Sunline’s son Sun Ruler sired his first winner with his second starter in New Zealand on Sunday.

The Matt & Mandy Brown-trained filly Sheralee made the breakthrough in the Brackens Print 2YO (1200m) at Oamaru.  She ranged up to the leaders on the turn and hit the line hard to score by a neck from Zakynthos (Zacinto).

Sheralee (2f Sun Ruler – Shirley by Ishiguru) was bred by Sunline’s trainer Trevor McKee and he asked the Browns if they would prepare the filly earlier this year.  “I’ve known Trevor for 20 years or more,” Mandy Brown said.  “We inspected some fillies at his place and signed up a partnership over a cup of tea.  I feel privileged to be involved in a horse with Trevor.

“She’s a filly who will eventually be a lovely stayer, she just cruises along when she’s working and she’s very laid back.  She still has a bit to learn but I think it’s fair to say she’s got a very bright future.”

Sun Ruler (Zabeel) cost $2 million at the 2007 Karaka yearling sales, however, he never hit the heights of his dam winning at Avondale and Te Rapa from 13 starts.

Trained by McKee and his son Stephen, Sunline won 32 races including the Cox Plate (twice), Doncaster Hcp (twice), All-Aged Stakes (twice), Waikato Sprint (twice), Coolmore Classic (twice) and Hong Kong Mile.

Australasia’s greatest mile and middle-distance mare of them all lost a battle with laminitis in 2009.

Sun Ruler stands at Archer Park near Auckland for a $3,000 service fee.