Cover image courtesy of Sportpix
Saturday was a special day for Emirates Park, as their belief in the Newgate Farm-based stallion Tassort continues to pay off for the Upper Hunter Valley nursery.
From Tassort’s debut crop, the Emirates Park-bred filly Manaal claimed the G1 Sires’ Produce S. earlier this year. On Saturday, Manaal returned in the G2 Silver Shadow S., but it was her fellow Emirates Park brand-bearer, Ameena (Tassort), trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, who stole the show.
Following this sensational result, The Thoroughbred Report spoke with Emirates Park General Manager Bryan Carlson about Ameena and her sire.
Ameena flashed home to win the G2 Silver Shadow S. on Saturday | Image courtesy of Sportpix
“It’s well documented that Ameena spent the winter in Queensland for pre-training and trialing, where she performed well, so it was decided she’d have a go at the Silver Shadow as well.
“It was great to have both her and Manaal in the race, and to see them run so well. Manaal carrying the extra 3kg was probably the difference, but regardless, it was fantastic to secure first and third.
“It was also wonderful for Ameena to get that Group win on the board.”
Tassort passes on toughness
The story of Tassort has been well-documented. Bred by Darley and raced by Godolphin, the beautifully bred son of Brazen Beau had a short but brilliant career, with just two starts. However, his early brilliance gave Newgate Farm, Emirates Park, and several other investors the confidence to give Tassort a chance at stud.
Starting with an introductory fee of $11,000 (inc GST), Tassort quickly made his mark with Manaal winning the G3 Gimcrack S. on debut. To date, Tassort has sired 11 individual winners of 19 races from 29 starters.
Tassort will stand for $38,500 inc GST in 2024 | Standing at Newgate Farm
Ameena was the second stakes winner for Tassort and the second bred by Emirates Park. She is out of the Harbour Watch (Ire) mare Emaan, a daughter of Boom Time Savings (Secret Savings {USA}), who was placed in the G2 Reisling Slipper Trial S. and the G2 Silver Slipper S. She also finished fourth in the G1 Golden Slipper S.
Despite Ameena and Manaal sharing the same sire, Emirates Park General Manager Bryan Carlson noted that the similarities end there, at least physically. “The only similarity between the two is they’re both very tough.”
Carlson observed that Tassort seems to pass on this toughness to his progeny. “Mentally, all the Tassorts are very tough. They don’t give up and they love racing. So, I think that’s a great characteristic.”
“Mentally, all the Tassorts are very tough. They don’t give up and they love racing. So, I think that’s a great characteristic.” - Bryan Carlson
Carlson also mentioned that both Ameena and Manaal are Danehill (USA) free on their dam’s side. “From a breeding perspective, it’s interesting that both of them are actually Danehill-free on the dam’s side. I don’t know if that’s something significant, but it seems to be working with Tassort, and we’re very happy with the results.”
Bryan Carlson | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
Why the confidence in Tassort?
The early confidence in Tassort has paid off handsomely for Emirates Park. With a strong focus on its breeding program, the operation struck gold by breeding Manaal, a Group 1 winner, and now Ameena, a victress of the valuable G2 Silver Shadow S. Regardless of what the future holds for these two fillies, their accomplishments on the racetrack have made them highly valuable prospects.
Manaal | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
But why did Emirates Park have such unwavering faith in Tassort’s potential for success? General Manager Bryan Carlson explained, “There were two key reasons. First, I believe Brazen Beau is one of the most underrated stallions in Australia.
“It’s well known and documented that Brazen Beau is not the most fertile stallion, but he’s still the third or fourth leading 2-year-old sire in Australia. Secondly, Tassort’s racing pattern, even though he didn’t win a stakes race, was impressive.
“... I believe Brazen Beau is one of the most underrated stallions in Australia... Secondly, Tassort’s racing pattern, even though he didn’t win a stakes race, was impressive. He had a turn of foot, and everything about him ticked the boxes for me. Then, of course, there’s his pedigree...” - Bryan Carlson
“He had a turn of foot, and everything about him ticked the boxes for me. Then, of course, there’s his pedigree—it suited a lot of mares. So, it was an idea I proposed to the operation, and ultimately, it was either going to work or it wasn’t.”
This combination of pedigree, racing potential, and faith in Brazen Beau's qualities gave Emirates Park the confidence to back Tassort, a decision that is clearly paying off.
Unwavering support
Given the success Tassort has brought to the operation so far, it's no surprise that Emirates Park is eager to continue its support for the stallion.
General Manager Bryan Carlson explained their strategy over the past four years: “In the first year, we sent him a lot of very good mares. The second year, we sent Tassort nice mares that produced really good types.
“And in the third year, those are now 2-year-olds. That’s when we really went all in and sent him our best mares. Hopefully, that will pay off by the end of the year.
“We have 31 mares going to him this year. They’re some lovely mares for him again. It’s also encouraging to see some really good breeders who hadn’t used him before now taking an interest in him.
“You can see what he’s producing, so why wouldn’t you send some nice mares to him?”
Looking ahead to the spring and beyond
Carlson highlighted a few Tassort progeny to watch this spring. All are raced by Emirates Park and have shown promising potential.
The first is Mawjood (Tassort), trained by Michael, Wayne, and John Hawkes. Mawjood has raced three times and won at Warwick Farm. He is out of the Eavesdropper (USA) mare Maysoon, who also produced Mayaaseh (Exceed And Excel), a G3 Gimcrack S. placegetter.
Mawjood is set to run on Wednesday at Canterbury Park in Race 4 over 1100 metres. Carlson noted, “He’s running Wednesday, and though he’s a gelding, we think he could reach Group class; he’s a nice horse.”
The second is an unraced filly named Manaajem, in training with Peter Snowden. She is out of the Northern Meteor mare Najoom, who won the G3 Hawkesbury Guineas and the G3 Fred Best Classic.
Najoom has already proven her worth at stud, producing Charm Stone (I Am Invincible), a G3 Ottawa S., G3 Quezette S., and Listed Atlantic Jewel S. winner, as well as her full sister Najmaty, who has won four races, including the Listed Redoute’s Choice S. and the Listed Helen Coughlan S.
“The filly out of Najoom is nice. She’s just coming back in at the moment and looks like one to watch. We’ve also got a couple of nice 2-year-olds. It’s early days, and they haven’t raced yet, but they’re starting to show a bit as well. So hopefully, we can back up and get another smart one.”
“The (Tassort) filly out of Najoom is nice. She’s just coming back in at the moment and looks like one to watch.” - Bryan Carlson
Regarding future plans for Ameena, Carlson mentioned that they would be guided by the Freedmans, with the possibility of staying in Sydney to stick to the Princess Series, though it’s not guaranteed. “Look, it’s not an easy decision. If she goes back to Melbourne, she’ll get a penalty. So we’ll just see.
“It’s very exciting, and both her and Manaal are going the right way. The main takeaway with Tassort is what he's achieved, despite never winning a stakes race. The industry got behind him and supported him.
“It’s very exciting, and both her and Manaal are going the right way. The main takeaway with Tassort is what he's achieved, despite never winning a stakes race. The industry got behind him and supported him.” - Bryan Carlson
"Emirates has had success so far, but many smaller breeders also supported Tassort, and it’s great to see the success they’ve had. The thing to remember is you never know where the next good stallion or racehorse will come from!”
