News
The Great British Bonus (GBB) reached a significant milestone on Wednesday 2nd October 2025, awarding its first £40,000 prize under GBBPlus, the scheme's extension launched in January.
Whilst GBBPlus bonuses of up to £20,000 have previously been awarded in handicaps and to fillies by stallions based outside Great Britain, the coveted £40,000 prize had remained elusive to British-bred fillies sired by British stallions standing at £50,000 or more at the time of covering - until now.
Wild Dahlia, trained by William Haggas, delivered an impressive performance to secure the bonus. Despite a slow start that saw her held up early, the filly quickly found her stride and powered past the field to claim a commanding victory.
"Naturally, we're delighted to have won a £40,000 GBBPlus bonus with Wild Dahlia," said Haggas. "I've always been a big supporter of the scheme, and the extension to cover stayers is a fantastic initiative. Ardad wouldn't normally be your first thought for this sort of race, but the mare stayed a mile and a half, and together they've produced a nice miler who fits perfectly for these GBBPlus two-year-old races. With the yearling sales upon us, it will be interesting to see what else we can pick up to target more of these valuable opportunities going forward."
Bred by Rabbah Bloodstock, Wild Dahlia is a dual Goffs UK graduate. She was first purchased at the Doncaster Premier Sale for £52,000 by Carrington Bloodstock, before returning to the ring at the Goffs UK 2YO Breeze Up Sale in April, where Highflyer Bloodstock secured her for £65,000.
The filly's pedigree highlights an interesting breeding approach. Her sire, Ardad, was a five-furlong specialist whose leading progeny - including Perfect Power and Tadej - typically excelled over six furlongs.
GBB Operations Manager Charlie Newton addressed this unconventional pedigree match: "There's a perception that GBBPlus is only for fillies who are by stallions who won over 10f themselves - the Nathaniels and Golden Horns of the world. But by finding a staying mare crossed with a speedier stallion, William has found a nice miler type for these 2YO races."
Wild Dahlia's victory demonstrates the versatility of the GBBPlus scheme and opens new possibilities for breeders and trainers seeking to maximise opportunities in this lucrative programme.