Restrepo the breed improver

Former harness racing ‘Cups King’ Restrepo, who is standing his first season at Luke Primmer’s Tipperary Equine, Young (NSW), boasts a percentage record of winners-to-foals second to none.

However, the handsome son of Art Major can not only claim an amazing strike rate but he is siring quality performers, many of whom are from unselected mares.

And, most of his progeny are the richest offspring of their dams.

Relentless Me, the winner of the Group 3 Tasmanian Oaks and a heat of the Group 1 Victoria Oaks and one of the leading candidates for the $150,000 Final, is a prime example.

With a record of 1:55.1 and stake earnings of $99,660, Relentless Me is the richest and fastest progeny of her dam, the lightly raced Ballygeana. She has won seven races to date including five of her last 10.

Brittany O’Brien, a part-owner of Relentless Me, said: “She has everything you want in a racehorse – tough, fast, has gate speed, loves to lead and is an absolute true professional.”

Urbadboy, the winner of the Group 2 $50,000 Southern Cross 3YO Final and the winner of seven races to date, is rated one of the best horses racing in South Australia. He is the only winner from his dam.

Andrew Clarke, the owner of Urbadboy, said: “Urbadboy is a lovely horse with lots of ability. He is on the comeback trail from injury and I expect him to work his way through to open company.”

Sidstrepo, the winner of eight races including five at Gloucester Park and $76,978 in stakes, is the richest of eight foals left by his dam Grace’s Beach.

Other metropolitan winners sired by Restrepo include Prickle Patch (Melton), Misstrepo (Albion Park) and He’s The Judge and Urgoodboy (both Globe Derby Park).

Victorian western districts master trainer Marg Lee has a youngster by Restrepo and is really keen on him.

“He was easy to get going, is good gaited and has a great attitude,” Marg said.

“He’s typical of Restrepo’s stock from what I’ve seen.

“There will be a service to him up for grabs in the Terang stallion auction and I’ll certainly be bidding on it.”

by Peter Wharton, for Harnesslink