The first foal born at Newgate Farm this spring is a special one indeed.
As the first foal of $7million earner Criterion, this filly from Sassy Minx (USA) is the apple of her breeder Sir Owen Glenn’s eye.
Sir Owen Glenn’s Go Bloodstock bred and raced Criterion with much success and supported the four time Group I winning son of Sebring heavily on his retirement to stud at Newgate last year.
Sadly, Criterion encountered fertility issues and there will be only a small number of his foals born this year making this filly all the more special.
“Sir Owen was delighted to receive the news that the first foal by his champion Criterion had arrived, she is a very special filly considering there are only 15 mares safely in foal to Criterion this season,” said Geoff Roan, Bloodstock Manager for Go Bloodstock.
“She is a short coupled filly that has thrown more to Criterions mother Mica’s Pride. She has the same head, strength and markings as Mica’s Pride, we just hope she has the ability of her dad.
“This filly and the foals to follow will be raced and managed by Sir Owen, we hope they all look as balanced and precocious as this filly.”
Criterion’s fertility issues were a shock to everyone, but Sir Owen was very philosophical about the situation.
“Once we understood there was an issue and recognised he did have the ability to get mares in foal we readjusted the breeding programme to ensure Criterion bred quality mares to proving himself as a sire,” said Geoff Roan.
“With small numbers by traditional standard it will make it tough for Criterion to forge his way in the commercial market but Sir Owen will ensure he has his chance. He’ll be doing it the old fashioned way.”
Criterion will cover again this spring and with careful management it is hoped his fertility rate can be improved.
“Sir Owen will be sending 25 selected mares to him this season. We are confident based on improved semen testing during the off season and with good management that we should be able to get the majority of these and a small number of outside mares in foal,” Roan concluded.
The fee for Criterion is on application.
– Newgate Farm
