“Seldom has a first-season stallion attracted such a fine first book of mares as has Jet Dark.”
That’s the opinion of Jonathan Snaith, who manages the multiple champion with the assistance of Kevin Sommerville of Drakenstein Stud.
The stud’s latest addition to its stallion roster has clearly received the thumbs up from the country’s breeders, and this is evident from the demand for his services.
Mr Magnificent – Jet Dark in the Drakenstein paddock (Pic – Drakenstein Stud)
That much was confirmed by Jono: “Such is his popularity that the horse was completely oversubscribed. We received 200 applications from mare owners and finally settled on 110.”
A monument to all the best qualities of the modern thoroughbred, Jet Dark was a multiple champion at both three and four, he raced sound over four seasons and scored five times at Gr1 level. Twice a winner of both the Gr1 L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate and Champions Cup, he went out in a blaze of glory in the Gr1 Cape Town Met.
Like many of his followers, trainer Justin Snaith was sad to see the horse retired immediately after his Met victory, believing he had a few Gr1’s left in the tank. Be that as it may, what Jet Dark brings to the table is an outstanding race record, a fine physique, and a grand international pedigree.
He combines all the best attributes of two of the most potent stallions of recent time, his sire Trippi and broodmare sire Jet Master, whilst his impressive female line is that of French Derby and Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe winner, Peintre Celebre, who became a successful stallion in his own right.
Eye on the prize! Jet Dark (Pic – Drakenstein Stud)
No stud master worth his salt could ask for more.
Examining the finer details of Jet Dark’s introductory book of mares shows that Drakenstein will support him to the hilt. Gaynor Rupert has set aside 23 of the stud’s broodmares, and it’s a truly jaw dropping list which reads like the proverbial who’s who.
Among the home names are several who have already clicked with the Jet Dark’s own sire Trippi, none more so than newly crowned Broodmare of the Year Demanding Lady, the dam of Champion Miler and Three-year-old Charles Dickens and his stakes-performed full brothers Charles and Somerset Maugham. Also on the list are the stakes winning dams of Trippi’s Gr1 winners Chimichuri Run (Spiced Gold), Sound Of Warning (Siren’s Call) and Sweet Pepper (Green Pepper).
Add to that former Horse of the Year Oh Susanna and the champion racemares Beach Beauty (who has been represented by Trippi’s Gr2 winners Wild Coast and Amanzimtoti) and Lady In Black, as well as the Gr1 winners Ash Cloud, Chestnuts N Pearls and Snowdance.
As befits his status, Jet Dark will be used by a broad cross-section of other leading breeding operations.
Lammerskraal Stud will support him with four well-related mares which include Premier Dance, a Gr3-placed daughter of Broodmare of the Year Akinfeet; stakes producer Furina, an own sister to Gr1 winner and producer Laverna; and Jet Master’s stakes winning daughter Gathering Fame (interesting inbreeding!).
Erstwhile manager Sally Bruss, who describes Jet Dark as ‘an impressive specimen’, has booked her Western Winter mare Izora, a Gr3-placed own sister to the dam of the dual Gr1 winner Make It Snappy.
Other breeders who will support Jet Dark include Boland Stud, La Plaisance Stud, Riverton Stud and Narrow Creek Stud.
Not surprisingly, Jet Dark popularity extends as far afield as KwaZulu-Natal, with Clifton Stud having earmarked the young stallion for Varnilla Sky, a young Var mare from the esteemed family of Gr1 winners August Rush and Tempting Fate.
Seldom do the stars align in one horse and assured of a quality first book of mares, Jet Dark’s breeding career could be the start of something special.
Trainer Justin Snaith described Jet Dark as “a gentleman, an easy horse to handle”, traits confirmed by Drakenstein Stud Manager Gavin Pickford, who remarked: “Jet Dark has now covered 8 mares over the first 4 days of covering and his attitude and temperament have not changed. He is still a gentleman to handle and listens to his groom Schedrick, who has taught all our stallions when they first arrive at the farm. He has that youthful enthusiasm, but is a pleasure to handle.”
