Kikkulu wins first race at Newmarket, as half-brother of legendary Frankel gives rookie trainer Harry Charlton reason to dream
- Kikkulu is the half-brother of the legendary Frankel and has excellent genes
- The three-year-old is owned by Juddmonte Farms and won the first race at Newmarket
Kikkulu possesses some of the most regal genes in racing and the promising colt has given his novice trainer Harry Charlton reason to dream.
Named after a master horse trainer in the land of Mittani, dating back to 1350 BC, Kikkuli is a half-brother of Frankel.
Like the greatest flat horse of the 21st century, the three-year-old is owned by Juddmonte Farms and won his first race at Newmarket.
Ridden by Ryan Moore, he dug deep to put his head forward in the final stages of the seven-furlong maiden and Charlton, who took over the license at the historic Beckhampton Stables from his father Roger last autumn, was delighted.
While there are no immediate big plans for Kikkuli, Charlton is hopeful that there will come a time when some of the talent of the horse’s illustrious brother will come to the fore. Moore, his jockey, is convinced there is an engine in it.
Kikkulu has excellent genes as a half-brother of Frankel and is trained by Harry Charlton
Charlton admitted there is extra pressure given the colt’s excellent genes
“It’s great to have him,” Charlton said. “It brings a bit of extra pressure and we’ve tried to push that pressure away. But it means a lot for the family and for racing, so we are very happy.
‘He came here 27kg heavier than when he went to Newmarket for his debut last year, so there was just a fear of whether we would be fit. But he actually did a very good job. We were hoping we’d see that power come through in the final furlong. It was fun.
“He showed us he’s tough. We never asked him to show us how good he is. There is no immediate plan. Ryan said there’s something in it – bide your time. I don’t have any big plans, but Ryan was hopeful that we would get there. We have a good team.’