Factfile: Sea The Stars

96a8acf85fa58210VgnVCM100000e56411acRCRDapproved/thenational/Articles/Migration/2009-Q4Factfile: Sea The Stars86a8acf85fa58210VgnVCM100000e56411ac____Factfile: Sea The Stars

Sire: Cape Cross Dam: Urban Sea Age: Three Foaled: April 6, 2006 in Ireland Owner: Christopher Tsui Trainer: John Oxx Jockey: Mick Kinane Jebel Ali Stables & Racecourse European Breeders Fund (C & G) Maiden at the Curragh, July 13, 2008. An unassuming racecourse debut by the future champion, and the only race he has ever lost. Sea The Stars - a half-brother to 2001 Derby hero Galileo - was a tardy starter but showed some potential by running on well into fourth. However, he offered few clues that he would develop into the greatest racehorse in the world. Korean Racing Authority European Breeders' Fund (C&G) Maiden at Leopardstown, August 17, 2008. A well-backed Sea The Stars gets off the mark in good style. Despite racing on heavy ground - which would turn out to be his least favoured surface - Oxx's juvenile stretches comfortably clear of the field. Juddmonte Beresford Stakes at the Curragh, September 28, 2008. Sea The Stars first Group success and his last appearance as a juvenile. The colt only beats his stablemate, Mourayan, by half a length. Tucked away for the season, most assessments agreed Oxx's horse was an exciting prospect, although seen more of a Derby horse than a Guineas prospect. Stanjames.com 2000 Guineas at Newmarket, May 2, 2009. With Oxx's first string Arazan missing the Guineas due to fast ground, Sea The Stars returns to the racecourse in the Newmarket Classic. He easily defeats pre-race favourite Delegator by a length and a half. Investec Derby Stakes at Epsom, June 6, 2009. With questions over Sea The Stars' stamina hitherto unanswered, the Aidan O'Brien trained Fame And Glory starts the Derby as favourite. But Sea The Stars produces a performance of remarkable quality to put his rivals to the sword, travelling supremely well throughout. Coral-Eclipse Stakes at Sandown, July 4, 2009. Sea the Stars scooped his third Group One of the season by dismissing another O'Brien horse, Rip Van Winkle. Coming into the final furlong, the Ballydoyle horse looms alongside Sea The Stars as if to pass, but Oxx's superstar finds plenty for pressure and strides on again. Juddmonte International Stakes at York, August 18, August 2009. Sea The Stars' reputation scares off all but three rivals for this Group One clash, and two of those are pacemakers for his main rival. Once again it is left to O'Brien to provide the challenge to Oxx's champion. His Mastercraftsman kicks clear of Sea The Stars in the home straight but is inevitably reeled in and passed. Tattersalls Millions Irish Champion Stakes at Leopardstown, September 5, 2009. Making his first return to home soil since his juvenile days, Sea The Stars once again defeats a spirited O'Brien-trained challenge. Fame And Glory, second in the Derby, reopposes but is defeated by two and a half lengths. Despite being on the go all season, that is the biggest winning margin of any of Sea The Stars Group One successes. Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp, October 4, 2009. Undoubtedly the crowning glory of a monumental career. Very keen early on and having to lose ground as Kinane sought to settle him, the writing looked on the wall. Had the fairytale come to an end? Not a bit of it. In fact, having to extricate himself from such trouble in such a race as this only adds to the legend. He shot clear to win like a fresh horse. Remarkable. * PA Sport

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