Saturday, 28 June 2008
The Hong Kong Breeders' Club has recognized the deeds of Ruakaka trainer Donna Logan in breeding Monday's Gr. 1 A$505,000 T J Smith Classic winner Rockdale.
Logan has been donated a free service for one of her broodmares to Rockdale's sire, Danroad, which is owned by the HKBC. "Breeding a Group 1 winner is a very special achievement but to receive this service from the Hong Kong Breeders Club has made it even more satisfying and is a nice gesture," said Logan.
Rockdale became the first Group 1 winner sired by Danroad, a Gr. 2 winning son of Danehill, who stands at Highview Stud, near Hamilton. Logan was a part-owner of Komplete Kaos during her racing career. The Desert Sun mare was a winner of four races and twice Group placed. She went to Singapore after a half-share was sold in her but when she met an injury problem she returned to New Zealand to Logan's care. Rockdale was the first foal bred from Komplete Kaos and he was born at Java Lodge, Matamata.
Logan recalled Rockdale as a very strong upstanding foal who had plenty of appeal to yearling buyers. He was sold for $55,000. Logan said she would consider sending Komplete Kaos back to Danroad this spring. "I have about 10 broodmares so I will certainly be sending one of my mares to Danroad this year," she said.
Logan has had plenty of joy with progeny of Highview Stud-based sires in her racing stable in the past. She trained the Gr. 2 winner, Focal Point, who was by Highview Stud sire Kashani, while her smart 3yo this season, Align To Afinity (an early favourite for the NZ Derby), is by another Highview Stud sire, Align. Hong Kong Breeders Club principal Peter Yip received an offer this week following Rockdale's Gr. 1 win for Danroad to stand at stud in Australia this spring. However, Yip has decided that Danroad will remain at Highview Stud. Yip has been very loyal to the New Zealand breeding industry. He is also a one-third owner of Align and owner of Little Avondale Stud sire Towkay, sire of top-class Hong Kong galloper Armada (NZ).
