Image © Healy Racing
The Colin Bowe-trained Red Rubio, was the sole newcomer in a field of nine facing the starter in the four-year-old geldings’ contest at Tattersalls.
The good-looking chestnut son of Sumbal led or disputed throughout and fenced impeccably, quickening clear on the run-in to win very cosily by four lengths to the runner-up Crystello under a very confident Barry O’Neill ride to easily justify favouritism.
Owner Ben Halsall was on-hand to welcome back his winner, who was purchased by Kevin Ross as a foal for €16,000 at Tattersalls. A bright future beckons for this impressive victor.
“He is the first Sumbal that we have had, and we liked him coming here, said Bowe
“He is a lovely horse, Barry said he was very professional and loved the ground.”
A striking grey son of multiple Group producer Danehill Dancer, Sumbal was a €180,000 yearling acquisition who won the Group 2 Prix Greffulhe, was runner-up in the Group 2 Prix d’Harcourt. Group 3 Prix Exbury and Group 3 Prix du Prince d’Orange. Most of his best form came on soft or heavy underfoot conditions.
Sumbal retired to stud in 2019 and stood a single season at Haras de Grandcamp in France, and another season at Annshoon Stud before joining Boardsmill in 2021. He has been very well-supported since arriving at Boardsmill and has covered over 100 mares in each of his three opening seasons, with 80 mares being covered in 2024.
Sumbal has sired a winner on the flat and a second over hurdles in France from his first two three-year-old runners in 2023, from his first crop of just nine foals.
His first crop of Boardsmill foals fetched up to €35,000 in the sales ring with purchasers very complimentary about Sumbal’s stock.
“I’m delighted with the two Sumbal colts I have bought. They have great size and scope and I’d have no hesitation buying another by the sire” stated Ian Ferguson
From Sumbal’s first Irish Crop of just 22 foals, he has had four point-to-point runners so far, with his first runner Intense Appeal finishing a creditable second and his fourth runner Red Rubio putting on a polished display to win in fine style.
With the first crop of Boardsmill-bred three-year-olds due to emerge at the store sales this summer, Sumbal certainly looks an exciting NH Sire for the future.
Sumbal stands at the Flood’s Boardsmill Stud in Trim, County Meath alongside another up-and-coming young sire Poet’s Word and their exciting new 2025 addition Arrest.
For more information: - https://www.p2p.ie/stallion.php?horse_id=68347
