No Excuse Needed’s Pedigree Primed for Smart Update

10 August 2011

Waikato’s G1 sire No Excuse Needed’s pedigree could well be in store for some sweet updates this season, should his US 3YO half-brother Higher Court (Sharmardal) continue to play his part.

The smart Darley bred and raced colt created a big impression on debut at Keenland in April, winning by some 6 six lengths.

At start two, he defeated all bar the record breaker Gantry at Belmont and on Saturday, he added another tick to his three start resume with a smart front running effort that left the nearest of his Saratoga rivals 2 ¾ lengths in his wake.

Higher Court’s 1100m turf outing time of 1:01.21 provided plenty of encouragement for trainer Thomas Albertrani.

“He turned up again with another super performance,” Albertrani told www.horseracing.com.

“I think he got a 96 Beyer (Speed Figure). I haven’t made any decisions, and I’d be curious to try him on the dirt.”

Albertrani said he would be patient with Higher Court ’s development, probably looking for an overnight turf sprint stakes later.

“He looks like he’s a very talented horse,” Albertrani said.

Prior to taking up stud duties, No Excuse Needed was a top class racehorse who followed 2YO G3 success with wins at 3 & 4 in the now G1 Royal Ascot Queen Anne Stakes & G2 Goodwood Celebration Mile and was twice G1 placed.

Miriam scores for Seth at Matamata

Waikato Stud-bred filly Miriam (ex Kym Dynasty) secured victory at Matamata over 1050m for Stephen Autridge and Craig Grylls. Digging deep to hold off Sister Cynane, she surged to win by 0.8 lengths.

12 March 2025

A Wish fulfilled: I Wish I Win retired, returns to Waikato Stud

From an uncertain start to a dazzling career, I Wish I Win has defied expectations at every turn. Now, the champion sprinter bids farewell to the track, retiring to Waikato Stud, where he will enjoy a well-earned rest among familiar pastures and the team who believed in him from day one.