published in The Inside Track, EARA May 2003. Stephanie Coram, editor (SJRuffian@aol.com), Royale Fanfare certainly picks her spots. She snuck up on her opponents last year to capture the Buzz Brauninger Distaff H. enroute to a Darley nomination for Older Mare. After two unplaced finishes this year, Royale Fanfare once again upset a field that included three Darley Champions when she narrowly captured the Delaware Season Opener Distaff on May 10.
The Monarch AH daughter broke slowly and was dropped back off the early leaders Tu For All, Murkanas Glory, and Staccata. In the final turn, she swung five wide and ran down Staccata, who had gained the lead. The latter looked to be the winner, even at the wire. It took a photo to show that Royale Fanfare stuck her nose in front. The final time for the one mile was 1:55.30. Staccata, a striking chestnut filly, grudgingly took second and Tornade Du Loup, making her first start in a year, closed well for third. Royale Fanfare paid $52.40 for a $2 win ticket.
This makes the second stakes victory for the Dan and Claudia Spears-owned mare. Her lifetime record now stands at 3/17(4-2-2)2-3, $95,933.
Royal Fanfare, pride of TABA,
Texas Arabian Breeders Association, TABA
So what, you may ask? Well, this mare's mother, Fantos, is Annie's half sister. I always thought that Annie was bred to be a racehorse. Both her dam, Fantastka, and her sire, AH Gallant, were winning racehorses. Interestingly, her mother was bred back to the same stallion, AH Gallant, the year Annie was foaled and the filly born the following year was called Fantastk Girl. Annie's registered name is Fantastyk Gal. Crazy, huh? I haven't found any further information on her unfortunately. Fantastka has had 13 foals that I can find record of: 5 stallions, 2 geldings, and 6 mares.
Another interesting fact is that Annie's family seem to have long careers. Her sire, AH Gallant, raced to 6 or 7 years of age, retired to stud, was sold and successfully shown at halter at 16, and again retired to stud. Annie had her first foal at 16. The racehorse in the second article, First Ladie, was an eight year old starting her race career. BTW, she is also related to Annie.
Anyway, I thought it was an interesting read and because those photos and stories might have been Annie, if we had raced her.
Running at the speed of life - song: The Secret Life of Arabia, artist: David Bowie, album: Heroes
6 comments:
Cool story - your mare has some neat bloodlines! I almost bought a gelding with AH Gallant bloodlines - but since he was only a 3yr old, I knew that wasn't the best choice for me at the time. He sure was handsome though...
:-)
I was going to say that mare has the same features in her face as your Annie.
I thought Annie resembled her too. Those mares are even "better" bred than Annie however,with Bandos as grandsire. Bandos is a few generations back in Annie's pedigree. Arabian breeders swear by the "Diamond Cross" which means that when Palas and Negativ bred horses are mated, they produce excellent horses. Annie's grandfather is Palas, and Bandos, a Negativ son, is a great, great grandfather for her. Annie's mother, Fantastka was bred back to Bandos to get Fantos, these mares' dam. It can very confusing, I know.
Actually, Fantastka wasn't bred back, just bred to Bandos. Bandos is on Annie's sires side through AH Gallant.
Laura- I don't know where she gets it, but Annie is one hot little mare. I got her as a four year old and although she's settled down a lot, she is still VERY spirited, even at sixteen years old. AH Gallant is absolutely gorgeous and looks to be very spirited. His father, El Paso is/was? a show stopper.
That's kind of neat.
Thanks for sharing.
Dan
That is so cool!!
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