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Berkshire based-Houghton Johnson's stable sensation 2YO Chipotle was sold to Saudi owned-Al Najd Stud. The son of Havana Gold has been a real success story this season, having been bought for just 10,000 guineas.
We speak to the elite trainer about her horses and stables about her plans for racing in the region.
Q: Please tell us more about Chipotle and his recent sale to Najd Stud supported by Peter and Ross Doyle for 210,000 gns.
A: Chipotle did us so well last year, winning the Brocklesby & at Royal Ascot and topping it off by winning the prestigious Redcar Two Year Old Trophy.
As he was part of a syndicate that was formulated specially to have horses to run as 2YOs, he was sold at the Horses in Training Sales in October. He was sold to Najd Stud and I believe he is being aimed at The Saudi Derby in the spring.
I hope he does really well for them. I'm thrilled with the price and wish the best of luck to the new owners.
Q: As one of the most well-regarded trainers what would be winning in this region mean to you?
A: I would be thrilled to have a winner in this region. I have not had a runner in Bahrain as yet, as I am waiting for the right horse to take out there. I would love to have something to take over there
which could be very competitive in your races. I very much look forward to doing so in the near future.
Q: How is Accidental Agent doing? What are your plans for them next spring?
A: Accidental Agent continued to please us all last year and he remains in training for next season where his main target for the season will be the Hunt Cup at Royal Ascot in June.
Q: Who are your other stable stars and where do you see them racing next season?
A: Jumby did nothing but improve last year winning 3 races. I would envisage he will move up to pattern race company next season and can see him being very competitive over 6-7f in these sorts of races.
I would like to think we will be taking him abroad to run this time next year.
Nuvolari & Sheer Rocks are 2 colts I am very much looking forward to running as 3YOs next year. They both won the first time out as 2YOs and are doing very well in the offseason, strengthening up well and they should have exciting seasons ahead.
Q: What was your most exciting win this past season and why?
A: That would have to be Chipotle winning at Royal Ascot. It is always great to have a winner at the Royal meeting, but this year was extra special as it was the first time, we had crowds of any sort back on the racecourse and all his owners were able to be there to see it. It was a dream come true for all of them to be in the winners’ enclosure at Royal Ascot