Potala Palace, a two-year-old colt by Singspiel, won the G1 Premier’s Champion Stakes at Greyville on the final day of the South African racing season.
A R3,600,000 yearling purchase – the most expensive yearling ever sold at auction in South Africa at the time – Potala Palace has made just three starts to date and won his maiden by six lengths.
He hails from a highly successful Ballymacoll Stud family, which includes Derby winner North Light, 2,000 Guineas winner Golan, Islington and the recently deceased Hellenic.
His dam Alignment, by Alzao, was covered by Singspiel at Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket before being transported to South Africa where this colt was foaled. She was bought by Highlands Stud, the breeder of Potala Palace, at Tattersalls’ December Sale in 2006.
Sheikh Mohammed's homebred Singspiel, who amassed £3,651,270 in earnings throughout his spectacular career, died just over a year ago but leaves a rich legacy at Darley. His 13 Group One winners include Dubai World Cup hero Moon Ballad, Ascot Gold Cup winner Papineau, and the high-class distaffers Dar Re Mi, Hibaayeb, Folk Opera, Lahudood, and Australian sprinter Rewaaya.
