Staff Writer |
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Progressive 4YO Persica, who began his racing career in 2023, is set to embark on his most ambitious international venture yet, as the talented son of New Bay prepares for a bold tilt at the US$2 million Neom Turf Cup in Saudi Arabia. The Irish-bred colt, foaled in 2021, has captured attention with his steady rise through the ranks, carrying the colours of Martin Hughes and Michael Kerr-Dineen to victory in the Shaker Handicap before stepping up to claim the Listed Doonside Cup Stakes. His progression continued with a noteworthy third behind My Prospero in the Gr.3 Winter Hill Stakes at Windsor, marking him as a genuine international contender.
The story of Persica's journey from sales ring to Saudi contender is one of vindicated judgment and steady progression. When bloodstock agent Ross Doyle and trainer Richard Hannon first spotted the son of New Bay out of the Lope de Vega mare Rubira at Goffs, they knew they had found something special. That initial impression has been handsomely rewarded through the colt's racing career, culminating in this ambitious international campaign.
"We bought him from the Goffs Premier Yearling sale back in 2022 for US$250,000. He was a very striking colt and both Ross Doyle and I knew we wanted him from the start. He sold himself and we have always thought a lot of him," reflects Hannon, his initial impression proving prophetic. "We are just delighted that he is living up to our expectations, especially for Martin and Michael, who have been such loyal owners for us."
The progressive nature of Persica's career has been particularly satisfying for connections, with each step forward validating that early faith shown at the sales. His development from promising yearling to international contender represents the kind of success story that keeps the dreams of bloodstock agents and owners alive.
With the Saudi Cup meeting approaching, Persica's preparation has been methodically planned down to the finest detail. The colt will depart for Riyadh on 16 February, accompanied by experienced travelling head lad Guy and dedicated groom Callum, both of whom are eagerly anticipating their Arabian adventure. “Both of his owners, Martin and Michael, will be attending as well,” notes Hannon, highlighting the complete team support behind this international venture. Hannon will arrive on 21 February ahead of the big race, having carefully balanced the demands of his international runner with his busy UK stable.
The preparation hasn't required dramatic changes to Persica's routine, with Hannon opting for a proven approach that has served well with previous international runners. The focus has been on maintaining the colt's physical condition while ensuring he remains mentally fresh for the challenges ahead.
"He's been for a couple of gallops around Kempton, which we were really pleased with, but other than that, we have kept things pretty normal and straightforward with him," reveals Hannon.
"Sean Levey has been in to work with him a few times and has been very happy with him, so it's now just a case of keeping him happy and well until he travels."
Regular pilot Sean Levey's involvement has been crucial in the preparation stages. "Sean Levey will be over a few days before to give him his last few bits of work and help him settle in out there," explains Hannon, emphasising the importance of continuity in these final stages.
The trainer's schedule reflects the delicate balance required during this busy period. Hannon recounts, "Although we aren't that busy with our domestic runners at the moment, it's always a busy time of year with the turf just around the corner and the new 2YOs starting to do a bit more, so I've had to divide my time as best I can!"
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For owners Martin Hughes and Michael Kerr-Dineen, longtime supporters of the Hannon yard, Persica represents the latest chapter in a successful partnership that has spanned years and produced numerous highlights. Their trust in allowing the training team to guide the colt's campaign has been instrumental in his development.
"Martin and Michael have been owners with us for years and have always been really great supporters of the yard. They've had some great horses over the years, and it's nice that we can give them exciting trips like this with a horse that has made nothing but progress year after year."
The strength of this partnership lies in its perfect balance of involvement and trust. "They have been involved in the whole decision-making process and are great at just trusting the process and leaving us to do our job in terms of race planning and preparations," Hannon explains.
"It is really important that the owners are involved to the extent they want, as we are all here to enjoy the sport, and it's crucial for racing that there is that trust between owner and trainer. We welcome all levels of input, from those who like to get involved in the nitty gritty race planning to those who just like to be given a time and a place to show up!"
Drawing on extensive experience with international runners, Hannon approaches this Saudi venture with the benefit of lessons learned from previous global campaigns. His team's preparation for Persica has been shaped by years of experience shipping horses worldwide.
"We've had plenty of foreign runners and you learn the dos and don'ts to take away from each one," he notes, reflecting on how past international ventures have influenced their approach. "It is a fantastic opportunity that we have been given to race in such a great place, so we are just grateful that we have been given the chance to line up."
While the immediate focus remains on Saudi success, connections aren't ruling out extending Persica's international campaign. "We don't have any firm plans yet, we'll see how he gets on, but if all goes well, we certainly aren't ruling out a trip to Dubai," Hannon reveals, suggesting the team's confidence in their progressive colt's abilities.
As Persica prepares to board his flight to Riyadh, he carries not just the hopes of his immediate connections but also the potential to add a significant international triumph to his growing resume. His preparation has been thorough, his progression consistent, and his connections quietly confident. For a colt who first caught the eye at Goffs with his striking presence, the sands of Saudi Arabia could provide the perfect stage for his most impressive performance yet.
As the desert beckons, Persica appears ready to seize his moment on the global stage, carrying forward the dreams and aspirations of all those who have contributed to his journey from promising yearling to international contender.