Sky Darci
Sky Darci added a BMW Hong Kong Derby win to what is shaping up to be a promising racing career for the four year old gelding. Sky Darci is by Darci Brahma and out of the proven Broodmare in Strictly Maternal. He was sold through Highden Parks 2018 NZB Karaka Yearling draft to Mr Bryan Kwan for $160,000.
Sky Darci was bred by Mark Freeman and David Price who bred and still own the mare, and she is currently carrying the full sibling to Group 2 Brisbane Cup Winner Chocante (Shocking). Mark and David are not new to success on the track with this mare in particular. She has had five to the races, all winners, including two multiple stakes performers. Retired due to injury, David was told by a respected stud master not to breed from her as she would never become anything. She was trained by Bruce Marsh and he was adamant the mare could gallop so they should breed from her, Luckily they listened to their trainer.
Mark and David would meet for their annual drink at a bar in Wellington, each with a copy of that year's Stallion register, and decide on a suitable mating for Strictly. "Who would of thought a mixture of Rioja and a bit of study would have got two hobby breeders on one of the worlds biggest podiums" said David when asked about how they landed on Darci Brahma. The thrills that they have been through together with this mare in particular are incredible, 6 times to Australia with Chocante and returning home with a Group 2 Brisbane Cup are just some of the highlights. David said "This sport is about dreams and Strictly has made them come true"
Strictly currently resides at Highden and will continue to call the farm home. For now she has an exciting two year old in training with Stephen Marsh in El Vencedor, along with the full sibling to Sky Darci, a Yearling that has just gone to be broken in with Shaun Phelan. She thrives as a mum, hence the name "Strictly Maternal".
