Farnan’s brilliant precocity was felt in full force at today’s Official Sydney 2YO trials when North England took out Heat 7 in blistering fashion. The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained colt showed all of his sire’s class in what was arguably the most convincing win of the day.
North England put himself straight into play, taking the front running position in the hands of Tim Clark. He led comfortably throughout and surged to a three-length win, recording the largest margin of the day, with plenty more in the tank in a time of 0:49.43.
Co-trainer Adrian Bott was impressed with what he saw and has black-type targets in sight for the gun colt.
“He was brilliant out of the gates and had the fastest sustained speed through the early part of the trial,” Bott said.
“We’d like to push on to the Breeders’ Plate with him. That’s always been the blueprint for those horses that come here and trial up well, especially in the manner that he did.”
Bott, who trained his sire Farnan in partnership with Gai Waterhouse, draws many similarities between the 2020 Golden Slipper winner and North England.
“He shows a lot of those similar attributes as dad,” Bott said.
“That always makes it that little bit sweeter as well, knowing him and his qualities and he’s certainly passed them on to him.”
Bred by Zhongli Thoroughbreds, North England is the third foal from Our Belisa, a metro-winning Lope de Vega (IRE) mare from a family that has produced G1 Blue Diamond winner Reward for Effort and RL Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Catnipped.
A $280,000 purchase at the 2024 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale from Valiant Stud for the China Horse Club, Newgate Bloodstock, Go Bloodstock and Trilogy, North England’s strong display was the second successful trial for Kia Ora Stud-related interests with Tuscany (Zoustar x Summer Sham), co-owned by the Stud, also making a dream start to his racing career in Heat 1.
Farnan stands at Kia Ora Stallions for a fee of $55,000 inc GST (book full).
