3 minute read

Gelding lands Meld Stakes at Leopardstown

The Joseph O’Brien-trained Patrick Sarsfield (4 g ex Ultra Appeal by Lawman) continued on his steep upward trajectory when he landed the Meld Stakes (Gr 3, 1m1f) at Leopardstown and in so doing became stakes winner number 13 for Coolmore Stud-based sire Australia (Galileo). 

Unbeaten in his three previous starts, the four-year-old continued the winning thread with an impressive two length victory over Ancient Spirit (Invincible Spirit) with another half a length back to Fort Myers (War Front) in third. 

Bred by China Horse Club International, the gelding was purchased by David Myerscough for €140,000 at the Arqana Deauville August Yearling Sale and ran twice for Eddie Lynam. O’Brien then snapped him up for 230,000gns at the Tattersalls July Sale from the The Castlebridge Consignment.

The gelding is out of placed Lawman (Invincible Spirit) mare Ultra Appeal, who was purchased by the China Horse Club for 110,000gns at the 2014 Tattersalls December Mare Sale and she has produced one other winner. 

Ultra Appeal is a half-sister to Listed scoring pair Guajara (Montjeu) and Galana (Black Sam Bellamy) and Group 3 winner Goathemala (Black Sam Bellamy) - the dam of Listed-winning duo Wolf Country (Dubawi) and Goiana (Oasis Dream). 

Further back this is the same family as Group 2 winner Global Dream (Seattle Dancer) and Global Thrill (Big Shuffle).

Patrick Sarsfield’s brother was purchased by Avenue Bloodstock for 135,000gns at the recent Tattersalls Craven Breeze Up Sale. 

Australia’s progeny is headed by Group 2-winning pair Beyond Reason and Leo De Fury and he stood for a fee of €27,500 in 2020.