All The King’s Men has landed the first black-type win for his sire King’s Troop in the Listed Breeders’ Classic (1400m) at Pinjarra.
Sunday’s renewal was sponsored by Greenfields Lodge and it put the focus back on King’s Troop who is looking for a new home for the 2023 stud season. The 10 year-old son of Redoute’s Choice is owned by Gangemi Thoroughbreds and is a three-quarter brother to Snitzel as well as a half-brother to Hinchinbrook.
It’s a sireline steeped in 2yo speed and King’s Troop showed that precocity when spacing a Rosehill juvenile trial by 7 lengths for trainer Gerald Ryan. He accelerated to a brilliant victory second-up at Warwick Farm and later finished a half-length second in the G3 San Domenico Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill.
“We purchased him from Arrowfield to race in Perth but he was injured and only had a couple of starts over here,” Michael Gangemi recalled this week.
“And through no fault of his own, he hasn’t been able to settle in since retiring to stud.”
Gangemi Thoroughbreds initially stood King’s Troop with Taunton Vale owner Kent Johnston but his death rocked the industry and also necessitated a transfer to Oakland Park before it was decided to change tack last year
All The King’s Men (Photo / Western Racepix)
“We agreed to give him the season off so that he can start afresh at a new stud later this year,” Gangemi said.
“He has a great strike-rate from limited numbers. Besides All The King’s Men, his other city winners include Serviceman, Royal Elite and American Troop. Any studmasters interested in standing him can call David Houston at Magic Millions.”
Houston has a share in All The King’s Men and the 3yo gelding justified favouritism in the Breeders’ Classic, albeit narrowly, over front-running filly Feels Playful (Playing God). He deserved to greet the judge after losing photo-finishes in the Fairetha Stakes (1400m) and Sir Ernest Lee-Steere Classic (1400m) in November.
“We were concerned about the speed map on Sunday so I told Paul (Harvey) to be positive,” trainer Trevor Andrews said. “I bought All The King’s Men for $45,000 at the Perth Magic Millions. He had a big loose walk as a yearling and was the last lot of the sale.
“He’s a lovely horse with a bright future.”
