former producing a half-brother to champion mare Private Steer on August 21, while the latter delivered her very first foal, a beautiful chestnut filly on September 1.
Group Three winner Milanova is a full sister to dual Group One winner Holy Roman Emperor and as such would be considered one of the most valuable young mares in the country.
Already the dam of a yearling colt by Dehere (USA) and this gorgeous filly by More Than Ready (USA), the result of this mating with Encosta de Lago will be an interesting one given the sire and dam both trace to influential producer Fanfreluche.
Rounding out the four star mares is Golden Slipper winner Calaway Gal, who delivered an eye-catching chestnut colt by Elusive Quality on September 6.
She also has an impressive yearling colt by Encosta de Lago that will be heading to the sales next year, no doubt part of the reason behind the return booking.
While Fusaichi Pegasus may have picked up some of the big banger mares at the start of the season, there are still plenty to go around and Encosta de Lago has not been short of company since his return to Coolmore.
