Young sire off to flying start

Brother and sister team Dave and Kellie Simmonds took a big punt when they bought well bred stallion Captain Ahab from the US to stand as their resident harness racing sire at Westbred Pacing a few years ago. 

And it looks like their gamble could be about to pay off. The handsome son of Captaintreacherous has sired nine qualified 2YOs from his first crop of just 29 live foals in the first two months of the 2025 season. 

His first winner came up in the heats of the fillies APG WA Sales Classic when Chef’s Kiss overcame an early break to win her heat in courageous fashion on February 18. 

Another Ahab filly El Raes Girl, also qualified for the $100,000 final at Gloucester Park on February 28 with a sold fourth in her heat. 

Chefs Kiss was bought by young trainer Jemma Hayman for just $17,500 at last year’s Perth APG sale. 

Promising colt Southerner ran a gallant second in the $30,000 Western Crown final at Gloucester Park on February 7 at his debut. 

Southerner was sold by Westbred Pacing last year for $25,000. 

Dave Simmonds said it was a promising start for the stallion, who won his first seven starts on US tracks. 

“He has had five starters. Southerner was second in Western Crown and Spot On Molly ran third at her first start at Pinjarra and fifth in the fillies Western Crown final. 

“The stallion was well represented in the APG heats at Gloucester Park on Tuesday with three fillies and one colt.” 

The Luke Edwards trained Letzgogirls finished sixth in her APG classic heat, just 13m from the winner. 

Captain Ahab has 11 yearlings in the 2025 APG Perth Yearling Sale on March 2, eight colts and three fillies. 

Westbred Pacing will offer five yearlings at the Perth sale – three by Captain Ahab and two by boom sire Stay Hungry. 

“We like all of our sales draft this year, with strong pedigrees and nice types – including two Stay Hungry youngsters on offer,” Simmonds said. 

“All three Captain Ahab yearlings are nice types, in particular (Lot 351) the Russian Ball colt. 

“He is a really strong type and looks like a well developed 2YO already, with a great temperament to match.  

“And the Captain Ahab – Altamatum colt (Lot 413) should also get attention. We’ve liked this colt all along. He is a nice mover and eager to learn. 

“He has a strong pedigree. He has all the makings to be a quality horse.” 

Russian Ball (1.53.4, $85K) won 10 races and has already produced five winners, including Major Lestor (1.55.3, $197K) and Chefs Kiss. 

She is a half sister to star WA 2YO Jack Mac who won the Golden Slipper and the Pearl Classic in his first season of racing. 

Four time winner Altamatum is the first wave of Alta Christiano mares to go to stud. 

She is a half sister to Sweet And Fast (1.50.2, $361K) and full sister to Heez Our Perseus (1.53.2, $229K). 

This colt’s third dam, Laurent Perrier has produced winners of more than $1 million in stakes, including champion filly Lancome (1.54.9, $461K). 

For full details of these or any other yearlings in the 2025 Perth Yearling Sale please visit APG’s Online Sales Catalogue or Register as a Buyer today! 

From APG Ltd