pinhooked by Stauffenberg Bloodstock and sold at the Arqana August Select Yearling Sales
The 4yo filly FLORA OF BERMUDA by DARK ANGEL demonstrated her tenacity by finishing a close third in the Gr.1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot over six furlongs, under jockey P. J. McDonald and confirmed her status as one of Europe’s classiest sprinters. Drawn wide and forced to race prominently throughout, she encountered traffic woes—getting boxed in at a crucial stage of the race—before finding daylight in the final furlong to stay on strongly, crossing the line just 2¾ lengths behind winner Lazzat.
Pinhooked by STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK, purchasing her as a foal at the Goffs November Foal Sales, she was raised and prepped at Schlossgut Itlingen before being offered at the Arqana August Yearling Sales. After there was no bid in the ring, she was sold privatley to Longways Stables who breezed her and sold her for quite a profit to Bermuda Racing.
Bought by Wathnan Racing earlier this month and already a Gr.3 winner the run adds yet another Gr.1 placing to a record that already includes last season’s neck third in the QIPCO Champions Sprint. With her Royal Ascot effort under her belt, connections believe she has the scope to win at the highest level. Balding indicated that the Gr.1 July Cup at Newmarket or Gr.1 Prix Maurice de Gheest at Deauville are under strong consideration. “She’s thriving, and this run proves she belongs in elite company,” he said. With her combination of raw speed, battling temperament and an unflappable mind, FLORA OF BERMUDA looks poised to turn today’s near-miss into future Group 1 glory. Richard Brown, racing adviser to Wathnan Racing stated “She has run an absolute blinder again. She’s so consistent and courageous; with luck one of these big ones will drop her way.”