Is There Renewed Hope For The Fate Of Locally Bred Stallions?

KINGSTON, Jamaica - In Jamaica's thoroughbred racing landscape, American-bred stallions have long reigned supreme.

Historically, the foundations of racing in Jamaica were laid by English sires whose impressive track performances cemented their legacy.

A name that echoes profoundly in this history is Zaleucus (Zarathrusta - Mazariade). Stationed at Orange Valley Estates, Zaleucus produced a remarkable line of Classic winners and numerous champions at Caymanas Park, including notable offspring like Reprieve, Appeal Court, Mercury, Gabriella, Tachyon, and Pheidippides.

Close on Zaleucus's heels was Element (St. Paddy - Electric Flash), who is celebrated for siring Legal Light—widely regarded as one of the finest thoroughbreds to ever grace the local racing scene.

However, as the years progressed, English stallions were gradually phased out, making way for their American cousins. Some of the notable American stallions that have made their mark in Jamaica include Royal Minister, Exotic Traveler, Casual Trick, Traditional, Natural Selection, Soul Warrior, Storm Craft, Law of the Sea, and Bern Identity.

On the reverse side, locally bred horses have struggled to compete. Various efforts to infuse local bloodlines into breeding programs have yielded limited success. Noteworthy figures such as the celebrated Derby winner Miracle Man and the two-time Diamond Mile champion Seeking My Dream have faced challenges in the breeding shed, with Seeking My Dream servicing only a limited number of mares and yet to produce a winner. Miracle Man has had winners but has failed to cement a notable place.

However, hope emerged on December 14, when the new local stallion Wow Wow made a striking debut with his progeny, Enthusiasm (Wow Wow - Noon It Is). Trained by Anthony Nunes and ridden by Omar Walker, Enthusiasm triumphed in a two-year-old maiden race, covering four furlongs with finesse. Wow Wow, a formidable racer himself with eleven consecutive wins and a victory in the prestigious 2002 Guineas, brings renewed optimism to local breeders.

The mare Noon It Is has previously produced offspring, including Pharoah It Is, Nuclear Noon, Pip, Curlin’s Noon, and My Sunshine, with Nuclear Noon standing out for reaching the Open Allowance level. With this promising start, the anticipation for Wow Wow is that he will continue to produce winners and help lift the veil of uncertainty surrounding locally bred stallions in Jamaica’s breeding industry.

As he embarks on this journey, the expectations for his future progeny remain high, signalling a potential resurgence for local bloodlines in the competitive world of thoroughbred racing.