Beginners’ luck for Busselton breeder

It’s been a case of beginner’s luck for Busselton trainer-breeder Reece Kaptein, whose first broodmare in Belturbet NZ was the dam of a multiple Group 1 winner.  

“Reece bought her to race but after three starts she broke down, so he decided to breed from her,” Kayla Trewenack, Kaptein’s partner, said. 

“Im Bella Jay was the first foal he ever bred and she went on to win two Group 1’s for him.” 

The Kenneth J mare totted up nine wins and 11 placings from 44 starts for $186,709 in stakes including victories in the $100,000 Westbred Classic as a two and three-year-old. 

Her first foal, Diamond Daze, who Kaptein sold as a yearling, won nine races including two at Gloucester Park and $68,581. She is now retired. 

Both experienced horsepeople, Reece and Kayla hold full-time jobs outside the industry and are breeding from four broodmares as a hobby. The quartet are Ima Bella Jay, Belturbet, Major Michelle and Falling Starzzz. 

The couple are selling progeny out of Ima Bella Jay and Major Michelle at the Australian Pacing Gold Yearling Sale at Magic Millions, Perth on Sunday, March 3. 

Their first entry is Lot 459, a chestnut filly by the former NZ 2YO Colt of the Year and now successful colonial stallion Fly Like An Eagle out of Im Bella Jay. 

“She’s the second foal of her dam. She’s a solidly built filly with a great attitude,” Kayla said. 

The second half of their consignment is Lot 489, a colt by world champion Shartin’s sire Tintin In America from the five-win Art Major mare Major Michelle and her first foal. 

“He’s not big but he’s a racy two-year-old type,” Kayla said. 

Major Michelle, the colt’s dam, ranks as a half-sister to the outstanding racehorse and Fremantle Cup and WA Derby winner Mighty Ronaldo ($707,827) and is a member of the noted Black Watch family of superstar pacers Chicago Bull, The Unicorn, Pacific Flight, and so on. 

For full details of all catalogued yearlings in the 2024 Australian Pacing Gold Yearling Sales please visit our Online Sales Catalogue or Register as a Buyer now. 

From APG Ltd