Versatile French stayer Harmysian will pave way for OTI and our connections to combine with rising young trainer Clayton Douglas.
The highly talented son of Lope de Vega was referred to us by an astute judge and trainer John Hammond after producing a bold second placing over 2500 metres at Saint-Cloud in April.
John’s belief was cemented in early May when the classy four-year-old extended his record to three wins, five seconds and a third from 12 starts when winning a strong handicap at Chantilly.
Standing at 16.1 hands, our galloper is a tall, athletic chestnut gelding, with a docile temperament and a long galloping stride.
Like many of Lope de Vega’s progeny, Harmysian has great versatility as a racehorse. He has won from 1800 through to 3000 metres and can take a forward position in a race, or sprint from behind.
Lope de Vega, is regarded as one of the world’s top stallions, having fathered 81 stakes winners along with Australian Group 1 winners Santa Ana Lane, Gytrash and Vega Magic.
To complement his high rating sire, Harmysian also hails from one of France’s top female lines. His dam, Adja is a sister or three-quarter sister to many elite racehorses and broodmares throughout Europe
Harmysian will enter work on arrival with Clayton at the end of June. From there we will allow him to work through his grades and acclimatise to an Australian environment during his first preparation, with the intention being to prepare him for the autumn of next year.
However, his liking for firmer surfaces sees him well placed to relish racing under our conditions and we expect him to prove competitive in a host of spring staying features in the medium to long term.
“Although only 26, Clayton’s impressive stats in his first year of training combined with his skill as a rider provides an excellent base for Harmysian to be given every chance to succeed in Australia,” said Terry Henderson.
