Photo: Angelique Bridson
Trelawney Stud blue hen Sayyida has sadly passed away at the age of 26 and is now laid to rest on the farm she called home, with a special plaque marking her place and the remarkable legacy she leaves behind.
Purchased as a yearling and trained by Roger James for Brent and Cherry Taylor, Sayyida was rated a top chance for the Gr.1 New Zealand Derby during her three-year-old season before suffering a career-ending injury in the Gr.2 Avondale Guineas. Painstakingly nursed back to health, the two-time winner went on to prove that her talent was not limited to the racetrack, becoming one of Trelawney Stud’s most influential broodmares.
She didn’t produce a large number of foals, but the ones she did were quality.
Sayyida was the dam of five-time Group One winner Ocean Park, who went on to make his mark at stud, including Champion Stayer last season with Ohope Wins, as well as Ruqqaya, who produced dual Group One winner and exciting young stallion Grunt. Her other notable progeny included Group Two winner Zayydani and stakes performer Addison.
Her only other daughter Lady Sayyida also continued the family’s success, producing Group Two winner Excelida and Group Two winner and Group One performer Shanwah.
Sayyida’s contribution to the New Zealand thoroughbred was recognised in 2013 when she was crowned New Zealand Broodmare of the Year following the deeds of Ocean Park.
For Brent and Cherry, Sayyida held a particularly special place.
“Sayyida was the first race filly Cherry and I bought to race and breed from. She gave us a short but exciting race career, but showed us she was a high-class performer that we could breed from with confidence that she could express her ability in her progeny.
“She certainly hasn’t disappointed us when it came to racetrack performance.
“She was a real character of a mare, hated being fussed over and tried everyone’s patience when it came to being cared for, but had a loving nature. Both Cherry and I would like to thank our staff, vets and farrier for looking after a troubled mare for many years.”
A rich vein of high-class performers, all coming from one little, plain mare, an unassuming powerhouse of genetic performance.
Her influence will live on for generations to come.
