Champion NH Sire Flemensfirth Dies At 31

Flemensfirth (Alleged–Ethelreda {GB}, by Diesis {GB}), who was a two-time champion sire in the jumping sphere, died at The Beeches Stud on Friday. The pensioned Coolmore stallion was 31.

Bred by Mill Ridge Farm, the Mar. 16 foal was a $45,000 Keeneland November weanling turned $290,000 Keeneland September yearling when sold to Darley Stud Management from the Mill Ridge Sales consignment. Trained by John Gosden, Flemensfirth won on debut at two, before taking the G1 Prix Lupin as a 3-year-old in 1995 and the G1 Premio Roma at four in the colours of Sheikh Mohammed. Retired to The Beeches Stud in 1998, he carried a mark of 9-5-1-0 and $368,739 in earnings to stud with him.

“Flemensfirth was a fantastic stallion and a great character who will be sadly missed by everyone here,” said Robert McCarthy. “We are extremely grateful to all the staff here along with our vets and farriers who took such good care of him throughout his time at the Beeches. We would also like to thank all the breeders who supported him and made him champion sire and to the Magnier Family who entrusted us with him. He covered 22 full seasons before enjoying his retirement in great health right until the end. He was in his paddock until 9 o'clock last night.”

Known primarily as a sire of top-class jumpers, Flemensfirth's best progeny include G1 Cheltenham Gold Cup hero Imperial Commander (Ire), Flemenstar (Ire), Tidal Bay (Ire), Lostintranslation (Ire), Tornado Flyer (Ire), Colreevy (Ire), Relegate (Ire), Total Enjoyment (Ire), and Royal Ascot winner Jennies Jewel (Ire).

From the family of GI Frizette S. heroine Bundler (Raise A Native), the bay was also related to GI Santa Barbara H. heroine Mountain Bear (GB) (Welsh Pageant {Fr}). His final crop of foals were born in 2019.

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King George Hero Pyledriver Aiming At Sheema Classic As He Returns To Full Work

Dual Group 1 winner Pyledriver (GB) (Harbour Watch {Ire}) has returned to full work and will take another crack at the G1 Dubai Sheema Classic in March, according to co-trainer William Muir, who trains with Chris Grassick.

The 5-year-old entire took the G1 Coronation Cup last year, and was fourth in the Sheema Classic this March. Second in defence of his Coronation Cup back at Epsom in June, he was last seen taking the G1 King George VI And Queen Elizabeth S. by 2 3/4 lengths at Ascot on July 23.

Injury ruled out the bay from contesting the G1 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, as well as trips to the Breeders' Cup at Keeneland and the Longines Hong Kong International Races in October, November and December, respectively.

Muir said, “He's back on track now and we're starting to get him ready for his Sheema Classic run. He started cantering back last week, he's moving beautifully and looks a million dollars.

“It's quite exciting to see him back up on the gallop as you know you've got another good one out there. He looks fantastic.

“I was gutted to miss those big races, but we had to do what was right for him and in the end we found he had something deep seated in his foot, which has now come out and everything is fine.”

Dubai will likely not be Pyledriver's 6-year-old bow, as Muir and Grassick are mulling starts over the all-weather.

“There's a possibility we could run in the Winter Derby Trial or the Winter Derby, depending how he comes,” Muir added. “I wouldn't set that in stone, but it's in the back of my mind.

“I know the Lingfield races are a mile and a quarter, but if he ran in one of those it wouldn't be the be all and end all–it would be more of a prep run before he goes to Dubai.”

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Perfect Power Camp Eyes Greenham

Dual Group 1 winner Perfect Power (Ire) (Ardad {Ire}) will likely make his 3-year-old bow in the Apr. 16 G3 Greenham S. Sponsored By Watership Down Stud at Newbury for trainer Richard Fahey. The Sheikh Rashid Dalmook Al Maktoum colourbearer has won four of his six starts. He emerged a narrow winner of the G2 Norfolk S. at Royal Ascot last June and added the G1 Prix Morny in France two starts later. In his season finale, the bay was a half-length winner of the G1 Middle Park S. on Sept. 25. However, the Greenham will be the colt's first start beyond six furlongs.

“He's in great form,” said Fahey. “We're very happy with him. Physically he's done very well and we'll probably start him off in the Greenham.

“He gets in without a Group 1 penalty. It's the only Group 3 early in the year he gets in without a penalty. Going from six to seven would suit more then going from six to a mile. We'll get an idea after that.”

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