Byword(GB) Arrives At Middlefield Stud

Byword(GB) Arrives At Middlefield Stud

Gr 1 Prince Of Wales Stakes winner Byword has arrived safely at Middlefield Stud at the beginning of last week, Rob Pickering reports.

An athletic and eye-catching chestnut horse with a top pedigree to match, Byword has an outstanding temperament, being an absolute gentleman as we approached him in his stable before Rob took him out to his paddock to stretch his legs and show off his long Group-winning stride.

Rob reports that Byword has been well-received and supported by the breeders and not only in KZN – he has attracted interest from the Cape and Mauritzfontein Stud have taken up a “share the upside” contract in the son of Peintre Celebre out of the UK’s Broodmare Of The Year, Binche – who has been covered this year by Frankel.

Byword’s half-sister Proviso won nine races, including three Gr 1 and two Gr 3 races – which saw the filly rated as one of the top two year olds in England. Proviso also ran in France and the USA, from the age of 2 to 5 years. Byword’s third dam is an own-sister to sire Peacetime(USA).

Acquired by Rob Pickering and Ashley McNabb from Juddmonte Farms, Byword defeated a strong field which included beating Twice Over at even weights – winning the Gr 1 Prince Of Wales’ Stakes at Ascot. He also took home the Gr 2 Prix du Muguet at Saint-Cloud and the Gr 2 Prix Jacques Laffitte, as well as placing third in the Gr 1 Juddmonte International and second by just half a length to Goldikova in the Gr 2 Prix Foy and Gr 1 Prix d’Ispahan.

Byword has an outstanding race record, having 16 starts, 7 wins and 6 places, earning a staggering £699 385,00 which includes a Gr 1 win, two Gr 2 wins, a Gr 3 win and two Listed races from his seven starts. Byword raced until five years of age – proving his soundness, toughness, grit and consistency.

Ashley McNabb has expressed his gratitude to the breeders for the great support they have received with Byword: “We wish to thank all breeders who have subscribed to our ‘Share The Upside’ breeding programme – and in return for their early support we trust that Byword will prove a good investment.”

As a separate incentive, Middlefield will offer a BLACK TYPE BONANZA – black-type mares or black-type producers may be eligible for reduced stud fees.

Visit our Facebook page to see a complete gallery of Byword shortly after his arrival at Middlefield Stud.

Limited spaces for normal services are available. Please check www.bywordstallion.com for further details or contact Rob on 082 573 0418.