Backworth Double At Greyville

Keith Russon and Ian Todd’s Backworth Stud had a super double at Greyville yesterday, with the smart Var filly Extravargant (a full sister to winner Cuvara) taking it for Mrs Mary Liley, who is enjoying a purple patch of late, and Noble Tune gelding Romanesca winning for trainer Paul Lafferty.

Whilst Backworth have reduced their boutique stud, their influence is remains prominent with several of their fillies they have produced over the years finding their way into the National Yearling Sales catalogues as broodmares at farms nationwide, and recent Group winner, the smart Rose In Bloom who sold this week for R800 000, out of Backworth-bred mare Raise The Bar – a family that gave Backworth many years of success and doesn’t look like it will be ending anytime soon.

It is a testament to the quality of mares and depth of pedigrees Backworth always procured for their beautiful farm in Eston, and giving the mares opportunities to excel at stud with the best suited stallion no matter where they stood.

Extravargant, out of a mare that sold for R800 000 – Cupid’s Daughter – looks to be an exciting prospect for Tony Rivalland and Mary Liley (owned in partnership with Sadha Naidoo) for the upcoming season. The #kznbred filly has now won twice from three starts and placed second on debut. Mary Liley has been seen frequently in the winners enclosure of late with her familiar pink and green silks, and she has been an avid support of Backworth’s stock over the years, racing many to multiple wins and success.

Mrs Liley has earned over R800 000 in stakes this season with almost a 16% winners to runners percentage.

Romanesca by Noble Tune, a handsome yearling purchased from Backworth’s Dispersal sale a few years back, is out of an Elusive Quality mare and as Paul Lafferty states, the gelding dislikes the Polytrack going but fired impressively on the turf going away by over a length from Just As Well gelding, Just Prime.

He has placed three times previously. Paul, who had a great day with a double including the Kings Cup, went to say that he has several Noble Tune’s in his yard and is very happy with them – his other is the grey Gr2 preformed and Black Type White Lightning.

There are several Noble Tune’s on offer at the upcoming National Yearling Sale, including a half-brother to Gr1 winner, Lady In Black.

Well done to all concerned!