Chelkar

For many racehorse owners, the dream is to have a runner at Royal Ascot and in the Melbourne Cup.  With our most recent purchase, the opportunity may present itself to fulfill two dreams with the one horse.

Chelkar is a three-year-old bay gelding by Azamour, sire of 34 Stakeswinners, including Group 1 winners Dolniya, Covert Love and Valyra.  Chelkar is out of a Linamix mare named Cherryxma.  She won over 2100m and has already produced the Group 3 placed Cherek.  Cherek also finished 4th in a Group 1 event.  Cherryxma is well related.  She is a full-sister to Cherry Mix, who won at Group 1 level in Italy and at Group 2 level in France.  Cherry Mix was a Champion horse in Italy and Germany in his time.

Chelkar raced in France on five occasions for renowned French trainer, Jean-Claude Rouget.  He recorded 3 wins and a third placing, finishing 6th on the other occasion.  His most recent race was at Chantilly in October, which he won. Please see below, the replay of this race.

Chelkar is now trained by Willie Mullins in Ireland.  Mullins has campaigned horses around the world.  He brought Simenon to the 2013 Melbourne Cup, beaten 2.5l lengths into 4th by Fiorente.  Last year he was an unlucky second with Max Dynamite (ridden by Frankie Dettori).  He also brought out Wicklow Brave this year, which was the spruik horse from Werribee leading into the Melbourne Cup.  He suffered an injury on the day and ran below his best.

Chelkar will be campaigned with the 2017 Melbourne Cup in mind.  Along the way, a race at Royal Ascot is likely.  The Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes is one that would appear to suit.

A most exciting acquisition for the OTI team.