One of racing’s great characters Max Whitby loves nothing more than to back his judgement and make a big call, it is the main ingredient attributed to his success over the years.
So when the topic of would Sooboog have a pre-new year 2yo winner, Max was quick to back his judgement on a stallion he already had a stake in.
Jessica Rabbit (Sooboog X Bella Sunday) provided Sooboog with his first 2yo winner, and helped Max square the ledger on a bet he made back in August.
“I like his stock so much that if Sooboog doesn’t have a 2yo winner by the end of 2020, then I’ll pay the breeders service fee for any maiden mare covered in September," Max proclaimed over a beer at Kitchwin back in August.
10 additional maiden mares visited Sooboog in September on the deal, with Jessica Rabbit now vindicating Max’s faith in what he had seen in Sooboog’s stock. At $13,200 that had Max’s wager sitting at $132,000 with 2 days to spare!
For young trainer Annabel Neasham the pressure was certainly on, with Max making sure she knew the stakes were high!
Bred by Sheikh Bin Khalifa Al Maktoum under the care of Segenhoe Stud, the half-sister to Oohood is backing up the judgements of Sheikh Khalifa’s bloodstock manager Tim Stakemire, who was been right behind Sooboog.
Raced in their famous yellow & blue V, Tim has ensured Sooboog has been heavily supported throughout his four seasons at stud, including 20 of his top mares which included Bella Sunday in year one.
With 11 yearlings by Sooboog heading to the Magic Millions on the Gold Coast, Jessica Rabbit provided a timely reminder of the ability his first crop have shown, and will no doubt add to their popularity on the coast. Click to see his Magic Millions draft.
Max was quick to say, ”He'll probably go bang, bang now, from all reports there will be a few more Sooboog’s to follow Jessica Rabbit’s impressive footsteps."
News from Kitchwin Hills.
