NEWS AND UPDATES FOR SEPTEMBER 2007

Phoenix Reach parading at Ascot racecourse 28th September

Despite the rain, the turnout at Ascot racecourse to watch the stallion parade was well attended. The National Stud had their own marquee and seemed fairly busy throughout the day. Hopefully some of the enquiries will result in a few more bookings for Phoenix Reach for the 2008 covering season.

Thank you again to all the staff at Ascot racecourse who very kindly supplied hospitality for Andrew Christou, his daughter Karen, Andrew's partner, Diane Gartlan and myself for the whole day. It was really appreciated.

PHOENIX REACH TO PARADE AT ASCOT RACECOURSE 28th SEPTEMBER 2007

Courtesy of Royal Ascot racecourse website.

Friday 28th September - Watership Down Stud Thoroughbred Breeders' Day Friday 28th September is the first of a three day meeting at Ascot. The feature race is The Watership Down Stud Sales race for two year olds - which always attracts a huge field. This race is for two year olds fillies sold or bought in as yearlings under the hammer at any specified sale in the United Kingdom who are competing for the £250,000 prize.

Ascot Racecourse, working in conjunction with The National Stud will have a stallion parade in the Parade Ring at 12.30pm for racegoers to enjoy. Commentated by Simon Holt, renowned equine expert, the Ascot audience will be informed of the performances of four stallions and be able to learn about the breeding side of the horseracing industry that is so key to British racing.

The horses taking part in the Stallion Parade include:

Bahamian Bounty
Pastoral Pursuits
Phoenix Reach
Silver Patriarch

PHOENIX REACH AT THE NATIONAL STUD 11TH SEPTEMBER 2007

Photo supplied courtesy of Tracy Roberts - Turfpix

Phoenix Reach and his handler, Paddy at The National Stud, Tuesday 11th September 2007.

I was delighted to be invited to The National Stud today by Andrew Christou along with photographer, Tracy Roberts to take photos of Phoenix Reach.

Phoenix Reach continues to be one of the most laid back stallions and stood patiently for photos to be taken for 10 minutes in the Autumn sunshine.

With an exceptional fertility rate (over 95%), a great physique, an outstanding temperament plus a very reasonable cover fee for 2008 Phoenix Reach should definitely be on every breeder's short list for next season.

I will post a selection of Tracy's photos of Phoenix Reach onto this page as soon as they become available.

Thank you again to Paddy, Alex and Paul for their assistance today. It was very much appreciated.

After Phoenix Reach had behaved so exceptionally he returned to his stable looking forward to having a well earned nose rub and a polo!

Paddy, Phoenix's handler, and Phoenix Reach sharing a quiet moment!

4th September 2007

Andrew Christou is so convinced that Phoenix Reach's progeny will be very successful on the race track he has now turned down three recent substantial offers for his stallion.

In addition to this, one of Andrew's own mares covered by Phoenix Reach has had one of her offspring win a Listed race at the weekend.

A recent discussion with The National Stud also revealed that Phoenix Reach has the highest fertility rate of stallions standing with them. Phoenix Reach's temperament continues to be very laid back in his outlook and continues to look awesome in his condition.