Castleward

Race entries

THE HIGHEST-RATED P2P HORSE WE HAVE EVER BEEN OFFERED

Ace bloodstock agent Tom Malone has got in touch with us, regarding his Punchestown Sale purchase CASTLEWARD. He was purchased for the same precise cost, from the precise same sale, only 12 months ago where CONSTITUTION HILL was purchased. The similarities don’t end there, both Castleward and Constitution Hill showed such speed in their respective P2P’s that a drop back in trip from 3m could bring about further improvement. 

Tom told us: "Castleward is a 5yo gelding from the Wexford yard of multiple Champion Trainer Colin Bowe who I have bought many good horses over the years from and he is honest and straightforward with me in return. This one is by Notnowcato who's best jumper, Old Guard, I bought off the flat from Roger Charlton who went onto win three times at Cheltenham for Paul Nicholls and Andy Stewart.

He's out of a half-sister to the remarkable dual-purpose performer Clondaw Warrior, a former pointer that went on to win at Royal Ascot and be Grade 1 placed over hurdles for Willie Mullins. He clearly progressed from his debut run (form which has worked out very well) given he was very impressive here at Dromahane in an electric time of 5m 46s. His fluent jumping on the inside meant he jumped up to dispute the lead after 3 or 4 fences and it was this fluent accurate jumping which was a feature of his performance, meaning that he was only ever freewheeling. Approaching the last two fences, you wouldn't know it given he surged clear effortlessly and pinged them just like all the others before bouncing back into the winner’s spot ears pricked clearly having enjoyed himself. He also acquired a huge rating of 93++."

Watch his 8 length P2P win here (he wears the blue and green halves with white sleeves and cap.)

The P2P biography reads: 'The Ballyvodock debut third Castleward gave a faultless display of fencing by leading from after a mile and then powering clear from before two out for Barry O'Neil to easily beat newcomer Galloping Pride. CASTLEWARD (IRE) moved through to lead after a mile. He then gave a faultless display of fencing at the head of affairs and he could be called the most likely from before three out. He duly bounded clear to win at his leisure. He clearly appreciates good ground and he's a quite speedy sort that should slot in and make his presence felt on the racetrack. Further improvement should be automatically forthcoming when he's despatched over fences.'

We’ve never been offered such a talented animal before; he’s achieved a Racing Post rating of 93+ and the Irish P2P rating compilers have awarded him 93++. Of course, we can’t guarantee anything, but that's the sort of P2P rating that's awarded to future Champions.