Half-century for Al Maher

JULY 19, 2010: AL MAHER was responsible for another major milestone during the past week of competition when ringing up winner No. 50 for the 2009/10 domestic racing season.

When Carracci won a Maiden Plate at Geelong on July 15, the 3-year-old gelding became AL MAHER’s 50th individual winner of the current racing season, the feat qualifying as one of the more notable achievements involving a sophomore sire of 2009/10.

In a category that also includes the likes of Shamardal (USA), Elvstroem, Charge Forward and High Chaparral (Ire), only AL MAHER and the exceptional Coolmore stallion Fastnet Rock have been able to post 50 or more winners so far this season with only two crops of racing age.

Notably, of AL MAHER’s first 50 winners in 2009/10, no fewer than 45 have been 3-year-olds. This number of winners in the Classic age group exceeds the figure registered by the likes of reigning Australian champion sire Encosta de Lago and past Australian champion sire Flying Spur, as well as a host of other, long-established stallions.

When one also takes into consideration the fact that AL MAHER’s runners this season include the 3-year-old Group winning fillies Majestic Music, Speedy Natalie and Marheta, in addition to the stakes winning juvenile Epic Dragon, season 2009/10 can only be declared a resounding success.

Since Carracci won at Geelong last week, AL MAHER has been represented by 2009/10 domestic racing season winner No. 51 in the form of Al Faher. The 2-year-old filly landed an open maiden event over 1400 metres on the Gold Coast.

FOOTNOTE: AL MAHER was also represented by a winner in Malaysia over the weekend when Eastern Baby broke through for his maiden success.