Darley shuttler Dawn Approach recorded his first winner when Haddaf easily triumphed in the Betfred Novice Stakes (1000m) in England.

The Irish-bred colt had already showcased his talents when placed in the LR National Stakes at Sandown in May and Saturday’s race at Newcastle proved an excellent opportunity to break his maiden.

He cruised into the lead with half the race still to run and pulled well clear to score by four lengths.”

Haddaf (2c Dawn Approach – Deveron by Cozzene) was bred by Rabbah Bloodstock and is a half-brother to Listed winner Lamar (Cape Cross). He is raced by Saif Ali after making 85,000gns (AUD 51,015) during Book 1 of the 2016 Tattersalls October Yearling Sale.

Darley shuttles Dawn Approach from Kildangan Stud in Ireland to Kelvinside NSW where he stood for a $22,000 fee last year. His Australian first-crop yearlings sold to $360k (Inglis Easter), $240k & $170k (Gold Coast Magic Millions), $150k & $140k (Karaka) earlier this year.

Dawn Approach (New Approach) was unbeaten at two winning the G2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot before emulating his sire in the G1 National Stakes at the Curragh and G1 Dewhurst Stakes at Newmarket.

He returned the following season in even more impressive fashion when trouncing his rivals by a full five lengths in the G1 English 2000 Guineas at Newmarket. After an unsuccessful tilt at the English Derby, he made one of racing’s greatest comebacks only 17 days later when returning to Royal Ascot.

In a dramatic renewal of the G1 St James’s Palace Stakes, Dawn Approach refused to surrender when tackled by Toronado in an epic finish to the time-honoured feature for three-year-olds.

DAWN APPROACH