Joe and Jane Foley’s Ballyhane Stud enjoyed a productive afternoon on Saturday when the progeny of two of their stallions were successful in UK stakes races. Dick Turpin (IRE) a son of Ballyhane resident Arakan was back in the winner’s enclosure when winning the Group 2 Summer Mile at Ascot under Pat Dobbs. Already a Group 1 winner, Dick Turpin races in the colours of John Manly and he has been a fine money spinner for connections having amassed over £800,000 in prize-money so far. This contrasts greatly to his purchase price. Sold as a foal in Goffs by his breeders Rossenarra Stud for only €12,000 to Noel McDonnell, he was re-offered the following year at Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling sale where he was bought by Peter Doyle Bloodstock for €26,000.  Having proved his well being on Saturday trainer Richard Hannon will no doubt be eyeing up a return to Group 1 company for this top class colt.

An hour later at Chester Majestic Myles (IRE) won the Listed Totepool City Plate to give Arakan’s studmate Majestic Missile a nice boost.  The Richard Fahey trained winner has now won five times from ten starts and I don’t think we have seen the best of him yet. Majestic Myles was bred by Artic Tack Stud and is the third produce of the Elnadim mare Gala Style. Majestic Missile almost made it a weekend stakes double when his very useful daughter Katla (IRE) was narrowly beaten by Rose Bonheur in the Listed Belgrave Stakes at Fairyhouse on Sunday. Arakan and Majestic Missile form part of an impressive roster of stallions at Ballyhane Stud that also includes Captain Rio, Captain Marvelous and Dandy Man.