The Black Book: Internationally bred filly steps out at Hawkesbury trials

4 min read

by Anthony Manton

The Black Book will identify race performances around Australia particularly worth following in the future. These may be high profile runners at trials and smaller tracks, or eye-catching performances, we'll aim to give you a horse to add to your pedigree or performance black book for the future.

Hawkesbury trials on Friday morning saw a uniquely international filly step out and perform to an eye-catching 'black book' standard.

Persepolis is by a French stallion from an American bred mare, trained by a Frenchman in rural New South Wales.

Persepolis is by Siyouni (FR) (Pivotal {GB}), a Group 1 winner at 2 in France and somewhat of a sire sensation in his native land with his early crops. She is from Prevalent (USA) (Empire Maker {USA}) who only raced a handful of times in Europe before being purchased by trainer Jean-Étienne Dubois as a broodmare in England and ultimately ending up in Australia.

Siyouni

“I purchased the mare in England from Juddmonte Farm, she was served by Siyouni in Europe (on Southern Hemisphere time) then travelled to Australia and the filly was born here on our farm”, said Dubois.

Ridden by Andrew Adkins, Persepolis began well in the 760 metre heat and was held back slightly at the start to settle. She sat on the back of the leader approaching the turn before showing good acceleration to win the trial easily under minimal pressure.

“I told Andrew just to get her relaxed and to teach her to settle this morning. I love the way she quickened through the line when asked”, said Dubois.

Persepolis is likely to debut next Saturday at Kembla Grange in a 2 year-old maiden over 1000 metres.

“I told Andrew just to get her relaxed and to teach her to settle this morning. I love the way she quickened through the line when asked." - Trainer, Jean-Étienne Dubois

The Jean-Étienne Dubois story is a fascinating one. He arrived in Australia three years ago with a successful 30-year career in trotting racing as a trainer, driver, breeder and having won countless major Group 1 trotting races throughout Europe. Dubois is considered a legend of the sport in his home country.

Jean-Étienne Dubois

Dubois’ accomplishments as a horseman were not as well known locally when he first arrived in Australia to train thoroughbreds, but with almost immediate success it didn’t take long for the racing industry to take notice.

Last season Dubois had early 2-year-old success with Aylmerton and Dubois believes Persepolis has similar characteristics, being by the same sire.

“She is the spitting image of Aylmerton, a bit smaller but very similar, deep bay in colour, no markings and physically built for speed." - Jean-Étienne Dubois

“She is the spitting image of Aylmerton, a bit smaller but very similar, deep bay in colour, no markings and physically built for speed," said Dubois.

Aylmerton

Aylmerton won the Group 2 Todman S. at Rosehill earlier this year and shortly afterwards Coolmore bought half the colt, prior to him lining up in the G1 Golden Slipper. It was an achievement for Dubois to have a runner in the Golden Slipper within 3 years of training.

Although somewhat unfamiliar to Australian breeders, Dubois believes Siyouni is a great stallion prospect for Australian conditions.

“They are all very easy to train, they just want to run and are perfect for Australian racing where speed is vital”, said Dubois.

Siyouni has been a stud since 2014/15 season and in that time has already produced eight Group 1 wins throughout Europe and the UK.

Dubois is offering a half-brother to Persepolis by Hinchinbrook (Fastnet Rock) at the upcoming Magic Millions yearling sales in January and he has high expectations for the colt.

“The Hinchinbrook colt is the second foal from the mare and he’s in day one of the Magic Millions sales. He’s a lovely colt and of course we expect him to do well and be very popular”, said Dubois.