AJC CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES, 2019
SERIES 1 – July 13, 2019
1. *Lauyal’s Dancing Desire Oaks G1
Princess Ida NH (CK Nazeer Ibn Asadd X Thee Princess) – Amanda
2. MYL Ariuath Stakes G1
NCh. Airbender LLE+/ (*Gemini CH X SR Dancing Spirit) – Lamp Light Equestrian
3. Enchanted SF Stakes G1 TURF
MYL Fyliara (*Lucjan X Firesong) – Sunni – Sunni
SERIES 2 – August 17, 2019
1. Maggie Mae DS Oaks G1
Halana Nezia FE+ (Waltzer X CK Halana Sabi) – Lamp Light Equestrian
2. PYR Psy Kotik Stakes G1
OTS Cristo (GI Deo Vindice X Modot) – Oak Tree Stables
3. DSF Vigilante Stakes G1 TURF
Gunslinger Psykhosis (PYR Psy Kotik X Wayfarer Shahadah) – Odeon
SERIES 3 – August 31, 2019
1. Estancia OS Oaks G1
Princess Al-Waheed NH (DSF Al-Wahed X Thee Princess) – Amanda
2. PYR Midnight Ricochet Stakes G1
MV Opole+ (Taxman DS X O Clara) – Jennifer
3. Ryad El Jammal Stakes G1 TURF
OTS Tohfa Bint Ryad (Ryad El Jammal X Broad Way) – Oak Tree Stables
The 2019 AJC Championship Final day dawned with waves of brilliant orange clouds aflame over the sprawling farmland of C&H Ranch, with the promise of almost tangible excitement and memories not soon forgotten. Smells of fresh ground coffee, pan-fried bacon, and fresh baked walnut cinnamon rolls wafted through the stable yards and grandstands. The air was cold – not bitter, but white plumes rose from the horses nostrils as they went about their morning preparations, and their grooms sported colorful poofy jackets. The overall feel was celebratory – today the best racers in the AJC determine who takes home the coveted titles of Series Final champions! While the waiting athletes crunched their pre-race oats and track preparations were being finalized, spectators were entertained by the activity in the in-field arena. Now a tradition, race-goers were treated to a comical costume contest among driven or ridden C&H horses; a laugh-inducing mock auction of 2014 Child Of The Night Cup recipient HOF Lady Madonna DS++++ and her 2019 *Paragon PASB foal Paradigm CH acting as models for matching AJC Final commemorative blankets as a fundraiser for The Committee, and finally a grand exhibit of some of C&H’s finest stallions at liberty in the arena.
At last the track was groomed and the time came for the first race the day. The BHV races are held as a precursor to the Final races. We look forward to more and more entries in the BHV races each year as the program is utilized! Look for a completely redesigned racecard for next year!
1. BHV PR Season Premiere Allowance $400,000 (3 entries)
WIN . Gunslinger Grandoureux – Odeon $160000
PLACE . Bitternoodles CH – C&H Ranch $120000
SHOW . MV Ezdrasz – Jennifer $80000
2. BHV PYR Toksyczny Noc Allowance Turf $400,000 (2 entries)
WIN . MV Olesno – Jennifer $160000
PLACE . Axayacatl CH – C&H Ranch $120000
3. BHV OTS Miss Pretender Sprint G2 $400,000 (2 entries)
WIN . Sakhib FF – Rae $160000
PLACE . Indomalayan DE – Oak Tree $120000
4. BHV Optimus Prime CH Turf Sprint G2 $400,000 (2 entries)
WIN . MYS Satine- Sunni $160000
PLACE . OTS Ballroom Dance – Oak Tree Stables $120000
5. BHV Magnar R Derby G2 $600,000 (6 entries)
WIN . MYS Zoteus – Sunni $240000
PLACE . ETM Alrriah Alssahrawia – Odeon $180000
SHOW . OTS Rikki Tikki Tavi – Oak Tree Stables $120000
4. Azals Agenda CKS – Amanda $60000
5. MYL Narenda- Sunni $1000
6. OTS Tabia – Oak Tree Stables $1000
6. BHV DS Bohemian Knight Turf Cup G2 $600,000 (3 entries)
WIN . DSF Sierra Nevada – C&H Ranch $240000
PLACE . Altivo Song CKS – Amanda $180000
SHOW . SO Don’t Blink – C&H Ranch $120000
7. BHV MYL Masdaer Trophy Stakes G1 $800,000 (5 entries)
WIN . Gunslinger Geisel – Oak Tree Stables $320000
PLACE . Jammels Butterfly NH – Amanda $240000
SHOW . Rocket Raccoon CH – Rae $160000
4. Gunslinger Nightowl – Oak Tree Stables $80000
5. Charming Strawberry NH – Amanda $1000
8. BHV Ehecatl CH Turf Stakes G1 $800,000 (4 entries)
WIN . Gunslinger Shukura – Oak Tree Stables $320000
PLACE . Booplesnoot CH – Odeon $240000
SHOW . Mauharina NH – Amanda $160000
4. OTS Nailah – Oak Tree Stables $80000
After the exciting BHV races and BHV program promotional speech had concluded, a low-murmuring hush descended upon the crowd. The afternoon wind was more forceful across the prairie than earlier but the sun warm warm on the faces of spectators, making the horses excitable and even fractious in some cases. As the cotton ball clouds scuttled across the deep blue sky, the track was groomed once again for the first race of the Finals. This is what everyone has been waiting for! Many of this years horses advancing to the finals were consistently top four in the previous races, which makes for an excitingly even ground for talent.
The first race of the three was the Sparkle Pearl Oaks G1, named for Sunni’s lovely mare who made history in HF by being the first to win two of the three Triple Tiara races, and even winning her own race named after her in the 2010 AJC Championship Series Final. Without a clear favorite this year for the mares, two in particular were favored. Half sisters Princess Ida NH (CK Nazeer Ibn Asadd X Thee Princess) and Princess Al-Waheed NH (DSF Al-Wahed X Thee Princess), both owned by Amanda of New Harvest Arabians, were two mares who each captured a series race this year. Favor was leaning towards Princess Al-Waheed NH, considering her smashing win at the 2018 BHV DS Bohemian Knight Turf Cup G2 in the Final as well, but it was a close call leaving the bettors scratching their heads. Third choice was Halana Nezia FE+ (Waltzer X CK Halana Sabi), who captured a Series race this year and has come back to the track with Lamplight for a solid season in 2019, bringing her earnings to over a million. Known as a stayer, courtesy of her sire’s endurance capabilities and lines, she is a horse to be reckoned with.
The mares broke well and clean, with CKS Bahieh PASB and MYL Szpara settling in front as the pacesetters, with Luxor CH directly behind on the rail and boxed in by Gunslinger Evantine at her shoulder with the rest directly at her rear. They remained in this quiet formation around the first turn and all the way to the turn into the homestretch, at an easy pace, leaving the crowd wondering if they would get an exciting race or not.
Coming out of the final turn is where it all changed. Favorites Halana Nezia FE, Princess Ida NH, and Princess Al-Waheed NH began their bid for the win, nudging between and past the mares in the front. Late-move preferring Luxor CH remained boxed in, ad the jockey realized his mistake as the fairly fresh daughter of AJC champion *Lauyal’s Dancing Desire had no options on where to go and was increasingly frustrated as she was forced back. Halana Nezia FE, Princess Ida NH, and Princess Al-Waheed NH ran three abreast, pounding down the stretch. Gunslinger Tentet was right on the heels of Halana Nezia FE. The wire was in sight, the horses now stretching in a sprint, and Princess Ida NH began to drift in her outside position in her effort. Seeing a small opening, Gunslinger Tentet’s jockey displayed impeccable skill and judgment as he piloted Tentet in a burst of speed between rushing Halana Nezia and tiring Princess Ida NH. Princess Al-Waheed NH showed how she deserves her champion status as she surged ahead in the last few strides to win the race with Halana Nezia FE’s head at her saddle cloth!
1. Sparkle Pearl Oaks G1 – $1,000,000 (9 entries)
WIN . Princess Al-Waheed NH – Amanda $400000
PLACE . NCh. Halana Nezia FE+ – Lamp Light Equestrian $300000
SHOW . Gunslinger Tentet – Odeon $200000
4. Princess Ida NH – Amanda $100000
5. ETM Northstar Princess – Eagle Talon Commons $1000
6. CKS Bahieh PASB – Amanda $1000
7. MYL Szpara- Sunni $1000
8. Luxor CH – C&H Ranch $1000
9. Gunslinger Evantine – Oak Tree Stables $1000
The beautiful chestnut Princess Al-Waheed NH, winner of the 2019 Sparkle Pearl Oaks G1
Princess Al-Waheed NH
(DSF Al-Wahed+/ X Thee Princess, by Thee Gambler)
2013 Chestnut Egyptian Related Arabian Mare
Owned by Amanda of Castle Keep Stables
Bred by Amanda of Castle Keep Stables
https://thefakepony.com/castlekeepstables/horsepage.php?id=1229
The track was groomed once again and the rowdy boys of the day were paraded to the post. This year held a lot of promise for bettors in the form of MV Opole (Taxman DS X O Clara), who was not only last year’s Child Of The Night Cup recipient and won a Series race this year for Jennifer of Mystic Valley, but has proven throughout the 2019 AJC season that he has come into his prime as a race horse. Close second and third were Airbender LLE (*Gemini CH X SR Dancing Spirit) for his Series race win for Dana of Lamplight Equestrian and his sire being one of the handful who has winners in both the Triple Tiara and the Championship races, and *Jolly Guacamole CH (Al Reeh Janoob X Jolly Lady), a pretentious horse who has been a solid fourth for part of his season due to the new tracks not being to his perfect preference, but won two Series races in 2018.
The boys were excitable and raring to go, the handlers had a few moments of juggling to get them settled into their stalls for the split second before the bell. They broke free and clear of each other, settling into an easy pace that swept down the stretch and into the turn in a fairly unremarkable pattern of closeness.
The betting predictors were looking to be pretty spot on again, with the three favorites leading the pack from the backstretch to the far turn. MV Opole and Airbender LLE were neck and neck, with Jolly Guacamole CH a close third, followed by a close fourth and fifth in MYL Wyrtraon and OTS Cristo. The stands were getting excited as they rounded the turn to the homestretch, as it looks like the battle between the top three favorites was going to happen! But what’s this, from the rail a bay streak made his move, navigating around ETM Fatatan Wagiha, pounding past battling MYL Wyrtraon and OTS Cristo, then angling to the right of the leading three.
The crowds couldn’t believe it, could this upstart really be challenging three proven stakes winners?! Everyone was on their feet, screaming for their preferred horse, wondering if OTS Arkadiusz really had what it takes to pull such a fast pace in such a short stretch, and from the outside! It looks as if his jockey knew he had plenty of horse under him, as he went for the whip but only fanning it at OTS Arkadiusz. Jolly Guacamole CH started to drop from the pressure to fourth as bay MV Opole and grey Airbender LLE fought to stave off the bay streak OTS Arkadiusz long enough to go under the wire ahead!
A deafening roar echoed across the flat as the three swept under the wire, stretch out in the same stride without a head bob. Spectators excitedly murmured, knowing that a photo finish was in store for them! As the track ponies sidled to the spent racers, a shout went up as the results were flashed on the board: upset champion OTS Arkadiusz pushed second favorite Airbender LLE by a sliver of a nose, who nudge heavy favorite MV Opole into third by yet another sliver of a nose, leaving C&H scratching their head as to why Jolly took a fourth now four times in a row, and also fourth in last year’s Final.
2. Rocky Raccoon DS Stakes G1 – $1,000,000 (8 entries)
WIN . OTS Arkadiusz – Oak Tree Stables $400000
PLACE . NCh. Airbender LLE+/ – Lamp Light Equestrian $300000
SHOW . MV Opole+ – Jennifer $200000
4. *Jolly Guacamole CH – C&H Ranch $100000
5. OTS Cristo – Oak Tree Stables $1000
6. MYL Wyrtraon- Sunni $1000
7. ETM Fatatan Waqiha – Eagle Talon Commons $1000
8. Fryderyk – Oak Tree Stables $1000
The surprise champion, OTS Arkadiusz, winner of the 2019 Rocky Raccoon DS Stakes G1
OTS Arkadiusz
(Taxman DS x Aladduana, by Aladdair)
2012 Bay Domestic Arabian Stallion
Owned by Lin Ryder of Oak Tree Stables
Bred by Lin Ryder of Oak Tree Stables
http://linryder.proboards.com/thread/1131/ots-arkadiusz-2012-arabian
The final race of the day brought us to the Marutas CH Stakes G1. Named for the 7-time stakes winner who secured 5 AJC Year End Awards including 2008 AJC Year End Awards AJC HORSE OF THE YEAR CHAMPION, and later became a 5-time AHA National Champion, the Marutas CH Stakes GI is a flagship championship for turf racers, especially after his own son, the great Triple Crown Winner Ehecatl CH, secured it in his race record THREE times. If you win this competitive co-ed race, you are truly a turf horse champion. The heavy favorite of this race is winner of two 2016 Turf Triple Crown races, AND winner of one of this year’s Series races, MYL Fyliara (*Lucjan X Firesong), a mare owned by Sunni of Mystic Visions. A close second on the boards is Gunslinger Psykhosis (PYR Psy Kotik X Wayfarer Shahadah), owned by Odeon of Gunslinger INC, for winning a Series race this year and second place in the Marutas CH Stakes G1 last year, as well as his sire proving to be one of the top younger AJC sires today. The mare OTS Tohfa Bint Ryad (Ryad El Jammal X Broad Way), owned by Oak Tree Stables, not only won a Series race this year but is half-sibling to the only Turf Triple Crown champion in HF (Jammels Butterfly NH, 2018) and puts her at a close third choice.
As the girls and boys were loaded into the chutes, a hush fell upon the crown in anticipation of the final Final race. The bells rang and the doors slammed open, the horses sprang forward as one onto the green track. Felicyta and ETM Yukhallit, in adjoining chutes, angled towards each other and the crowd collectively gasped as the two collided shoulders. 15.2hh stallion Yukhallit had a clear size advantage to poor 14.3hh mare Felicyta and she was knocked sideways and to her knees. She recovered surprisingly quickly and popped back up, but was clearly shaken and her jockey began attempts to pull her up. Yukhallit continued on, but his head was just never back in the race.
Even with the drama unfolding in the rear of the pack, it was hard to ignore the drama happening at the front. MV Ognisko and OTS Tohfa Bint Ryad set an early pace, some of the trainers grumbling that it was actually TOO fast and the horses would burn themselves out. InLove AndWar CH is known as a very fast breaker, and quickly overtook the two front runners, but grabbed the bit and kept going in all of his excitement. He set a blistering pace around the turn and into the backstretch! The jockey sawed back and forth in attempt to slow War before he depleted what he had, but as they reached the far turn, his self-pacing inexperience in his first year as a G1 horse was clear.
As InLove AndWar CH began to drop behind the two front runners, who were also tiring, MYS Pyszka and MYL Fyliara both saw an opportunity near the rail as the tiring horses swung to the outside. Bid-making Gunslinger Psykhosis was forced farther outside as MV Ognisko fell back. Training buddies MYS Pyszka and MYL Fyliara now had an open track in front, and already knowing how each other work, they began pushing each other out of the turn and into the homestretch. A hard working Gunslinger Psykhosis managed to clear of MV Ognisko and dug in with everything to catch the two in front, with a valiant OTS Tohfa Bint Ryad pouring sweat in her attempts to keep up.
The crowd was excited and stamping their feet as the two mares neared the finish line – veteran racer MYL Fyliara seemed to drop down as she stretched out in effort and lengthened her lead. A head, then a neck, then a length, then two lengths! And they swept under the wire.
3. Marutas CH Stakes G1 – $1,000,000 (9 entries)
WIN . MYL Fyliara- Sunni $400000
PLACE . MYS Pyszka- Sunni $300000
SHOW . Gunslinger Psykhosis – Odeon $200000
4. OTS Tohfa Bint Ryad – Oak Tree Stables $100000
5. MV Ognisko+ – Jennifer $1000
6. MYL Aelaith – Odeon $1000
7. InLove AndWar CH – C&H Ranch $1000
8. ETM Yukhallit – Eagle Talon Commons $1000
9. Felicyta – Oak Tree Stables $1000
Oak Tree Stables reports that there’s some abrasion from the track on Felicyta’s knees, but no heat and she will recover just fine after a couple days of rest.
Proving once again that she has what it takes, MYL Fyliara, winner of the 2019 Marutas CH Stakes G1
MYL Fyliara
(*Lucjan X Firesong, by Czaprak)
2013 Black Anglo-Arabian Mare
Owned by Sunni of Mystic Visions
Bred by Sunni of Mystic Visions
http://fisalyn.com/MVS/horsepage.php?id=584
After all of the excitement of racing was over for the day and the shadows were stretching farther to the east, the AJC asked Amanda of Castle Keep Stables to bring a certain one of their horses to the winner’s circle. At the end of the yearly Series, the AJC awards one winner of all the races the elite Child Of The Night Cup in honor of their effort and excellence in this grueling, highly competitive series. This year’s Child Of The Night Cup honor is awarded to:
2019 CHILD OF THE NIGHT CUP
Princess Al-Waheed NH
(DSF Al-Wahed+/ X Thee Princess, by Thee Gambler)
2013 Chestnut Egyptian Related Arabian Mare
Owned by Amanda of Castle Keep Stables
Bred by Amanda of Castle Keep Stables
https://thefakepony.com/castlekeepstables/horsepage.php?id=1229
Placed twelfth in the 2019 *Lauyal’s Dancing Desire Oaks G1, thirteenth in the 2019 Maggie Mae DS Oaks G1, and first in the 2019 Estancia OS Oaks G1.
Began her racing career in the AJC in 2017, winner of five graded stakes races, and earned over $1,442,000.
Congratulations to everyone, and thank you for another great AJC Championship Series! Look for a completely redesigned race card with new opportunities in 2020!
See full results: http://hfajc.proboards.com/thread/672/2019-ajc-championship-series-final
See past AJC Championship Series winners: hfajc.proboards.com/thread/190/ajc-championship-series-champions
