Barathea (horse)
Encyclopedia
Barathea was an Irish-bred, British-trained Thoroughbred
racehorse, best known for winning the 1994 Breeders' Cup Mile
at Churchill Downs
. He went on to become a successful stallion.
bay colt bred in Ireland by Gerald W Leigh (1930–2002). He was sired by the fourteen times champion Sadler's Wells, his dam being the successful racemare Brocade, winner of the Prix de la Foret
. Brocade also produced the Irish 1000 Guineas
winner Gossamer and the Summer Stakes
winner Free at Last He was bought as a foal by Sheikh Mohammed
and later sent into training with Luca Cumani at Newmarket.
winner White Muzzle in the Westley Maiden Stakes at Newmarket, and following up in the Houghton Stakes over the same course and distance two weeks later.
. He could only finish a diappointing fourth behind Emperor Jones and Wharf, but was beaten less than a length and was still regarded as a contender for the 2000 Guineas. In the classic two weeks later, he was sent off 10-1 third favourite. He reversed the Craven form with Emperor Jones and Wharf, and proved the best of the British colts, but was no match for the French champion, Zafonic
, who beat him into second place by three and a half lengths.
His performance led to his being sent off 4-7 favourite for the Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh
. He took the lead inside the final furlong and stayed on strongly to hold off the late challenge of the Vincent O'Brien
-trained Fatherland by a head. After the race Luca Cumani was reported to be delighted, and suggested that the colt would improve further by referring to him as "still a baby".
The summer saw Barathea being tried as a middle-distance performer, but he failed to stay the distance when fading into fifth place in the Derby
and was the well-beaten favourite behind Opera House
in the Eclipse
. Switched back to a mile he finished fourth behind Kingmambo
in the Prix du Moulin
, second to Bigstone in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
and fifth to Lure
in his first attempt at the Breeder's Cup Mile.
(then a Group Two race). Always running prominently, he took the lead in the closing stages and stayed on to beat Emperor Jones by a neck. After the race Cumani announced that he would aim the colt at the top European races, and that the Breeder's cup was only an "afterthought".
Barathea then proved his ability to compete at a range of distances by finishing a close fourth against specialist sprinters in the July Cup
. He was thereafter campaigned exclusively at a mile. A narrow defeat to the three-year-old Distant View in the Sussex Stakes
, was followed by a disappointing effort behind East of the Moon
in the Prix Jacques le Marois
. In the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, Barathea defeated several of the best European milers including Bigstone, Distant View and East of the Moon, but was unable to catch the front-running 66-1 ousider Maroof. As the only horse in the field without a previous Group One win, Maroof had been regarded as "cannon fodder" and the result was greeted with "universal amazement".
For the Breeders' Cup Mile, Barathea was given a meticulous preparation. Luca Cumani constructed a replica of the Churchill Downs
track layout at his base in Newmarket, giving the colt experience of the tight circuit, and shipped him out earlier than the other British runners in order to acclimatise. Facing a strong field of North American and European milers, he was made 10.4-1 fourth choice in the betting behind the odds-on favourite Lure
. He was always prominent, moved into the lead at the start of the straight whilst still "cruising", and pulled away to win by three lengths.
He was then retired to stud.
rated him 107p as a two-year-old, 124 as a three-year-old and 127 as a four-year-old.
, County Cork
. He was much sought after from the start of his stud career and proved successful, siring the winners of more than 700 races. His best winners included Tobougg
(Dewhurst Stakes
), Stotsfold (Brigadier Gerard Stakes
), Enrique (Greenham Stakes
), Tante Rose (Haydock Sprint Cup
), Barshiba (Lancashire Oaks
), Apsis (Prix du Chemin de Fer du Nord
), Barathea Guest (Greenham Stakes
), Sina Cova (Noblesse Stakes
), Silk Blossom (Lowther Stakes
), Hazarista (Blue Wind Stakes
) and Opera Cape (Solario Stakes
).
Barathea was euthanized after suffering complications from laminitis in May 2009 and was buried at the Rathbarry Stud.
Thoroughbred
The Thoroughbred is a horse breed best known for its use in horse racing. Although the word thoroughbred is sometimes used to refer to any breed of purebred horse, it technically refers only to the Thoroughbred breed...
racehorse, best known for winning the 1994 Breeders' Cup Mile
Breeders' Cup Mile
The Breeders' Cup Mile is a Grade 1 Weight for Age stakes race for thoroughbred racehorses three years old and up, run on a grass course. It has been conducted annually as part of the Breeders' Cup World Championships since the event's inception in 1984...
at Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs, located in Central Avenue in south Louisville, Kentucky, United States, is a Thoroughbred racetrack most famous for hosting the Kentucky Derby annually. It officially opened in 1875, and held the first Kentucky Derby and the first Kentucky Oaks in the same year. Churchill Downs...
. He went on to become a successful stallion.
Background
Barathea was a handsome, powerful, 16.1 handHand (unit)
The hand is a non-SI unit of measurement of length, now used only for the measurement of the height of horses in some English-speaking countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK and the USA. With origins in ancient Egypt, it was originally based on the breadth of a human hand...
bay colt bred in Ireland by Gerald W Leigh (1930–2002). He was sired by the fourteen times champion Sadler's Wells, his dam being the successful racemare Brocade, winner of the Prix de la Foret
Prix de la Forêt
The Prix de la Forêt is a Group 1 flat horse race in France which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Longchamp over a distance of 1,400 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late September or early October.-History:The race was established in 1858,...
. Brocade also produced the Irish 1000 Guineas
Irish 1000 Guineas
The Irish 1,000 Guineas is a Group 1 flat horse race in Ireland open to three-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at the Curragh over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in May.-History:...
winner Gossamer and the Summer Stakes
Summer Stakes
The Summer Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbred fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run at York over a distance of 6 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in July....
winner Free at Last He was bought as a foal by Sheikh Mohammed
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , also Sheikh Mohammed, , is the Prime Minister and Vice President of the United Arab Emirates , and absolute monarch of Dubai.-Personal life and education:...
and later sent into training with Luca Cumani at Newmarket.
1992: two-year-old season
Barathea was undefeated in two starts as a two-year-old in October 1992, beating a field including the future Derby ItalianoDerby Italiano
The Derby Italiano is a Group 2 flat horse race in Italy open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run at Capannelle over a distance of 2,200 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in May....
winner White Muzzle in the Westley Maiden Stakes at Newmarket, and following up in the Houghton Stakes over the same course and distance two weeks later.
1993: three-year-old season
These pefrormances attracted a good deal of attention, and he was sent off odds-on for his three-year-old debut in the Craven StakesCraven Stakes
The Craven Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and geldings. It is run on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in mid April.The event serves as a trial for the first...
. He could only finish a diappointing fourth behind Emperor Jones and Wharf, but was beaten less than a length and was still regarded as a contender for the 2000 Guineas. In the classic two weeks later, he was sent off 10-1 third favourite. He reversed the Craven form with Emperor Jones and Wharf, and proved the best of the British colts, but was no match for the French champion, Zafonic
Zafonic
Zafonic was a European Thoroughbred racehorse bred in Kentucky. He was the 1992 European Champion Two-Year-Old Colt and won the following year's 2,000 Guineas.-Background:...
, who beat him into second place by three and a half lengths.
His performance led to his being sent off 4-7 favourite for the Irish 2000 Guineas at the Curragh
Curragh
The Curragh is a flat open plain of almost 5,000 acres of common land in County Kildare, Ireland, between Newbridge and Kildare. This area is well-known for Irish horse breeding and training. The Irish National Stud is located on the edge of Kildare town, beside the famous Japanese Gardens. Also...
. He took the lead inside the final furlong and stayed on strongly to hold off the late challenge of the Vincent O'Brien
Vincent O'Brien
Dr. Michael Vincent O'Brien was an Irish race horse trainer from Churchtown, County Cork, Ireland. In 2003 he was voted the greatest influence in horse racing history, according to a worldwide vote hosted by the Racing Post newspaper...
-trained Fatherland by a head. After the race Luca Cumani was reported to be delighted, and suggested that the colt would improve further by referring to him as "still a baby".
The summer saw Barathea being tried as a middle-distance performer, but he failed to stay the distance when fading into fifth place in the Derby
Epsom Derby
The Derby Stakes, popularly known as The Derby, internationally as the Epsom Derby, and under its present sponsor as the Investec Derby, is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies...
and was the well-beaten favourite behind Opera House
Opera House (horse)
Opera House is a retired British thoroughbred racehorse and active sire. As a racehorse, he is best known for his performances as a five-year-old in 1993, when he won three Group One races and was named European Champion Older Horse...
in the Eclipse
Eclipse Stakes
The Eclipse Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Sandown Park over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 7 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in early July.-History:The event is named after Eclipse, a...
. Switched back to a mile he finished fourth behind Kingmambo
Kingmambo
Kingmambo is an American thoroughbred stallion racehorse.-Background:He was sired by the leading stud, Mr...
in the Prix du Moulin
Prix du Moulin de Longchamp
The Prix du Moulin de Longchamp is a Group 1 flat horse race in France which is open to thoroughbred colts and fillies aged three years or older...
, second to Bigstone in the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
Queen Elizabeth II Stakes
The Queen Elizabeth II Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile , and it is now scheduled to take place each year in October. As of 2011, it is run on Champions Day as the final race...
and fifth to Lure
Lure
Lure can refer to:* Lure * Lure coursing, a sport for dogs that involves chasing a mechanically operated lure* Fishing lure* Lur, an instrument found in northern Europe* Lure, Haute-Saône, a commune of the Haute-Saône département, in France...
in his first attempt at the Breeder's Cup Mile.
1994 four-year-old season
He had proved himself to be a consistent, high-class colt, but better was to come. He began his four-year-old campaign at Royal Ascot carrying top-weight of 134 lbs in the Queen Anne StakesQueen Anne Stakes
The Queen Anne Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Ascot over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June....
(then a Group Two race). Always running prominently, he took the lead in the closing stages and stayed on to beat Emperor Jones by a neck. After the race Cumani announced that he would aim the colt at the top European races, and that the Breeder's cup was only an "afterthought".
Barathea then proved his ability to compete at a range of distances by finishing a close fourth against specialist sprinters in the July Cup
July Cup
The July Cup is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run on the July Course at Newmarket over a distance of 6 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in July....
. He was thereafter campaigned exclusively at a mile. A narrow defeat to the three-year-old Distant View in the Sussex Stakes
Sussex Stakes
The Sussex Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Goodwood over a distance of 1 mile , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late July or early August.-History:...
, was followed by a disappointing effort behind East of the Moon
East of the Moon
East of the Moon was a French Thoroughbred filly racehorse. She was bred in the United States by Flaxman Holdings Ltd., the breeding arm of the racing stables of shipping magnate Stavros Niarchos. She was sired by multiple American Grade 1 winner Private Account, a son of U.S. Racing Hall of Fame...
in the Prix Jacques le Marois
Prix Jacques le Marois
The Prix Jacques Le Marois is a Group 1 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbred colts and fillies aged three years or older. It is run at Deauville over a distance of 1,600 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in August....
. In the Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, Barathea defeated several of the best European milers including Bigstone, Distant View and East of the Moon, but was unable to catch the front-running 66-1 ousider Maroof. As the only horse in the field without a previous Group One win, Maroof had been regarded as "cannon fodder" and the result was greeted with "universal amazement".
For the Breeders' Cup Mile, Barathea was given a meticulous preparation. Luca Cumani constructed a replica of the Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs, located in Central Avenue in south Louisville, Kentucky, United States, is a Thoroughbred racetrack most famous for hosting the Kentucky Derby annually. It officially opened in 1875, and held the first Kentucky Derby and the first Kentucky Oaks in the same year. Churchill Downs...
track layout at his base in Newmarket, giving the colt experience of the tight circuit, and shipped him out earlier than the other British runners in order to acclimatise. Facing a strong field of North American and European milers, he was made 10.4-1 fourth choice in the betting behind the odds-on favourite Lure
Lure (horse)
Lure is an American Thoroughbred racehorse. Bred and owned by Claiborne Farm in Paris, Kentucky, he is a son of the leading stallion Danzig, who in turn was sired by Hall of Famer and prominent sire Northern Dancer...
. He was always prominent, moved into the lead at the start of the straight whilst still "cruising", and pulled away to win by three lengths.
He was then retired to stud.
Assessment
In the 1994 Cartier Awards Barathea was named European Champion Older Horse and European Horse of the Year. TimeformTimeform
Timeform Publications is a publishing company in Halifax, West Yorkshire, England founded in 1948 to provide information to fans, bettors, and others involved in the horse racing industry...
rated him 107p as a two-year-old, 124 as a three-year-old and 127 as a four-year-old.
Stud career
Barathea stood as a stallion at the Rathbarry Stud at FermoyFermoy
Fermoy is a town in County Cork, Ireland. It is situated on the River Blackwater in the south of Ireland. Its population is some 5,800 inhabitants, environs included ....
, County Cork
County Cork
County Cork is a county in Ireland. It is located in the South-West Region and is also part of the province of Munster. It is named after the city of Cork . Cork County Council is the local authority for the county...
. He was much sought after from the start of his stud career and proved successful, siring the winners of more than 700 races. His best winners included Tobougg
Tobougg
Tobougg is a retired thoroughbred racehorse and active sire, who was bred in Ireland, but trained in England and Dubai during a racing career which lasted from 2000 to 2002. He was named European Champion Two-Year-Old Colt for 2000 at the Cartier Racing Awards...
(Dewhurst Stakes
Dewhurst Stakes
The Dewhurst Stakes is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to two-year-old thoroughbred colts and fillies. It is run on the Rowley Mile at Newmarket over a distance of 7 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in October.The event was established in 1875, and it...
), Stotsfold (Brigadier Gerard Stakes
Brigadier Gerard Stakes
The Brigadier Gerard Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Sandown Park over a distance of 1 mile, 2 furlongs and 7 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in late May or early June.The event was established in...
), Enrique (Greenham Stakes
Greenham Stakes
The Greenham Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and geldings. It is run at Newbury over a distance of 7 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in April....
), Tante Rose (Haydock Sprint Cup
Haydock Sprint Cup
The Sprint Cup is a Group 1 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to thoroughbreds aged three years or older. It is run at Haydock Park over a distance of 6 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in early September....
), Barshiba (Lancashire Oaks
Lancashire Oaks
The Lancashire Oaks is a Group 2 flat horse race in Great Britain open to thoroughbred fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run at Haydock Park over a distance of 1 mile, 3 furlongs and 200 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in early July.-History:The event was...
), Apsis (Prix du Chemin de Fer du Nord
Prix du Chemin de Fer du Nord
The Prix du Chemin de Fer du Nord is a Group 3 flat horse race in France open to thoroughbreds aged four years or older. It is run at Chantilly over a distance of 1,600 metres , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June.-History:...
), Barathea Guest (Greenham Stakes
Greenham Stakes
The Greenham Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to three-year-old thoroughbred colts and geldings. It is run at Newbury over a distance of 7 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in April....
), Sina Cova (Noblesse Stakes
Noblesse Stakes
The Noblesse Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Ireland open to thoroughbred fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run at Cork over a distance of 1 mile and 4 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in June....
), Silk Blossom (Lowther Stakes
Lowther Stakes
The Lowther Stakes is a Group 2 flat horse race in Great Britain open to two-year-old thoroughbred fillies. It is run at York over a distance of 6 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in August.-History:...
), Hazarista (Blue Wind Stakes
Blue Wind Stakes
The Blue Wind Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Ireland open to thoroughbred fillies and mares aged three years or older. It is run at Naas over a distance of 1 mile and 2 furlongs , and it is scheduled to take place each year in May....
) and Opera Cape (Solario Stakes
Solario Stakes
The Solario Stakes is a Group 3 flat horse race in Great Britain which is open to two-year-old thoroughbreds. It is run at Sandown Park over a distance of 7 furlongs and 16 yards , and it is scheduled to take place each year in August....
).
Barathea was euthanized after suffering complications from laminitis in May 2009 and was buried at the Rathbarry Stud.