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Group One Australian bred, 2020 Golden Slipper winner, Farnan is being proclaimed as a ‘shoo-in’ for the Everest field. The son of Not A Single Doubt was purchased for $550,000 by Phoenix Thoroughbreds / Aquis Farms out of the Vinery Stud draft at the 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Farnan was bred by Phoenix and is the sixth foal of the talented Tallow, daughter of Street Cry, and winner of a Group III race The Vanity.
Formed in 2017, Phoenix Thoroughbreds has grown into an emerging force on the global racing stage with over 300 horses worldwide. Founded by Dubai-based businessman and racing enthusiast Amer Abdulaziz, Phoenix Thoroughbreds’ have enjoyed major race victories in the USA, Australia and Europe while they continue to grow their presence in the UAE and South America.
Everest Diaries speaks to Mr Abdulaziz about Farnan and their plans to scale the Everest:
Q: Firstly, could you tell us about your Australian journey and how Phoenix Thoroughbreds got involved with this APAC market? Could you tell us a bit more about Farnan and your involvement with the horse as well which is also owned by Aquis?
A: Having horses in Australia was an essential part of our business model from the beginning. The prize money is among the best in the world while there are plenty of opportunities for good horses to shine. It took us a bit of time to start getting results, but it's now one of the most successful parts of our operation. The breeding industry is also very attractive to world-class facilities in place. Our ambition was also to play a big part on that side of the industry in Australia and it's been working out well.
None, more so with Farnan, who we bred and became, not only, our first homebred winner but our first Group One winner as breeders. We always rated him, so when Aquis showed interest in him at the sales, it was the logical step to extend an already fruitful partnership.
Q: We understand that he is being targeted for the Golden Eagle and then the Everest. After the Everest, what are the most significant races you see him racing in? Does the DWC or the Saudi Cup feature in your plans?
A: All of his plans are being finalized at the moment, but the Everest is on the table. His first major goal is likely to be the Coolmore Stakes via a run in the Golden Rose. After that, we'll see but it's challenging for 3YOs to cross hemispheres and make an impact, so while we wouldn't rule Saudi or Dubai out it's probably unlikely.
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Q: Are you concerned about how he will handle the ground on Everest, which has varied in the last years from good to heavy?
A: He seems fine with most conditions and if you have a chance in a race like the Everest, I think you have to roll the dice and run. Like I said, though it's not definite that he'll go.
Q: What kind of a horse is he? What are his special quirks? What are the things about him that make you smile? And what are the physical attributes that make him the forerunner of this sport?
A: He's very talented, professional and fast. That's not to say he's all about speed as he seems to have all of the attributes to make a classy colt. When a jockey of Hugh Bowman's experience and talent says, 'he's never ridden a better 2YO' you have to take notice. We also think he achieved everything he did last year on raw ability so there should be more to come. He looks the complete package.
Q: Who are your other current Australian stable stars? Who is your all-time favourite horse and why?
A: We are very excited to see what the other horses in our partnership with Aquis can achieve this season. In particular, Prague who went very close to winning at the top level last season and we think he can improve and get that elusive Group One and similar with Holyfield who looks all over a Guineas horse.
Loving Gaby is also back for another season and she'll also be in line for the Everest. She has always been a favourite among all of the Phoenix Thoroughbreds team. Not only is she incredibly talented, winning two Group Ones as a three-year-old, but she also has a terrific personality and attitude. She was also named after a close friend of our Head of Legal and we wanted to make sure we honoured her memory with a talented filly. She is probably my favourite of the horses we own in Australia.
Q: Do you attend the Australian sales yourself and if yes, how do you plan your purchases of yearlings and broodmares? If no, who do you partner with to buy on your behalf?
A: I do when I can. I love the sales and like to have a look at our future recruits in the flesh. We work closely with our trainers and a few trusted agents to look for the next star. We perhaps lean towards buying fillies with a future career as a broodmare in mind, but that said it's our colts that seem to be leading the way at the moment.
Q: And finally where do you see Phoenix Thoroughbreds in 2030 in the APAC market?
A: Hopefully still doing what we're doing now but with greater success in all areas. We want to be playing a significant part not just on the track but in the breeding arena as well. I'd like to think in ten years you'll be seeing Phoenix Thoroughbreds bred horses regularly winning at the top level.