Gibbons breed back in the limelight

From the late 1960s through to the late 1980s, the Gibbons family from Auckland had a great run in the harness racing classics in New Zealand.

Their success was built around the Medoro mare Paulina who along with her daughters and grand daughters left the Gibbons family a host of winners.

As was common in those days the family was dual gaited with trotting stars such as Paula, Paulette and Game Paul and pacing stars such as Paul Gentry, Paul Command and Hurricane Paul all being descendants of Paulina.

From the early 1990s the family went a bit quiet with a string of really nice horses but none of the champions of years gone by.

In the last ten years the family has had a bit of a resurgence with first Cincinnati Kid 1:55 ($499, 455) then Superbowlcheerleader T1:59.8 ($139,782) and now this season outstanding three year old filly The Orange Agent 1:56.1 ($93,522) bringing the family back into the limelight.

This years sales has one colt closely related to a couple of these smart horses.

His name is Vettel and he is Lot 125 at this years Australasian Classic yearling sale.

Vettel is the first foal from Talks To Angels,  a Bettors Delight half sister to Cincinnati Kid 1:55 ($499,455) and to Lady Fingers, the dam of The Orange Agent 1:56.1 ($93,522).

Being by American Ideal makes Vettlel a three quarter brother in blood to The Orange Agent.  

Another half sister to Talks To Angels in Lady Luck Smiles is the dam of the recent debutante winner About To Rock who is held in high regard by his trainer Brent Mangos.

The one thing that always characterized this maternal family through its golden patch was a real toughness in how they raced and both Cincinnati Kid and The Orange Agent have also displayed that same ability to rough it in races.

Vettel looks well poised to continue the resurgence of this elite maternal family.

Harnesslink Media