News
27th November, 2010: SWITCHING GEARS an impressive maiden winner
Ashleigh Stud-bred SWITCHING GEARS (Tapit - Pace [Hennessy]) was an easy maiden special weight winner today at Churchill Downs for Steve Margolis and owner, Thoroughbred Futures. After making a 4-wide move on the hometurn, she drew away to win by 5 1/4 lengths. Having finished second in two previous attempts in MdSpWt company (losing the latter by a head), she was sent to contest the G2 Pocahontas S. last time out. Returning to Churchill Downs dirt surface for today's race, she justified the regard with which she is held by her connections with her dominant performance.
13th June, 2010: PLATINUM EXCHANGE second in Alywow Stakes
After setting quick fractions of 45:3 and 1.09 flat, PLATINUM EXCHANGE was caught in the final strides today in her first stakes start. She battled gamely in the straight but was denied the Alywow Stakes in the last 50 yards, going down by 1/2 length. However, she reversed placings with the determined filly NO EXPLAINING (IRE), who had beaten her narrowly in her last start. PLATINUM EXCHANGE is obviously a filly with a very bright future, and we wish Jim and Susan Hill, and Brian Lynch better luck next time.
30th April, 2010: BERNING MAN wins at first asking
Purchased as a yearling by Jackie Ramos on behalf of Ten Percent Stable, BERNING MAN provided a quick return on investment by winning first time out in a maiden special weight at Tampa Bay Downs. Congratulations to Ten Percent Stable and to his trainer, Leigh Delacour!
18th April, 2010: PLATINUM EXCHANGE breaks maiden impressively
PLATINUM EXCHANGE, a daughter of Exchange Rate, was an impressive winner of a maiden special weight at Woodbine today in just her second lifetime start. Never headed during the contest, she lengthened her lead in the stretch and won by 3 1/4 lengths in an eyecatching 1:16.40, for 6 1/2 furlongs. Bred by our longtime friend Michael C. Byrne, PLATINUM EXCHANGE resided at Ashleigh Stud from November of her weanling year until she was purchased for $200,000 at the Keeneland September Sale by Jim and Susan Hill from Ashleigh Stud's consignment.
Fasig-Tipton, Calder Sale yields big results for Ashleigh Stud and clients
A Tapit filly out of Ashleigh Stud's well-bred mare, Pace, brought $150,000 at Fasig Tipton's Calder Two-Year-Olds in Training Sale. Having earlier been sold privately by Jackie Ramos, the filly now named SWITCHING GEARS was purchased by Andrew Cary and Adam Corndorf's Thoroughbred Futures. She is due to go into training with Steve Margolis. We wish her new connections the very best of luck with her.
Ashleigh Stud's longtime client Kaygar Stables also bred a Tapit filly that fetched top dollar at the sale. Purloin's daughter, who sold for $182,000 at the Timonium Yearling Sale was sold again for $335,000 after an impressive Calder breeze. Named STEAL THE DANCE, she was foaled and spent the first few months of her life at Ashleigh Stud. She was purchased by Sovereign Stables and we hope she goes on to great things.
Monday 15th February, 2010: DIGGER denied in G2 General George H.
Challenged early by Malibu Kid through testing fractions of :45.4 and 1:09.4, DIGGER turned that foe away, but succumbed late in today's G2 General George H. at Laurel Park. Stretching out to 7 furlongs proved a bridge too far after setting that scorching pace, but Digger finished an admirable second to the 6/5 favourite, GREENSPRING, who set a new track record of 1:20.95 in the process. DIGGER who was foaled and raised at Ashleigh Stud now has a record of 13-8-3 in 32 starts and earnings of almost $490,000.
Saturday 16th January, 2010: DIGGER on a roll
DIGGER blew away the opposition today, winning the Fire Plug S. at Laurel Park in the stakes record time of 1:09.0 with minimal urging. The odds-on favourite, Ravalo, had no answer for him, as he made a mild bid and was turned away dismissively. Digger now has 5 stakes wins to his credit among 13 total victories, and earnings of $455,278.
Saturday 26th December, 2009: DIGGER defeats Pashito The Che in the Gravesend H.
DIGGER returned to stakes company today for the first time since June, and returned to stand proudly in the winner's circle. He was sent to the front in the early stages of the race and ran an opening quarter in :23.4. He quickened the tempo from there and accelerated into the straight. The 3/5 favourite, PASHITO THE CHE tried desperately to wear him down in the straight but had to settle for second in a tight photo finish. Today's win was his fourth in a stakes race, and his first since December 2007.
Thursday 24th April, 2009: 2 winners on 1 day from 1 family
Two grandsons of MILLIE'S CHOICE were winners today. PENITENT MAN (Pulpit - Millie's Trick [Phone Trick]) won an allowance optional claimer at Philadelphia Park, while stakes-winner DIGGER (Yonaguska - Da Choice [Dehere]) strolled home an easy winner at Aqueduct in his 5yo debut. He now has 9 wins (3 SWs) and has amassed earnings of nearly $300,000.
Thursday 5th February, 2009: SALE-TOPPER an Ashleigh Stud-bred
SKY GATE (Arch - Mista Mayberry [Touch Gold]) was the sale-topper at today's Tattersalls February Sale in Newmarket, England, selling for 47,000 gns to agent Hugo Merry. Bred by Jackie Ramos, Sky Gate was originally sold for $130,000 as a yearling at the Keeneland September Sale of 2007. Having recently broken his maiden in fine style on a synthetic surface in England, Sky Gate has a bright future.
Saturday 31st January, 2009: Dawn After Dawn wins the Wishing Well II H'cap
Already winner of the G2 La Canada S. and multiple G1 placed, Dawn After Dawn won the Wishing Well II H'cap at Santa Anita, just 7 days after starting in the Sunshine Millions Distaff S. Dawn After Dawn is a daughter of Jhenais Jewel who was bred by Jackie Ramos and Audrey Haines. Jackie and Frank Ramos also bred the grand-dam of Dawn After Dawn, Mavradaphne.
Monday 24th November, 2008: Ashleigh Stud breeds "one of the nicest colts of the year"
A smashing 2007 colt by Mizzen Mast, out of Millie's Choice (Taufan), was the top-selling colt at Tattersalls' December Yearling Sale in Newmarket. Bred and raised by Jackie Ramos, the colt was purchased by Gill Richardson for 140,000gns (over $200,000) on behalf of successful owner Jabeer Abdullah. On his entry into the ring, the colt was introduced by auctioneer Philip Myerscough as "one of the nicest colts this year, never mind this sale", an opinion which was validated by leading bloodstock advisors, John Ferguson and Willie Browne, in addition to Richardson. Ashleigh Stud still owns Millie's Choice, who produced an Anabaa filly in 2008.
Thursday 23rd October, 2008: RED MOLONEY tops sale
RED MOLONEY was the top-selling lot at the 2008 Goffs Autumn Sale. One of only 2 lots to bring six-figure sums, RED MOLONEY sold to Bobby O'Ryan for EUR150,000, turning an additional handsome profit on his modest purchase price. Since his purchase as an unraced 2yo by Jackie Ramos, RED MOLONEY has won 3 stakes races, and placed in 4 additional pattern events including the 2008 GI Irish St. Leger. Ashleigh Stud wish his new connections the best of luck as he embarks on a hurdling career.
Sunday 14th September, 2008: A good sale for Ashleigh Stud
A yearling filly by Exchange Rate out of Platinum Hope (Carr de Naskra) was sold by Ashleigh Stud to Jim and Susan Hill for $200,000 at Keeneland's September Yearling Sale today. She was the co-2nd highest priced yearling filly of the session, and the 2nd highest priced yearling filly by Exchange Rate of the year. Bought back for $55,000 as a weanling at last year's Keeneland November Sale, the filly remained at Ashleigh Stud in the interim.
Sunday 14th September, 2008: ROOF FIDDLE narrowly touched off in Listed event
ROOF FIDDLE, purchased by Jackie Ramos at the 2007 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, was beaten a nose in the Blenheim Stakes at the Curragh today. Already looking a bargain at the $30,000 purchase price, ROOF FIDDLE has now been twice placed at the stakes level after winning impressively on her debut in England. Yet to enjoy the top of the ground in any of her racecourse appearances, she looks to have plenty of room for improvement and is an exciting 3-year-old in the making for her connections, Mr. Norman Ormiston (owner) and Kevin Prendergast (trainer).
Saturday 13th September, 2008: RED MOLONEY now Classic-placed
RED MOLONEY was third to crack stayer Septimus in the Irish St. Leger at the Curragh. Narrowly losing second place prizemoney to New Zealand (rec. 11lb) in the dying strides, RED MOLONEY is now G1 placed following another top performance, and has increased his career earnings to approximately $260,000. He was purchased privately in the US by Jackie Ramos on behalf of his trainer Kevin Prendergast and owner Mr. Norman Ormiston.
Friday 8th August, 2008: LETTER TO AMERICA an impressive winner on debut
The 3 year old filly LETTER TO AMERICA (Quiet American - Coolberry [Rahy]) was an impressive winner on her first trip to post. Waited with into the stretch by jockey Gabriel Saez, the Graham Motion trainee swept by the long-time leader Mizen Head inside the furlong pole and went on to a comfortable success, easily holding the late charging Star Emerald from the Michael Matz barn. Letter to America was bred and is owned by Pollard Stables. She was foaled, raised and broken at Ashleigh Stud. She then began serious training with Nicola Ward prior to moving to Graham Motion's yard.
Thursday 7th August, 2008: DIGGER wins again at Saratoga
DIGGER earned his second win in succession when beating 5 rivals at Saratoga for his 8th career victory. This was his first start for his new connections having been claimed out of his last start which he won by several lengths in a hand-ride. Already a winner of 3 stakes races, Digger now has earnings of over $250,000 and is the 2nd highest earning progeny of his sire, Yonaguska. Digger was bred by Skeedattle Associates out of their Dehere mare, Da Choice. He was foaled and raised at Ashleigh Stud. Da Choice resides at Ashleigh Stud and has a Lion Hearted filly by her side. She is in foal to the Epsom Derby (G1) winner North Light.
Friday 20th June, 2008: RED MOLONEY a gallant second at Limerick
Having to concede between 16 and 19lb to each of his 5 rivals in the Martin Molony Stakes at Limerick, RED MOLONEY lost nothing in defeat when a gallant runner-up to Dress Rehearsal (rec. 19lb). Having travelled like a winner throughout much of the race, Red Moloney battled all the way to the line under his 9st 12lb allotment (138lb), finding only David Wachman's Galileo entrant a length and a quarter too good. Making amends for a rare disappointing performance last time out at Leopardstown, Red Moloney improved his record to 5 wins, 2 seconds and 1 third in 11 lifetime starts, with earnings approximately $225,000 (US). He was purchased privately in the US by Jackie Ramos on behalf of his trainer Kevin Prendergast and owner Mr. Norman Ormiston.
Saturday 1st June, 2008: DOCTOR DINO wins the Grand Prix de Chantilly (G2)
Globe-trotting DOCTOR DINO returned home to France and won the mile-and-a-half Grand Prix de Chantilly in fine style over Juddmonte Farm's G1 winner Zambezi Sun. Battling that rival in the final furlong, the betting choice Doctor Dino held on for his 8th career victory. The winner of last season's Man O'War Stakes at Belmont Park and Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin, Doctor Dino is a son of Logica, whose full-sister MILLIE'S CHOICE is a successful member of Ashleigh Stud's broodmare band. Millie's Choice foaled a filly by the top international sire ANABAA in March 2008. She is in foal to ISTAN.
Sunday 27th April, 2008: RED MOLONEY is a gallant runner-up to YEATS
RED MOLONEY battled with Yeats in the Vintage Crop Stakes at Navan today, before succumbing to that rival in the final yards of the mile and five furlong contest. Red Moloney lost little in defeat to the horse who has been named Champion European Stayer in 2006 and 2007. It is likely that these rivals will meet again this season. Red Moloney improved his record to 5 wins, 1 second and 1 third in 9 lifetime starts, with earnings in excess of $200,000 (US). He was purchased privately in the US by Jackie Ramos on behalf of his trainer Kevin Prendergast and owner Mr. Norman Ormiston.
Sunday 13th April, 2008: RED MOLONEY wins another stakes race in Ireland
RED MOLONEY, a 4 year-old gelding by Sahm, won the Alleged Stakes (L) at the Curragh on Sunday. Run over a mile and a quarter, the Alleged Stakes has been won in recent years by top horses such as the champion Dylan Thomas and Arch Rebel. Red Moloney has now won 5 of his 8 lifetime starts, including 3 stakes races, and has earned approximately $200,000 (US). Red Moloney was discovered and was purchased privately in the US by Jackie Ramos for his trainer Kevin Prendergast on behalf of owner Mr. Norman Ormiston.
Saturday 5th April, 2008: FAST TALKING strolls home at Laurel
The 3-year-old colt Fast Talking, a impressive son of Hennessy, ran out the easy winner of an allowance at Laurel Park today. Having made all the running, Fast Talking drew away in the stretch under gentle urging to win by 5 widening lengths. Owned and bred by Skeedattle Associates, Fast Talking was raised at Ashleigh Stud. He blossomed into an outstanding yearling and was bought back for $500,000 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale in 2006. Out of the G3-winning mare, Gin Talking (Allen's Prospect), Fast Talking is a half-brother to Dixie Talking (G3) and Keep On Talking (MSP). He has now won 2 of his 4 lifetime starts.
Saturday 29th March, 2008: Benny The Bull (by LUCKY LIONEL) wins in Dubai
Benny The Bull won the 6 furlong Dubai Golden Shaheen in fine style, collecting his second Group or Grade 1 victory in the process. With earnings of over $1.8m, Benny The Bull is the highest earning runner by LUCKY LIONEL, who was bought as a yearling by Jackie Ramos for Mr. Charles St. George.
Saturday 29th March, 2008: DOCTOR DINO finishes a gallant third in Dubai
The globe-trotting horse, DOCTOR DINO, closed well to finish third in the Dubai Sheema Classic (G1) over 12 furlongs on the turf. In his last 7 starts, Doctor Dino has travelled to 6 different countries to compete solely in Group or Grade 1 events, and has finished in the first 3 each time, including winning the 2007 Man O'War Stakes at Belmont Park and the 2007 Hong Kong Vase at Sha Tin. Doctor Dino is a son of Logica, whose full-sister MILLIE'S CHOICE is a successful member of Ashleigh Stud's broodmare band. Millie's Choice foaled a filly by the top international sire ANABAA in March 2008. She will be bred back to ISTAN.
Wednesday 12th March, 2008: POSSIBLY PERFECT foals Elusive Quality colt
Eclipse Champion Turf Mare of 1995, POSSIBLY PERFECT foaled a colt by leading sire Elusive Quality on March 12th. Already the dam of 4 winners including G3 winner Promontory Gold, Possibly Perfect will be bred back to Bernardini in 2008. Born in 1990, Possibly Perfect was one of the top distaff turf performers of that decade. Having raced in France as a 2 year old, she became a fan-favourite in North America while trained by Bobby Frankel. She had 11 wins and 6 placings in 18 lifetime starts, winning a total of 6 Grade 1 events during her 3, 4 and 5-year-old campaigns. Possibly Perfect was bred and is still owned by Blue Vista Inc.
Saturday 1st March, 2008: Heatseeker wins the Santa Anita H'cap
HEATSEEKER, winner of the Santa Anita Handicap becomes another Grade 1 winner in the family of Ashleigh Stud broodmare Are U Being Served. Both horses trace to the elite producer Chain Store, dam of Al Bahathri (G1), Haafhd (G1) and Geraldine's Store (G2; grand-dam of Are U Being Served) etc. Are U Being Served has been bred to Grand Reward in 2008.
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Click here to read an article on Women in Consigning, published in the Keeneland magazine in 2005.
