Havana Gold colt Raid makes winning debut

Raid, a son of Qatar Bloodstock stallion Havana Gold, made an impressive winning debut at Doncaster on Saturday.

Raid made his eagerly anticipated debut in division one of the Betfred Mobile Cock o' The North Maiden over six furlongs on Doncaster's November Handicap card. He didn't disappoint, really hitting full stride late on to win by two and a quarter lengths from Lady Willpower, with nine other rivals strung out behind on the soft ground.

Raid was bought for £135,000 by David Redvers in the spring and his first racecourse start was later than intended, as his trainer David Simcock explained after the race:

"He was bought here at Doncaster at the breeze-ups and was ready to go in April, but it didn't work out like that. He had sore shins and one thing and another. It was just nice to get a run into him."

Raid came from the rear on the stands' side of the field and, under Oisin Murphy, won in the style of a colt who'll have no problem with seven furlongs. He is a half-brother to four winners, including top all-weather performer Grendisar, and looks an exciting prospect.

Raid was also a 20th individual winner for Qatar Bloodstock's first-season sire Havana Gold, who will stand the 2018 breeding season at £15,000 (Oct 1 SLF) at Tweenhills Stud in Gloucestershire. This looks excellent value based on his first crop, which also include Group winners Havana Grey and Treasuring, as well as another well-regarded debut winner in Tabdeed.

Spaces in Havana Gold's 2018 book are quickly running out, so if you would like to send a mare to him, please contact the Tweenhills office on 01452 700177 or email alex@tweenhills.com now.

credit: Tattersalls