As the last winner of the English Triple Crown, and I hope that someday we can emend that tribute, Nijinsky was a most celebrated racehorse in an era of extraordinary talents (Mill Reef, Brigadier Gerard, Allez France, and Dahlia in the opening years of the 1970s). At stud, he was just as marvelous, getting superior juveniles, outstanding classic horses, and older stars around the world.
Only a couple of his sons came close to emulating his success at stud, notably Caerleon, but the daughters of Nijinsky were another matter. They were great producers, and nearly all of them are gone. That is not surprising since Nijinsky died 20 years ago in 1992.
But there are a few still kicking the can down the road, and the Bernardini colt Alpha, winner of the G3 Count Fleet Stakes at Aqueduct on Saturday, is out of Munnaya, a 21-year-old daughter of the great racer and sire. She was bred by Gainsborough, is owned by Darley, and also has a yearling full brother to Alpha, who has to be one of the last prospective top horses out of a Nijinsky mare.
As a racehorse and as a broodmare, Munnaya has been one of her sire’s better representatives, and the tale may not quite be told. It will be great fun to watch Alpha’s progress over the coming months.
Munnaya’s racing and produce record are below:
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1st Dam: MUNNAYA, ch, 1991. Bred by Gainsborough Farm (KY). Sent to England, 1993; Sent to USA, 1996. $24,882. Won Oaks Trial; 3rd Pretty Polly S. |
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Broodmare sire: NIJINSKY II, b, 1967-1992. Sire of 378 dams of 3089 foals, 2443 rnrs (79%), 1578 wnrs (51%), 400 2yo wnrs (13%), 261 sw (8%). |
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2nd Dam: HIAAM, ch, 1984. Bred by Albert Clay, Robert Clay & Warner L. Jones, Jr. (KY). Sent to USA, 1988. $51,060. Won Bet With the Tote Trophy, Princess Margaret S. (G3), Wallis Fillies S. Dam of MALL QUEEN (f, Sheikh Albadou (GB). $29,234. Won Pr Yacowlef; 3rd Pr d’Arenberg (G3)), SHEER REASON (f, Danzig. $105,237. Won Criterium d’Evry; 2nd Criterium des Deux Ans (G2); 3rd Pr de la Calonne, Pr Robert Papin (G2)). |
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I HAVE A SMALL BREEDING OPERATION IN ALBERTA , CANADA, AND I HAVE ONE OF MUNNAYA’S GRAND DAUGHTERS, SIRED BY PULPIT.
HER NAME IS “PREACHER GIRL”. (2007) SHE IS NOW IN MY BROODMARE BAND. I HAVE BEEN WATCHING ALPHA WITH GREAT INTEREST AS HE WORKS HIS WAY TOWARDS THE DERBY.
THE SIRE LINE OF SEATTLE SLEW SEEMS TO MAKING AN EVER INCREASING IMPACT.
Best of luck with your nicely pedigreed young mare!
And, yes, the AP Indy branch of Seattle Slew, in particular, is pushing toward the forefront across the country.
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