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Lord and Lady Lloyd-Webber’s homebred Too Darn Hot has been confirmed as Europe’s champion 2-year-old of 2018.
His rating of 126, revealed at the announcement of the European 2-year-old classifications on Wednesday, is the highest for a juvenile since Frankel shared top honours with Dream Ahead on the same rating in 2010.
There has been no juvenile rated higher since Xaar in 1997.Too Darn Hot, a son of Dubawi, is favourite for both the 2000 Guineas and Epsom Derby.
Dubawi is responsible for the best two juveniles of 2018 in Too Darn Hot and Quorto. The pair ended 2018 as the unbeaten winners of seven races between them.It was a strong year for 2YOs in Europe with six horses rated at 118 or above and 44 juveniles achieving a rating of 110 or above.
Owner-breeders the Wertheimer brothers have confirmed that 14-time G1 winner Goldikova will mated with Dubawi this season.The 14-year-old daughter of Anabaa is currently in foal to Galileo.
Goldikova has a yearling filly by Dubawi named Goldistyle.Goldikova’s G1-winning half-sister Galikova will travel to Kentucky to be covered by War Front.
Canadian racing is mourning the loss of the owner of Windhaven Stud, Bill Graham, at the age of 81.He earned a Sovereign Award as Canada’s outstanding breeder in 2012 and was inducted into the Canadian Hall of Fame in 2014.
Graham also served on the Woodbine Entertainment board for 17 years. Only last month, the Jockey Club of Canada announced that he would be presented the E.P. Taylor Award of Merit for his lifelong dedication and commitment to Thoroughbred racing and breeding in Canada.“Bill was a passionate Thoroughbred horse owner and breeder who was always motivated to improve the industry to the benefit of all involved,” said Woodbine chief executive Jim Lawson.