Conduit (horse)
Encyclopedia
Conduit is a retired Thoroughbred
racehorse
and active sire. In a career that lasted from August 2007 to November 2009 he won seven of his fifteen starts, including four at Group One
/Grade I
level.
In Europe he won the St. Leger Stakes
in 2008 and Britain's most prestigious weight-for-age race, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 2009. He is known internationally for being the only horse to record two outright wins in the Breeders' Cup Turf
. In each of his Breeders' Cup wins he ran under 2:24.00, recording the two fastest times in the race's history. Conduit is currently standing at stud in Hokkaido
, Japan
.
of County Meath
, Conduit was sired by 2003 European Horse of the Year
Dalakhani
out of the mare, Well Head, a daughter of fourteen-time Champion Sire
Sadler's Wells
. Dalakhani has proved to be a successful sire, especially of middle and long distance performers. Apart from Conduit, his best runners have included Reliable Man (Prix du Jockey Club
), Duncan
(Irish St. Leger) and Moonstone (Irish Oaks
). Well Head was unraced half sister to the Champion Stakes
winner Spectrum. Apart from Conduit her best foal was the Great Voltigeur Stakes
winner, Hard Top.
Well Head died shortly after Conduit's birth, and the colt foal was bottle-fed by the Ballymacoll staff before being fostered by a Vanner
mare. As a yearling he was "bullied" by the other colts at the stud and had to be separated for his own safety. The yearling who was mainly responsible for the attacks was later named Tartan Bearer
.
Conduit was sent into training with Michael Stoute at the Freemason Lodge stables at Newmarket, Suffolk. He was ridden in all but two of his races by Ryan Moore.
in August 2007. Later in the same month he finished third as 6/4 favourite in a similar race at Kempton
staying on under pressure, but apparently lacking the pace to reach the leaders.
A month later, he recorded his first win in a maiden at Wolverhampton
, coming from off the pace to win by three quarters of a length on the polytrack
surface. The fact that his five rivals went on to win a total of three minor races in their combined careers gives an indication of the level of the competition, and Conduit's end of season rating of 79 suggested that he was far below top class.
.
He began by finishing third in a minor handicap at Sandown in April. There was clearly some confidence in the colt however, as in his next start he was made 11/8 favourite for a much more valuable handicap at the Derby
meeting at Epsom
. Held up in last place by Ryan Moore, Conduit was switched to the outside in the straight and, in the words of the Racing Post
"stormed clear" to win by six lengths. Although no firm plans for Conduit were announced, the bookmaking firm Ladbrokes
immediately offered him at odds of 14/1 for the St Leger
. On the same course just over two hours later, the stable's "best" colt Tartan Bearer
finished second to New Approach
in the Derby.
Although the bare form of the race (he was rated 98 for his win) indicated that he was still well below top class, he was obviously improving, and when he was sent to Royal Ascot for the King Edward VII Stakes
, he was made 11/4 favourite. Conduit appeared to be traveling well when he was hampered entering the straight and although he stayed on well he was unable to catch the leader, Campanologist, finishing second by three quarters of a length. The Guardian's
correspondent called him "one of the unluckiest losers" at the meeting.
The performance was enough to establish Conduit as a contender for the St Leger, and he was next sent to Goodwood
for the Gordon Stakes
. He won at odds of 1/2 but was not impressive, hanging to the left under pressure and making hard work of beating the outsider Donegal by a head. Stoute described the performance as "workmanlike", but pointed out that the small field and "muddling" pace did not suit his colt. Conduit's price for the St Leger was unchanged at 7/1.
The St Leger attracted a strong field including the Irish Derby winner Frozen Fire
, who was made favourite ahead of the Oaks
winner Look Here, with Conduit starting at 8/1. Ryan Moore chose to ride Stoute's other runner, Doctor Fremantle, who had finished fourth in the Derby
and the ride on Conduit was picked up by Frankie Dettori
. Dettori held the colt up in the early stages before making "smooth" progress in the straight to take the lead from Enroller two furlongs out. Conduit went clear and ran on strongly to the finish, winning by three lengths from the Irish-trained filly Unsung Heroine despite "wandering" from a straight course. The win in the St. Leger marked the first for trainer Michael Stoute after twenty-three unsuccessful attempts. For jockey Frankie Dettori
, it was his fifth St. Leger win.
Stoute had originally planned to rest the colt after the St Leger but Conduit came out of the race exceptionally well and so having proved his ability over a mile and three quarters on soft ground, Conduit was brought back to a mile and a half and fast ground for the Breeders' Cup Turf
at Santa Anita Park
. Moore held up Conduit in the early stages before moving the colt up into a challenging position entering the straight. Having been switched to the outside, Conduit produced a strong late run to catch Eagle Mountain
inside the final furlong and win by one and a half lengths. His winning time of 2:23.42 was the fastest recorded in the twenty-five runnings of the race, although, as the Breeders' Cup
has been run on many different tracks, times are not directly comparable. After the race, Stoute praised the colt and suggested that he could improve further, saying
"he’s a beautifully balanced horse with a good turn of foot, and he keeps getting better."
Conduit began his four-year-old season by attempting to give seven pounds to eleven rivals in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes
at Sandown. He took the lead a furlong out, but was caught on the line and beaten a nose by the Derby Italiano
winner Cima de Triomphe. In the Eclipse Stakes
over the same course and distance he met Cima de Triomphe at level weights in an exceptionally strong field which included Twice Over
, Rip Van Winkle
and the odds-on favourite Sea The Stars
. Held up in the early stages, Conduit was moved up into third behind Sea The Stars and Rip Van Winkle a furlong out. Although he stayed on well, he could make no impression on the two Irish colts and finished third, beaten five and a half lengths, but five lengths clear of Cima de Triomphe in fourth.
Conduit was then aimed the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot
and was made 13/8 favourite. Conduit's preparation for the race was highly unusual. The Ballymacoll Stud received a series of messages threatening to kill the horse if he ran in the race. The police were alerted and the British Horseracing Authority arranged extra security for Conduit on his journey to Ascot. A man was later arrested and convicted of "threatening to damage property".
In the Ascot race, Frozen Fire and Look Here opposed Conduit again, but his main rival in the betting was his stable companion Tartan Bearer, who started at 7/2 after a win in the Gordon Richards Stakes
and a narrow defeat at Royal Ascot. As usual, Conduit was held up, before moving up and being switched to the outside to make his challenge in the straight. Tartan Bearer took the lead from Golden Sword a furlong out but was immediately challenged by Conduit. Inside the final furlong Moore drove Conduit out to overtake Tartan Bearer (bumping him as he did so) and won by one and three quarter lengths. They were followed home by the other Stoute runner, Ace, giving the trainer the rare achievement of being responsible for the first three in a championship race. Moore received a three day ban for causing interference in the closing stages but was unrepentant saying that he "wasn't going to start pulling him around to correct him just as he was going to win". The manager of the Ballymacoll stud was also present to recall Conduit's early troubles with Tartan Bearer.
The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
at Longchamp in October entailed another meeting with Sea The Stars, who had dominated the flat season in Europe. Once again, Conduit had no chance with the Irish champion, but performed well, making steady progress in the straight before losing out to Youmzain
and Cavalryman in a three-way photo for second.
In November, despite press rumours that suggested he would bypass the race, Conduit traveled back to America for the Breeders' Cup
, run for the second successive year at Santa Anita
. He was made odds-on favourite against six opponents for the Turf
. The American gelding Presious Passion
led from the start and ran the first half mile in 45.14, opening up a lead of at least eight lengths. Conduit was held up as always, before moving into second at the start of the straight, although he stumbled after colliding with the filly Dar Re Mi
. Conduit's "relentless charge" took him past Presious Passion a furlong and a half out, and although the gelding rallied "gamely", the colt was too strong and won by half a length. The winning time of 2:23.75 was the second fastest recorded in the race, behind only Conduit's 2008 win. The normally taciturn Moore was generous in his assessment of Conduit, "he's very game. He's a great horse - a once in a lifetime horse".
On his final start, Conduit was sent to Tokyo, where he finished fourth of the eighteen runners, behind Vodka
in the Japan Cup.
.
, Conduit was ranked the sixth best horse in the world with a rating of 126. In the 2009 Rankings, he was assigned a mark of 125, placing him seventh in the world.
Conduit was awarded the Eclipse Award
as American Champion Male Turf Horse for 2008 and finished runner-up to Gio Ponti
for the same award in 2009.
On 3 December 2009 Conduit was awarded the ROA/Sportingbet.com Outstanding Older Horse for 2009 by British Racehorse Owners' Association.
, Japan
. His first foals were born in 2011.
Thoroughbred
The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed...
racehorse
Horse racing
Horse racing is an equestrian sport that has a long history. Archaeological records indicate that horse racing occurred in ancient Babylon, Syria, and Egypt. Both chariot and mounted horse racing were events in the ancient Greek Olympics by 648 BC...
and active sire. In a career that lasted from August 2007 to November 2009 he won seven of his fifteen starts, including four at Group One
Conditions races
Conditions races are horse races where the weights carried by the runners are laid down by the conditions attached to the race. Weights are allocated according to; the sex of the runners, with female runners carrying less weight than males; the age of the runners, with younger horses receiving...
/Grade I
Graded stakes race
A graded stakes race is a term applied since 1973 by the American Graded Stakes Committee of the Thoroughbred Owners and Breeders Association to thoroughbred horse races in the United States and Canada to describe races that derive their name from the stake, or entry fee, owners must pay...
level.
In Europe he won the St. Leger Stakes
St. Leger Stakes
The St. Leger Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Doncaster over a distance of 1 mile, 6 furlongs and 132 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in September.Established in 1776, the St. Leger...
in 2008 and Britain's most prestigious weight-for-age race, the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 2009. He is known internationally for being the only horse to record two outright wins in the Breeders' Cup Turf
Breeders' Cup Turf
The Breeders' Cup Turf is a Weight for Age Thoroughbred horse race on turf for three-year-olds and up. It is held annually at a different racetrack in the United States or Canada as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships. The race's current title sponsor is Emirates Airlines.The forerunner...
. In each of his Breeders' Cup wins he ran under 2:24.00, recording the two fastest times in the race's history. Conduit is currently standing at stud in Hokkaido
Hokkaido
, formerly known as Ezo, Yezo, Yeso, or Yesso, is Japan's second largest island; it is also the largest and northernmost of Japan's 47 prefectural-level subdivisions. The Tsugaru Strait separates Hokkaido from Honshu, although the two islands are connected by the underwater railway Seikan Tunnel...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
.
Background
Bred and raced by Ballymacoll StudBallymacoll Stud
Ballymacoll Stud is a Thoroughbred stud farm of 300 acres in County Meath, Ireland. It is located in the townland of Ballymacoll, approximately two miles from the village of Dunboyne and four miles from the town of Maynooth...
of County Meath
County Meath
County Meath is a county in Ireland. It is part of the Mid-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the ancient Kingdom of Mide . Meath County Council is the local authority for the county...
, Conduit was sired by 2003 European Horse of the Year
European Horse of the Year
European Horse of the Year is an award in European Thoroughbred horse racing. Since 1991 the honor has been part of the Cartier Racing Awards. It is presented annually by Cartier SA to a horse of any age racing in Europe.-Honorees:...
Dalakhani
Dalakhani
Dalakhani is a thoroughbred race horse owned and bred by Aga Khan IV and trained by Alain de Royer-Dupré. He was sired by Darshaan covering Daltawa and is therefore half-brother to Daylami....
out of the mare, Well Head, a daughter of fourteen-time Champion Sire
Leading sire in Great Britain & Ireland
The list below shows the leading sire of racehorses in Great Britain and Ireland for each year since 1751. This is determined by the amount of prize money won by the sire's progeny during the season.----- References :* -See also:...
Sadler's Wells
Sadler's Wells (horse)
Sadler's Wells was a Thoroughbred racehorse that was later a leading sire in France, Great Britain & Ireland and North America during the 1990s. He was foaled in 1981 in the United States, but achieved most of his racing and breeding fame in Europe....
. Dalakhani has proved to be a successful sire, especially of middle and long distance performers. Apart from Conduit, his best runners have included Reliable Man (Prix du Jockey Club
Prix du Jockey Club
The Prix du Jockey Club, sometimes referred to as the French Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies...
), Duncan
Duncan (horse)
Duncan is a thoroughbred racehorse. He won the Irish St. Leger at the Curragh Racecourse in a dead heat with Jukebox Jury....
(Irish St. Leger) and Moonstone (Irish Oaks
Irish Oaks
The Irish Oaks is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in July....
). Well Head was unraced half sister to the Champion Stakes
Champion Stakes
The Champion Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in October...
winner Spectrum. Apart from Conduit her best foal was the Great Voltigeur Stakes
Great Voltigeur Stakes
The Great Voltigeur Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and geldings. It is run at York over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in August....
winner, Hard Top.
Well Head died shortly after Conduit's birth, and the colt foal was bottle-fed by the Ballymacoll staff before being fostered by a Vanner
Gypsy Vanner horse
The Gypsy Horse , also known as an Irish cob , Gypsy Cob, Gypsy Vanner , Coloured Cob or Tinker horse , is a horse breed. The breed originates from the UK and Ireland...
mare. As a yearling he was "bullied" by the other colts at the stud and had to be separated for his own safety. The yearling who was mainly responsible for the attacks was later named Tartan Bearer
Tartan Bearer
Tartan Bearer is an Irish thoroughbred race horse. A colt of enormous talent, he never quite realised his potential due to injuries throughout his career. He raced eight times and won three of these, being placed on his other five starts...
.
Conduit was sent into training with Michael Stoute at the Freemason Lodge stables at Newmarket, Suffolk. He was ridden in all but two of his races by Ryan Moore.
2007: two-year-old season
Conduit began his racing career by running unplaced in a maiden race on the July Course at NewmarketNewmarket Racecourse
The town of Newmarket, in Suffolk, England, is the headquarters of British horseracing, home to the largest cluster of training yards in the country and many key horse racing organisations. Newmarket Racecourse has two courses - the Rowley Mile Course and the July Course. Both are wide, galloping...
in August 2007. Later in the same month he finished third as 6/4 favourite in a similar race at Kempton
Kempton Park Racecourse
Kempton Park Racecourse is a horse racing track in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, England, which is a western suburb of London 16 miles from the city centre. The site is set in of land....
staying on under pressure, but apparently lacking the pace to reach the leaders.
A month later, he recorded his first win in a maiden at Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton Racecourse
Wolverhampton Racecourse is a thoroughbred horse racing venue located in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, England. The track was the first to be floodlit in Britain and often holds meetings in the evening....
, coming from off the pace to win by three quarters of a length on the polytrack
Polytrack
A synthetic racetrack surface is any kind of surface substance that replaces grass, dirt or sand as the racing surface on a horse racing track. Synthetic surfaces may be desirable over traditional surfaces for several reasons, most prominently the reduction of injuries and possible deaths to horses...
surface. The fact that his five rivals went on to win a total of three minor races in their combined careers gives an indication of the level of the competition, and Conduit's end of season rating of 79 suggested that he was far below top class.
2008: three-year-old season
Conduit's three-year-old season was one of notable progress, with his official rating improving by 46lbsPound (mass)
The pound or pound-mass is a unit of mass used in the Imperial, United States customary and other systems of measurement...
.
He began by finishing third in a minor handicap at Sandown in April. There was clearly some confidence in the colt however, as in his next start he was made 11/8 favourite for a much more valuable handicap at the Derby
Epsom Derby
The Derby Stakes, popularly known as The Derby, internationally as the Epsom Derby, and under its present sponsor as the Investec Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies...
meeting at Epsom
Epsom Downs Racecourse
Epsom Downs is a Grade 1 racecourse near Epsom, Surrey, England. The "downs" referred to in the name are part of the North Downs. The course is best known for hosting the Epsom Derby, the United Kingdom's premier thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old colts and fillies, over a mile and a half...
. Held up in last place by Ryan Moore, Conduit was switched to the outside in the straight and, in the words of the Racing Post
Racing Post
The Racing Post is a British daily horse racing, greyhound racing and sports betting newspaper, appearing in print form and online.From 30 May 2011 - 3 July 2011 it had a circulation of 56,507.-History:...
"stormed clear" to win by six lengths. Although no firm plans for Conduit were announced, the bookmaking firm Ladbrokes
Ladbrokes
Ladbrokes plc is a British based gambling company. It is based in Rayners Lane in Harrow, London owned by Bhavin Kakaiya. From 14 May 1999 to 23 February 2006, when it owned the Hilton hotel brand outside the United States, it was known as Hilton Group plc...
immediately offered him at odds of 14/1 for the St Leger
St. Leger Stakes
The St. Leger Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Doncaster over a distance of 1 mile, 6 furlongs and 132 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in September.Established in 1776, the St. Leger...
. On the same course just over two hours later, the stable's "best" colt Tartan Bearer
Tartan Bearer
Tartan Bearer is an Irish thoroughbred race horse. A colt of enormous talent, he never quite realised his potential due to injuries throughout his career. He raced eight times and won three of these, being placed on his other five starts...
finished second to New Approach
New Approach
New Approach is a retired Irish Thoroughbred racehorse and active stallion. He won the 2008 Epsom Derby, and was rated the best racehorse in the world in the 2008 World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings....
in the Derby.
Although the bare form of the race (he was rated 98 for his win) indicated that he was still well below top class, he was obviously improving, and when he was sent to Royal Ascot for the King Edward VII Stakes
King Edward VII Stakes
The King Edward VII Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and geldings. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June....
, he was made 11/4 favourite. Conduit appeared to be traveling well when he was hampered entering the straight and although he stayed on well he was unable to catch the leader, Campanologist, finishing second by three quarters of a length. The Guardian's
The Guardian
The Guardian, formerly known as The Manchester Guardian , is a British national daily newspaper in the Berliner format...
correspondent called him "one of the unluckiest losers" at the meeting.
The performance was enough to establish Conduit as a contender for the St Leger, and he was next sent to Goodwood
Goodwood Racecourse
Goodwood Racecourse is a horse-racing track five miles north of Chichester, West Sussex, in England controlled by the family of the Duke of Richmond, whose seat is nearby Goodwood House...
for the Gordon Stakes
Gordon Stakes
The Gordon Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbreds. It is run at Goodwood over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late July or early August....
. He won at odds of 1/2 but was not impressive, hanging to the left under pressure and making hard work of beating the outsider Donegal by a head. Stoute described the performance as "workmanlike", but pointed out that the small field and "muddling" pace did not suit his colt. Conduit's price for the St Leger was unchanged at 7/1.
The St Leger attracted a strong field including the Irish Derby winner Frozen Fire
Frozen Fire
Frozen Fire is a thoroughbred horse sired by Montjeu from the dam Flamingo Sea, who won the 2008 Irish Derby.-References:* - Frozen Fire's pedigree* - Frozen Fire's race record...
, who was made favourite ahead of the Oaks
Epsom Oaks
The Oaks Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at Epsom Downs over a distance of 1 mile, 4 furlongs and 10 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in early June....
winner Look Here, with Conduit starting at 8/1. Ryan Moore chose to ride Stoute's other runner, Doctor Fremantle, who had finished fourth in the Derby
Epsom Derby
The Derby Stakes, popularly known as The Derby, internationally as the Epsom Derby, and under its present sponsor as the Investec Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies...
and the ride on Conduit was picked up by Frankie Dettori
Frankie Dettori
Lanfranco "Frankie" Dettori, MBE is an Italian horse racing jockey and celebrity. Dettori has been Champion Jockey on three occasions and has ridden the winners of more than 500 Group races.. He has had many successes in his role of stable jockey to Godolphin Racing...
. Dettori held the colt up in the early stages before making "smooth" progress in the straight to take the lead from Enroller two furlongs out. Conduit went clear and ran on strongly to the finish, winning by three lengths from the Irish-trained filly Unsung Heroine despite "wandering" from a straight course. The win in the St. Leger marked the first for trainer Michael Stoute after twenty-three unsuccessful attempts. For jockey Frankie Dettori
Frankie Dettori
Lanfranco "Frankie" Dettori, MBE is an Italian horse racing jockey and celebrity. Dettori has been Champion Jockey on three occasions and has ridden the winners of more than 500 Group races.. He has had many successes in his role of stable jockey to Godolphin Racing...
, it was his fifth St. Leger win.
Stoute had originally planned to rest the colt after the St Leger but Conduit came out of the race exceptionally well and so having proved his ability over a mile and three quarters on soft ground, Conduit was brought back to a mile and a half and fast ground for the Breeders' Cup Turf
Breeders' Cup Turf
The Breeders' Cup Turf is a Weight for Age Thoroughbred horse race on turf for three-year-olds and up. It is held annually at a different racetrack in the United States or Canada as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships. The race's current title sponsor is Emirates Airlines.The forerunner...
at Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park is a thoroughbred racetrack in Arcadia, California, United States. It offers some of the prominent racing events in the United States during the winter and in spring. With its backdrop of the purple San Gabriel Mountains, it is considered by many as the world's most beautiful race...
. Moore held up Conduit in the early stages before moving the colt up into a challenging position entering the straight. Having been switched to the outside, Conduit produced a strong late run to catch Eagle Mountain
Eagle Mountain
-Summits:Canada*Eagle Mountain, British Columbia near CoquitlamUnited Kingdom*Eagle Mountain, a peak in the Mourne Mountains, Northern IrelandUnited States*Eagle Mountain *Eagle Mountain...
inside the final furlong and win by one and a half lengths. His winning time of 2:23.42 was the fastest recorded in the twenty-five runnings of the race, although, as the Breeders' Cup
Breeders' Cup
The Breeders' Cup World Championships is an annual series of Thoroughbred horse races, most but not all Grade I, operated by Breeders' Cup Limited, a company formed in 1982. From its inception in 1984 through 2006, it was a single-day event; starting in 2007, it expanded to two days. The location...
has been run on many different tracks, times are not directly comparable. After the race, Stoute praised the colt and suggested that he could improve further, saying
"he’s a beautifully balanced horse with a good turn of foot, and he keeps getting better."
2009: four-year-old season
Brigadier Gerard Stakes
The Brigadier Gerard Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Sandown Park over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 7 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late May or early June.The event was established in...
at Sandown. He took the lead a furlong out, but was caught on the line and beaten a nose by the Derby Italiano
Derby Italiano
The Derby Italiano is a Group 2 flat horse race in Italy open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Capannelle over a distance of 2,200 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in May....
winner Cima de Triomphe. In the Eclipse Stakes
Eclipse Stakes
The Eclipse Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Sandown Park over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 7 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in early July.-History:The event is named after Eclipse, a...
over the same course and distance he met Cima de Triomphe at level weights in an exceptionally strong field which included Twice Over
Twice Over
Twice Over is a thoroughbred racehorse trained by Henry Cecil and owned by Prince Khalid Abdullah of Juddmonte Farms. Twice Over was bred in Great Britain.-2008 Season:...
, Rip Van Winkle
Rip Van Winkle (horse)
Rip Van Winkle is an Irish Thoroughbred racehorse sired by the great dual Derby winner Gallieo. Like his sire Rip Van Winkle was also trained by Aidan O'Brien.-2008: two-year-old season:...
and the odds-on favourite Sea The Stars
Sea the Stars
Sea The Stars is a champion Irish Thoroughbred colt racehorse. Regarded by many as one of the greatest racehorses of all time, he is best known for winning the 2,000 Guineas, the Epsom Derby, the Eclipse Stakes, - the first colt to accomplish this treble since 1989 champion Nashwan - the...
. Held up in the early stages, Conduit was moved up into third behind Sea The Stars and Rip Van Winkle a furlong out. Although he stayed on well, he could make no impression on the two Irish colts and finished third, beaten five and a half lengths, but five lengths clear of Cima de Triomphe in fourth.
Conduit was then aimed the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ascot
Ascot Racecourse
Ascot Racecourse is a famous English racecourse, located in the small town of Ascot, Berkshire, used for thoroughbred horse racing. It is one of the leading racecourses in the United Kingdom, hosting 9 of the UK's 32 annual Group 1 races...
and was made 13/8 favourite. Conduit's preparation for the race was highly unusual. The Ballymacoll Stud received a series of messages threatening to kill the horse if he ran in the race. The police were alerted and the British Horseracing Authority arranged extra security for Conduit on his journey to Ascot. A man was later arrested and convicted of "threatening to damage property".
In the Ascot race, Frozen Fire and Look Here opposed Conduit again, but his main rival in the betting was his stable companion Tartan Bearer, who started at 7/2 after a win in the Gordon Richards Stakes
Gordon Richards Stakes
The Gordon Richards Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Sandown Park over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 7 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in April.The event was established in 1963, and...
and a narrow defeat at Royal Ascot. As usual, Conduit was held up, before moving up and being switched to the outside to make his challenge in the straight. Tartan Bearer took the lead from Golden Sword a furlong out but was immediately challenged by Conduit. Inside the final furlong Moore drove Conduit out to overtake Tartan Bearer (bumping him as he did so) and won by one and three quarter lengths. They were followed home by the other Stoute runner, Ace, giving the trainer the rare achievement of being responsible for the first three in a championship race. Moore received a three day ban for causing interference in the closing stages but was unrepentant saying that he "wasn't going to start pulling him around to correct him just as he was going to win". The manager of the Ballymacoll stud was also present to recall Conduit's early troubles with Tartan Bearer.
The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is a Group 1 flat horse race in France which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 2,400 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year, usually on the first Sunday in October.Popularly referred to as the...
at Longchamp in October entailed another meeting with Sea The Stars, who had dominated the flat season in Europe. Once again, Conduit had no chance with the Irish champion, but performed well, making steady progress in the straight before losing out to Youmzain
Youmzain
Youmzain is a Thoroughbred racehorse. Trained by Mick Channon, he won Preis von Europa and Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud group 1 races in 2008. Most notably, he is three-time runner-up in Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe; in 2007 behind Dylan Thomas, in 2008 behind Zarkava, and in 2009 behind Sea The Stars.-...
and Cavalryman in a three-way photo for second.
In November, despite press rumours that suggested he would bypass the race, Conduit traveled back to America for the Breeders' Cup
Breeders' Cup
The Breeders' Cup World Championships is an annual series of Thoroughbred horse races, most but not all Grade I, operated by Breeders' Cup Limited, a company formed in 1982. From its inception in 1984 through 2006, it was a single-day event; starting in 2007, it expanded to two days. The location...
, run for the second successive year at Santa Anita
Santa Anita Park
Santa Anita Park is a thoroughbred racetrack in Arcadia, California, United States. It offers some of the prominent racing events in the United States during the winter and in spring. With its backdrop of the purple San Gabriel Mountains, it is considered by many as the world's most beautiful race...
. He was made odds-on favourite against six opponents for the Turf
Breeders' Cup Turf
The Breeders' Cup Turf is a Weight for Age Thoroughbred horse race on turf for three-year-olds and up. It is held annually at a different racetrack in the United States or Canada as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships. The race's current title sponsor is Emirates Airlines.The forerunner...
. The American gelding Presious Passion
Presious Passion
Presious Passion is a multiple Grade I winning Thoroughbred racehorse. Bred in the United States, he is a gelded son of multiple Grade I winner Royal Anthem and the unraced mare, Princesa's Passion, who comes from an extended family of stakes winning horses. Presious Passion's career has included...
led from the start and ran the first half mile in 45.14, opening up a lead of at least eight lengths. Conduit was held up as always, before moving into second at the start of the straight, although he stumbled after colliding with the filly Dar Re Mi
Dar Re Mi
Dar Re Mi is a Thoroughbred racehorse owned by Andrew Lloyd Webber and trained by John Gosden. Dar Re Mi is a daughter of Singspiel out of the mare Darara. Singspiel is one of the most successful stallions in the world and his other top horses include Hibaayeb and Moon Ballad. Dar Re Mi notably...
. Conduit's "relentless charge" took him past Presious Passion a furlong and a half out, and although the gelding rallied "gamely", the colt was too strong and won by half a length. The winning time of 2:23.75 was the second fastest recorded in the race, behind only Conduit's 2008 win. The normally taciturn Moore was generous in his assessment of Conduit, "he's very game. He's a great horse - a once in a lifetime horse".
On his final start, Conduit was sent to Tokyo, where he finished fourth of the eighteen runners, behind Vodka
Vodka (horse)
is a Japanese Thoroughbred racemare that won the 2007 Group One Tokyo Yūshun , the first filly to win this race in 64 years, as well as winning the 2009 Japan Cup. She won seven G1 races in Japan and is the highest earning racemare in Thoroughbred history.-Breeding:Vodka was foaled on 4 April 2004...
in the Japan Cup.
Race record
| Date | Race | Dist (f) | Course | Class | Prize (£K) | Odds | Runners | Placing | Margin | Time | Jockey | Trainer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wilson Browne Maiden Stakes | 7 | Newmarket July Newmarket Racecourse The town of Newmarket, in Suffolk, England, is the headquarters of British horseracing, home to the largest cluster of training yards in the country and many key horse racing organisations. Newmarket Racecourse has two courses - the Rowley Mile Course and the July Course. Both are wide, galloping... |
M | 4 | 7/1 | 20 | 7 | 2.75 | 1:26.59 | Ryan Moore | Michael Stoute Michael Stoute Sir Michael Ronald Stoute is a Barbadian British thoroughbred horse trainer in flat racing. Stoute, whose father was the Chief of police for Barbados, left the island in 1964 at the age of 19 to become an assistant to trainer Pat Rohan and began training horses on his own in 1972... |
|
| Digibet Maiden Stakes | 8 | Kempton Kempton Park Racecourse Kempton Park Racecourse is a horse racing track in Sunbury-on-Thames, Surrey, England, which is a western suburb of London 16 miles from the city centre. The site is set in of land.... |
M | 3 | 6/4 | 10 | 2 | 2.25 | 1:40.65 | Ryan Moore | Michael Stoute Michael Stoute Sir Michael Ronald Stoute is a Barbadian British thoroughbred horse trainer in flat racing. Stoute, whose father was the Chief of police for Barbados, left the island in 1964 at the age of 19 to become an assistant to trainer Pat Rohan and began training horses on his own in 1972... |
|
| EBF Maiden Stakes | 9 | Wolverhampton Wolverhampton Racecourse Wolverhampton Racecourse is a thoroughbred horse racing venue located in Wolverhampton, West Midlands, England. The track was the first to be floodlit in Britain and often holds meetings in the evening.... |
M | 3 | 10/11 | 6 | 1 | 0.75 | 1:49.60 | Jamie Spencer Jamie Spencer Jamie Spencer is an Irish flat racing jockey currently riding in the UK. He has been champion jockey in both Ireland and Britain and has won four classics, two in each country. Spencer is widely regarded as one of the best, and most naturally talented, UK-based jockeys - despite not having a... |
Michael Stoute Michael Stoute Sir Michael Ronald Stoute is a Barbadian British thoroughbred horse trainer in flat racing. Stoute, whose father was the Chief of police for Barbados, left the island in 1964 at the age of 19 to become an assistant to trainer Pat Rohan and began training horses on his own in 1972... |
|
| Bet365.com Handicap | 10 | Sandown | H | 6 | 3/1 | 11 | 3 | 2.5 | 2:10.44 | Ryan Moore | Michael Stoute Michael Stoute Sir Michael Ronald Stoute is a Barbadian British thoroughbred horse trainer in flat racing. Stoute, whose father was the Chief of police for Barbados, left the island in 1964 at the age of 19 to become an assistant to trainer Pat Rohan and began training horses on his own in 1972... |
|
| totesportcasino.com Stakes | 10 | Epsom Epsom Downs Racecourse Epsom Downs is a Grade 1 racecourse near Epsom, Surrey, England. The "downs" referred to in the name are part of the North Downs. The course is best known for hosting the Epsom Derby, the United Kingdom's premier thoroughbred horse race for three-year-old colts and fillies, over a mile and a half... |
H | 31 | 11/8 | 12 | 1 | 6 | 2:06.37 | Ryan Moore | Michael Stoute Michael Stoute Sir Michael Ronald Stoute is a Barbadian British thoroughbred horse trainer in flat racing. Stoute, whose father was the Chief of police for Barbados, left the island in 1964 at the age of 19 to become an assistant to trainer Pat Rohan and began training horses on his own in 1972... |
|
| King Edward VII Stakes King Edward VII Stakes The King Edward VII Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and geldings. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June.... |
12 | Ascot Ascot Racecourse Ascot Racecourse is a famous English racecourse, located in the small town of Ascot, Berkshire, used for thoroughbred horse racing. It is one of the leading racecourses in the United Kingdom, hosting 9 of the UK's 32 annual Group 1 races... |
2 | 134 | 11/4 | 9 | 2 | 0.75 | 2:31.24 | Ryan Moore | Michael Stoute Michael Stoute Sir Michael Ronald Stoute is a Barbadian British thoroughbred horse trainer in flat racing. Stoute, whose father was the Chief of police for Barbados, left the island in 1964 at the age of 19 to become an assistant to trainer Pat Rohan and began training horses on his own in 1972... |
|
| Gordon Stakes Gordon Stakes The Gordon Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbreds. It is run at Goodwood over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late July or early August.... |
12 | Newmarket Rowley Newmarket Racecourse The town of Newmarket, in Suffolk, England, is the headquarters of British horseracing, home to the largest cluster of training yards in the country and many key horse racing organisations. Newmarket Racecourse has two courses - the Rowley Mile Course and the July Course. Both are wide, galloping... |
3 | 39 | 1/2 | 6 | 1 | Head | 2:37.14 | Ryan Moore | Michael Stoute Michael Stoute Sir Michael Ronald Stoute is a Barbadian British thoroughbred horse trainer in flat racing. Stoute, whose father was the Chief of police for Barbados, left the island in 1964 at the age of 19 to become an assistant to trainer Pat Rohan and began training horses on his own in 1972... |
|
| St. Leger Stakes St. Leger Stakes The St. Leger Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Doncaster over a distance of 1 mile, 6 furlongs and 132 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in September.Established in 1776, the St. Leger... |
14.5 | Doncaster Doncaster Racecourse Doncaster Racecourse is a racecourse in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England. It hosts two of Great Britain's 31 Group 1 flat races, the St Leger Stakes and the Racing Post Trophy.- History :... |
1 | 283 | 8/1 | 14 | 1 | 3 | 3.07.92 | Frankie Dettori Frankie Dettori Lanfranco "Frankie" Dettori, MBE is an Italian horse racing jockey and celebrity. Dettori has been Champion Jockey on three occasions and has ridden the winners of more than 500 Group races.. He has had many successes in his role of stable jockey to Godolphin Racing... |
Michael Stoute Michael Stoute Sir Michael Ronald Stoute is a Barbadian British thoroughbred horse trainer in flat racing. Stoute, whose father was the Chief of police for Barbados, left the island in 1964 at the age of 19 to become an assistant to trainer Pat Rohan and began training horses on his own in 1972... |
|
| Breeders' Cup Turf Breeders' Cup Turf The Breeders' Cup Turf is a Weight for Age Thoroughbred horse race on turf for three-year-olds and up. It is held annually at a different racetrack in the United States or Canada as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships. The race's current title sponsor is Emirates Airlines.The forerunner... |
12 | Santa Anita Park Santa Anita Park Santa Anita Park is a thoroughbred racetrack in Arcadia, California, United States. It offers some of the prominent racing events in the United States during the winter and in spring. With its backdrop of the purple San Gabriel Mountains, it is considered by many as the world's most beautiful race... |
1 | 866 | 7/2 | 11 | 1 | 1.5 | 2:23.42 | Ryan Moore | Michael Stoute Michael Stoute Sir Michael Ronald Stoute is a Barbadian British thoroughbred horse trainer in flat racing. Stoute, whose father was the Chief of police for Barbados, left the island in 1964 at the age of 19 to become an assistant to trainer Pat Rohan and began training horses on his own in 1972... |
|
| Brigadier Gerard Stakes Brigadier Gerard Stakes The Brigadier Gerard Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Sandown Park over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 7 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late May or early June.The event was established in... |
10 | Sandown | 3 | 36 | 11/4 | 12 | 2 | Nose | 2:06.60 | Ryan Moore | Michael Stoute Michael Stoute Sir Michael Ronald Stoute is a Barbadian British thoroughbred horse trainer in flat racing. Stoute, whose father was the Chief of police for Barbados, left the island in 1964 at the age of 19 to become an assistant to trainer Pat Rohan and began training horses on his own in 1972... |
|
| Eclipse Stakes Eclipse Stakes The Eclipse Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Sandown Park over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 7 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in early July.-History:The event is named after Eclipse, a... |
10 | Sandown | 1 | 283 | 9/2 | 10 | 3 | 5.5 | 2:03.40 | Ryan Moore | Michael Stoute Michael Stoute Sir Michael Ronald Stoute is a Barbadian British thoroughbred horse trainer in flat racing. Stoute, whose father was the Chief of police for Barbados, left the island in 1964 at the age of 19 to become an assistant to trainer Pat Rohan and began training horses on his own in 1972... |
|
| King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes | 12 | Ascot Ascot Racecourse Ascot Racecourse is a famous English racecourse, located in the small town of Ascot, Berkshire, used for thoroughbred horse racing. It is one of the leading racecourses in the United Kingdom, hosting 9 of the UK's 32 annual Group 1 races... |
1 | 567 | 13/8 | 9 | 1 | 1.75 | 2:28.73 | Ryan Moore | Michael Stoute Michael Stoute Sir Michael Ronald Stoute is a Barbadian British thoroughbred horse trainer in flat racing. Stoute, whose father was the Chief of police for Barbados, left the island in 1964 at the age of 19 to become an assistant to trainer Pat Rohan and began training horses on his own in 1972... |
|
| Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe The Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe is a Group 1 flat horse race in France which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 2,400 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year, usually on the first Sunday in October.Popularly referred to as the... |
12 | Longchamp | 1 | 2219 | 8/1 | 19 | 4 | 2.5 | 2:26.30 | Ryan Moore | Michael Stoute Michael Stoute Sir Michael Ronald Stoute is a Barbadian British thoroughbred horse trainer in flat racing. Stoute, whose father was the Chief of police for Barbados, left the island in 1964 at the age of 19 to become an assistant to trainer Pat Rohan and began training horses on his own in 1972... |
|
| Breeders' Cup Turf Breeders' Cup Turf The Breeders' Cup Turf is a Weight for Age Thoroughbred horse race on turf for three-year-olds and up. It is held annually at a different racetrack in the United States or Canada as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships. The race's current title sponsor is Emirates Airlines.The forerunner... |
12 | Santa Anita Park Santa Anita Park Santa Anita Park is a thoroughbred racetrack in Arcadia, California, United States. It offers some of the prominent racing events in the United States during the winter and in spring. With its backdrop of the purple San Gabriel Mountains, it is considered by many as the world's most beautiful race... |
1 | 1125 | 10/11 | 7 | 1 | 0.5 | 2:23.75 | Ryan Moore | Michael Stoute Michael Stoute Sir Michael Ronald Stoute is a Barbadian British thoroughbred horse trainer in flat racing. Stoute, whose father was the Chief of police for Barbados, left the island in 1964 at the age of 19 to become an assistant to trainer Pat Rohan and began training horses on his own in 1972... |
|
| Japan Cup Japan Cup The is the most prestigious horse race run in Japan. It is contested at the end of November at Tokyo Racecourse in Fuchu, Tokyo at a distance of 2400 meters over the grass. With a purse of ¥476 million , the Japan Cup is one of the richest races in the world.The Japan Cup is an invitational event... |
12 | Tokyo Tokyo Racecourse is located in Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan. Built in 1933 for horse racing, it is considered the "racecourse of racecourses" in Japanese horseracing. It has 13,750 seats, with a capacity of 223,000.... |
1 | 1947 | 39/10 | 18 | 4 | 2.75 | 2:22.40 | Ryan Moore | Michael Stoute Michael Stoute Sir Michael Ronald Stoute is a Barbadian British thoroughbred horse trainer in flat racing. Stoute, whose father was the Chief of police for Barbados, left the island in 1964 at the age of 19 to become an assistant to trainer Pat Rohan and began training horses on his own in 1972... |
Assessment
In the 2008 World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings2008 World Thoroughbred Racehorse Rankings
The 2008 World Thoroughbred Rankings was the 2008 edition of the World Thoroughbred Rankings. It was an assessment of Thoroughbred racehorses issued by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities in January 2009. It included horses aged three or older which competed in flat races...
, Conduit was ranked the sixth best horse in the world with a rating of 126. In the 2009 Rankings, he was assigned a mark of 125, placing him seventh in the world.
Conduit was awarded the Eclipse Award
Eclipse Award
The Eclipse Award is an American thoroughbred horse racing award named after the 18th century British racehorse and sire, Eclipse. The Eclipse Awards, honoring the champions of the sport, are sponsored by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association , Daily Racing Form and the National Turf Writers...
as American Champion Male Turf Horse for 2008 and finished runner-up to Gio Ponti
Giò Ponti
Gio Ponti was one of the most important Italian architects, industrial designers, furniture designers, artists, and publishers of the twentieth century.-Early life:...
for the same award in 2009.
On 3 December 2009 Conduit was awarded the ROA/Sportingbet.com Outstanding Older Horse for 2009 by British Racehorse Owners' Association.
Stud career
Conduit was retired to stud and stands at Big Red Farm, HokkaidoHokkaido
, formerly known as Ezo, Yezo, Yeso, or Yesso, is Japan's second largest island; it is also the largest and northernmost of Japan's 47 prefectural-level subdivisions. The Tsugaru Strait separates Hokkaido from Honshu, although the two islands are connected by the underwater railway Seikan Tunnel...
, Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
. His first foals were born in 2011.