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HAVANA GREY's runaway success as a 2yo sire means that he has, unsurprisingly, left his mark on the GBB winners table. His progeny has landed 19 bonuses worth £340,000 in just 6 months of runners making him the 2nd top GBB sire. This stat is all the more impressive when you consider that he is only bettered by DUBAWI who has had 25 winners since the scheme launched over two years ago.
One of his first GBB-winning offspring was a filly called UNION COURT; a compact and feisty filly bred at Whitsbury Manor Stud. On the 16th May 2022, she won a £10,000 bonus on her debut run in a 5f Novice Stakes at Leicester, just three weeks later she was on course again and picked up a £20,000 bonus at Chepstow. She would go on to be placed second behind THE PLATINIUM QUEEN in another GBB race at Goodwood before narrowly missing out on the St Hugh's Listed Stakes at Newbury to Whitsbury Manor bred, GBB-winning, CUBAN MISTRESS.
All in all, UNION COURT achieved a top rating of 94, accumulated £42,000 in prize money as well as £30,000 in GBB bonuses a superb result from an 18,000gns Book 3 purchase!
Ed Harper of Whitsbury says "The mare, having shown no signs of it that morning, decided to foal at lunchtime one Sunday in the pouring rain. She was out in the field with other mares, and I had been out for lunch so wasn't exactly dressed for marching around soggy fields scooping up a freshly born foal, but it certainly made her a memorable one."
As the top commercial breeder of GBB fillies, Whitsbury Manor Stud is no stranger to the benefits the scheme brings with Harper, stating "The GBB scheme is the most supportive innovation for British breeders since I started in the industry. It helps at every level, whether you breed commercially or breed to race. The £5,000 yearling filly that was very tricky to sell is now regularly making £15,000 to £20,000 because shell have a good chance of picking up bonuses, and winning owners are so much keener to continue when they see the bonus has covered much of their costs for the year."
Her trainer Ed Walker said "I bought UNION COURT at Tattersalls Book 3 in 2021. She ticked a lot of boxes; she was a first-season yearling by HAVANA GREY, she was well put together, and crucially, she was 100% GBB which meant we could win back her purchase price in a win or two. She won a £10,000 bonus on her debut run and quickly followed it up with a £20,000 win which really was a superb result for her owners they were delighted. To be able to deliver those kinds of returns in such quick succession for just an 18,000gns buy months earlier is just brilliant and not something we get to do very often. I've bought a couple more GBB fillies since and will look to buy them again the problem now is that everyone is interested in them! GBB is making a difference for our owners and has the knock-on effect of benefitting others in the industry too."
As most will be aware, a GBB bonus is split between the owner, breeder, trainer, jockey, and stable staff. Stable staff receive 2.5% of a bonus win which means that the team looking after UNION COURT received £750 in their pool money off the back of her bonus wins.
Rider & Stable Lass Rosie said "She always kept me on my toes riding out but what I love most about her is her quick turn of foot. Once back in the stable she loves cuddles and treats especially carrots. I was very lucky to have such a busy season with her and my highlight was Glorious Goodwood when she placed 2nd."
UNION COURT's half-sister by SHOWCASING sold at Tattersalls Book 3 for 28,000gns to Mark Johnston so will likely be campaigning for her own GBB wins next year.
To purchase your own GBB filly, visit our dedicated sales page to view registered lots.