Darren Bunyan Racing

Dazzle The Duel showed massive improvement since joining us this year to win well at Newbury on his handicap debut in the Christopher Smith Associates Handicap over 1 mile. We were absolutely delighted to see him get his head in front on only his third start for us.

 

We've been waiting for a bit of ease in the ground for him and he showed his liking for those conditions when cruising into contention on the bridle in the closing stages. If anything he probably hit the front a little too soon and had a look around before staying on well towards the line. Another polished and intelligent ride from the classy Leigh Roche who has a very big future ahead in my opinion. We're always happy to have him on our side.

 

I bought Dazzle the Duel for only EUR500 as a lead horse for some of our younger horses. He's been worth his weight in gold in that role. However, it wasnt long before we realised that he had plenty of ability of his own. He's a lovely horse to work with and continues to do a wonderful job with the younger horses while now also making his own mark on the racecourse.

 

He is thriving these days and almost needed the run to get the freshness out of him. As you can see from the photo he's a lovely looking horse, has a very tough constitution and is as genuine as the day is long. By Oasis Dream he is well related on his dam's side, including to group 1 performer (Gallagher) while his half sister sold for GBP315,000 at Tatteralls Book 1 last year. All being well, I think we'll have great fun with him and he's already more than paid his way. An autumn campaign in handicaps around 1 mile looks like the way forward from here and then we'll give him a holiday before he helps out with the next intake of yearlings.

 

Many thanks to all at Newbury for the wonderful assistance they gave us during our stay. While Madame Thunder couldnt cope with the soft ground, Dazzle The Duel made up for that and sent us home looking forward to more dazzling performances!