Untouchable sires his first winner

Untouchable, who was undoubtedly the success story of last season’s yearling sales, opened his winners’ account in fine style on 6 February with a convincing victory for his two-year-old son The Pariah at Ascot.

Settled behind the early leader, Rebecca Nairn’s charge travelled well before finding a gap coming round the turn. Despite encountering traffic problems in the closing stages, The Pariah ran on well and looked to have won with something in hand, finishing almost a length clear of Brava Fortune.

Bred by Mr R Harvey, The Pariah becomes the eleventh winner from Lightning Valley, a half-sister to European Group winner Tanwi - herself dam of G2 winner and G1 placegetter Flashing Numbers. He is also from the same impressive family as multiple Classic winner Salsabil, prolific sire Marju; plus one of Darley’s newest European stallions in Echo Of Light (Dubai Millennium).

Untouchable, a $950,000 yearling, was himself an exceptional juvenile who was just pipped in the Todman Stakes by fellow Darley sire Exceed And Excel. Last year, his first crop of yearlings averaged almost $50,000 - an outstanding return on his stud fee of $7,000. He has six yearlings catalogued for the upcoming Magic Millions Perth Sale.

A day later, Elusive Quality's son Stage Presence recorded his second career win, with a commanding three-length victory at Mornington. The three-year-old colt, who broke his maiden in outstanding fashion on New Year's Day when winning by five lengths, is a half-brother to rellow Darley stallion Reset.