LOPE De Vega is the sire of the Australian-born Gytrash and that son of the Fastnet Rock (Danehill) mare Miss Barley became the Ballylinch Stud stallion’s 10th Group 1 winner when he caused an upset in the Black Caviar Lightening Stakes. Gytrash is owned by a large group and is now winner of seven of his 15 starts and has earnings approaching Aus$900,000.

This is quite an achievement for the offspring of a mare who was bought for a mere Aus$4,000 at the Magic Millions Perth Winter Mixed Sale two and a half years ago, having produced a winner with her first runner and with the Lope De Vega colt still to race. Prior to last week’s victory, Gytrash was a listed winner and had been placed at Group 2 and 3 level.