Trainer Bill Ryan has heard his share of racing tales over the years including some weird and wonderful reasons why owners have purchased their horses.

But Ryan reckons the story behind his lightly raced gelding old El Sunera takes the cake.

El Sunera (6g King Of Prussia – El Mirer by El Moxie) won for the third time in just 19 starts when racing first-up over 1400m at Launceston last week.

El Sunera is owned by John and Neredine Boer in partnership with Harvey and Suzanne Cuthill.

“John purchased him for $8,000 at the 2007 Tasmanian Magic Millions,” Ryan recalled.  “He asked me to have a look at the horse after he had bought it.  I told him he should have asked me before the sale!

“John told me he bought the horse because his brand JPB were his initials.

“That blew me away.  He wasn’t the best looking yearling I had ever seen but he kept developing and I’m sure there’s more wins in store this season.”

A typical King Of Prussia, he was unraced at two and connections are now reaping the benefits of giving him time to mature.

El Sunera is the first foal to race from El Mirer who won 8 races up to 1600m in Tasmania and Melbourne for trainers John Blacker and Leon Corstens.  She is a half-sister to the dam of LR Tasmanian Guineas winner Vivre La Nett (Savoire Vivre).

King Of Prussia (Anabaa) stands at Greta West Stud for a $3,300 (inc gst) service fee this year.