ANNIKE BYE HANSEN
Racehorse Trainer
annikebyehansen.com
Won Stockholm Stora Pris (G3)
Sensational win at 31-1
Admiral de Vega - an elite horse? You bet!
11 June 23: Admiral de Vega, who had shown glimpses of serious talent at home last year, broke through with a top class performance to win the Stockholm Stora Pris (G3) at Bro Park today. Going off at 31-1, he was completely overlooked in the betting, and as the field came into the straight that seemed to be about right. Admiral de Vega, who had dwelt from the start and raced a bit freely at the back through the first stages of the 1750 metres long contest, had a lot to do at that point. He was full of running, however, and Jacob Johansen guided him to a nice path by the inside rail, where he found racing room to work with. Admiral de Vega did the rest. He quickened past the leaders to hit the front shortly after the 200-metres marker and ran out an easy winner.
He was completely unchallenged passing the winning post. Good Fortune grabbed second narrowly, with the English raider Brave Emperor - a Group 3 winner in Germany last time out - back in third place. The placed horses finished in a bit of a heap, as they all surrendered to a vastly improved Admiral de Vega. So, there we are folks, while we are awaiting his stable companion Hard One To Please's return to action, Admiral de Vega steps up to the plate as a 'super sub'. In all probability, this horse is more than that - much more. In a little over 100 seconds, he went from being a good, very promising runner, to being an elite horse. GS
Takeko good fourth in Bloomers Vase
Like the rest, she could not handle the odds-on favourite Ascot Brass and she was also beaten by two others, but there were definitive positives to take from Takeko's fourth place finish in the Bloomers Vase (LR) at Bro Park. Unfortunately, there was also one negative; the start. Takeko was slowly away as the gates opened and jockey Jacob Johansen used up some energy to get her up to a prominent position, sitting in third spot as the leader - Mystic Night - entered the turn. Ascot Brass was lying in second. Takeko had every chance coming into the straight but tired a bit and was in the end beaten 1 1/4 lengths by Ascot Brass, who beat Mystic Night and the late charging Una Matina in a thrilling finish. The positives were that Takeko came much closer to winning than her ground loss at the start, and that she was also markedly closer to Ascot Brass than what was the case when they met in last year's Lanwades Stud Stakes (LR) - and Ascot Brass beat her by 3 1/2 lengths into third.
General de Vega failed to fire in the Bro Park Vårsprint and came home last, while the race was won by Lost Empire. General de Vega did eventually find an opening after a troubled run in the straight, but he did not pick up as we know he can and Jacob gave him a tender ride in the closing stages. This was his first start back after a long break. GS
Sensational win at 31-1
Admiral de Vega - an elite horse? You bet!
11 June 23: Admiral de Vega, who had shown glimpses of serious talent at home last year, broke through with a top class performance to win the Stockholm Stora Pris (G3) at Bro Park today. Going off at 31-1, he was completely overlooked in the betting, and as the field came into the straight that seemed to be about right. Admiral de Vega, who had dwelt from the start and raced a bit freely at the back through the first stages of the 1750 metres long contest, had a lot to do at that point. He was full of running, however, and Jacob Johansen guided him to a nice path by the inside rail, where he found racing room to work with. Admiral de Vega did the rest. He quickened past the leaders to hit the front shortly after the 200-metres marker and ran out an easy winner.
He was completely unchallenged passing the winning post. Good Fortune grabbed second narrowly, with the English raider Brave Emperor - a Group 3 winner in Germany last time out - back in third place. The placed horses finished in a bit of a heap, as they all surrendered to a vastly improved Admiral de Vega. So, there we are folks, while we are awaiting his stable companion Hard One To Please's return to action, Admiral de Vega steps up to the plate as a 'super sub'. In all probability, this horse is more than that - much more. In a little over 100 seconds, he went from being a good, very promising runner, to being an elite horse. GS
Takeko good fourth in Bloomers Vase
Like the rest, she could not handle the odds-on favourite Ascot Brass and she was also beaten by two others, but there were definitive positives to take from Takeko's fourth place finish in the Bloomers Vase (LR) at Bro Park. Unfortunately, there was also one negative; the start. Takeko was slowly away as the gates opened and jockey Jacob Johansen used up some energy to get her up to a prominent position, sitting in third spot as the leader - Mystic Night - entered the turn. Ascot Brass was lying in second. Takeko had every chance coming into the straight but tired a bit and was in the end beaten 1 1/4 lengths by Ascot Brass, who beat Mystic Night and the late charging Una Matina in a thrilling finish. The positives were that Takeko came much closer to winning than her ground loss at the start, and that she was also markedly closer to Ascot Brass than what was the case when they met in last year's Lanwades Stud Stakes (LR) - and Ascot Brass beat her by 3 1/2 lengths into third.
General de Vega failed to fire in the Bro Park Vårsprint and came home last, while the race was won by Lost Empire. General de Vega did eventually find an opening after a troubled run in the straight, but he did not pick up as we know he can and Jacob gave him a tender ride in the closing stages. This was his first start back after a long break. GS
Three wins at three
Admiral de Vega – seems on the right track
Admiral de Vega, yet another talented son of Lope de Vega, won three of his five races last year and those three wins have one thing in common; they were gained in events that have worked out tremendously well. While improving with each start, Admiral de Vega was beating horses that were either coming off career best efforts or moving onto career best efforts in their subsequent starts. Normally, it's easy to pick a hole or two in handicap races – not so when it came to those Admiral de Vega won. Nor the 3yo contest that set the ball rolling, for that matter. It was all rock solid, and who know what this four-year-old can achieve in 2023. There are no guarantees in this sport, and to say that he absolutely will continue improving at four would be folly, though it does appear likely that he will.
His first win was gained over 1600 metres over a good turf course in late July, when he just pipped fellow sophomore Let's Go Crazy in a close photo finish. Trent was 5 ½ lengths back in third place. This form stood up to inspection all right. Not only did Admiral de Vega win on his next two runs, so did Let's Go Crazy, picking up a couple of nice races at Bro Park.
Admiral de Vega became one of Annike's runners on what was to become a memorable Derby day, and he made his contribution by beating Harrier Hawk, Close To Perfect and Purple Ace in the competitive Sudost Handicap over 1600 metres. The race was worth 55.000 kroner to the winner. Admiral de Vega's final kick was impressive enough to start believing that he will one day be running for bigger purses. His runner-up had won his two preceding races and came to Derby day with a strong formline reading 6th, 1st, 2st, 1st, 1st. Close To Perfect went on to win next time out, while Purple Ace won his next two races.
Naturally, these two wins meant that Admiral de Vega would have to move up in class, though Annike wisely decided to stick to handicap company for his next outing, in the Victoria Prada Handicap over 1370 metres in September. Admiral de Vega won again, this time beating Herewegodandy by 1 ¾ lengths, with Miss Haven third and Intella fourth. The latter was the winner of the Norwegian 1.000 Guineas. Miss Haven went on to win the valuable Adalöpning in Sweden the following month, and Herewegodandy was coming off a win when meeting 'the Admiral' in the Victoria Prada.
Admiral de Vega was given a crack at a stakes event as his final outing at thre, and ran respectably to take third, beaten by Running Rolf and Chianti, in the Mischa Kahns Minneslöpning at Bro Park in October. That was on dirt, and whether he liked it or not is hard to say. His turf form has been so smart, however, and his turn of foot makes one to lean towards the belief that turf will always be his game. As they say; only time will tell. GS 022223
'Admiral' and 'Dream' both on fire
Nice Thursday double
08 Sep 22: It will happen, rest assured - a raceday without a win for Annike's team is bound to be a fact - though the form her horses are in right now it does not seem likely to happen anytime soon. It's been a remarkable season, with dream results from this small, but high quality stable. Undoubtedly one of the best in Scandinavia. This Thursday fixture produced another double, as Swedish Dream regained winning form by beating the Marit Sveaas (G3) runner-up Simply Minds over 1600 metres, and three-year-old Admiral de Vega followed up on his facile win on Derby day. He beat the in-form Herwegodandy (another Derby day winner) in a canter - and this son of Lope de Vega is looking better all the time. Geir Stabell
I Rest My Case to Breeders' Trophy Classic
Stall Ella's wonderful filly I Rest My Case - who enjoyed a stroll on Derby day - will get a class test when she runs in the Breeders' Trophy Classic at Bro Park on Sunday. Set for her first start away from home, she will meet 14 rivals over 1750 metres. The likely favourites are Danish Derby winner Titannia and Hear The Drums. Sandro De Pavia has been booked for I Rest My Case, who drew stall seven for the 2.4 million kronor contest. Bro Park racecard
Beat older horses on Derby day
Admiral de Vega takes next step up
21 Aug 22: Admiral de Vega contributed to a memorable Derby Day '22 by winning the Sudost Handicap, a 1600 metres contest where he was facing older horses in only his third career start. He justified favouritism by a nose verdict over Let's Go Crazy over this distance in July, and he moved up considerably here, beating the in-form Harrier Hawk easily by 2 1/4 lengths. Jacob Johansen, wisely booked for all of Annike's runners on the big day, enjoyed another easy ride. Harrier Hawk has won three races this season and he had won his last two going into the Sudost, while the third placed horse, Close To Perfection, is a runner who had showed good form when third behind We Got The Boss and Tambora Queen in July. Admiral de Vega is going the right way, no doubt about that.
Takeko, Youonlyliveonce
with game efforts in defeat
21 Aug 22: Takeko proved once more that she is one of the best fillies in Scandinavia by running second, beaten just three parts of a length by the race favourite, Iron Butterfly, in the Lanwades Stud Stakes (LR) on Derby day.
Youonlyliveonce, stepping in as a very useful sub for his absent stable companion General de Vega, was a 22-1 outsider in the Giant Sandman Polar Cup (LR) - and outran his odds to finish second, beaten only by Could Be King.
Broke his maiden on second start
Admiral de Vega off the mark
28 July 22: Admiral de Vega, ridden by Jacob Johansen broke his maiden at the second time of asking on this nice summer evening - providing yet another winner for one of the most in-form stables in Scandinavia.
Racing over 1600 metres on turf, he was a bit hesitant from the start but soon travelled well - a little bit too well actually, as he raced freely throughout the contest. He was fourth coming into the straight, and worked his way easily up to take the lead 200 metres from the winning post. Let's Go Crazy threw down a persitent challenge and there was only a head in it as they flashed past the winning post - though Admiral de Vega was always in control. He seemed to idle a bit in front and he has more learning to do, that's for sure. Once he settles, and understands more of what is required when you carry a number cloth, he could be a smart horse indeed. This form looks interesting. Let's Go Crazy and Trent, third home here, had run second and third in the Norwegian 2,000 Guineas - behind Hotline Bling, who was a good fifth to German star Rocchigiani in the Thoroughbred Stakes (G3) at Goodwood this week. That winner had previously run fifth in the prestigious Jersey Stakes (G2) at Royal Ascot. Admiral de Vega is a long way off Royal Ascot form of course, but it's nice to see formlines connecting our horsess to the cream of Europe giving positive signals. Comparing Admiral de Vega's run to the 4yo handicapper Harrier Hawk, who won over the same trip half an hour earlier, also augurs well. Admiral de Vega covered the 1600 metres 1.4 seconds faster than Harrier Hawk. That equals about seven lengths.
Youonlyliveonce ran a game race to finish second behind the in form Astron, who won for a third straight time, in the Giant Sandman Cup, while juvenile filly Take A Chill Pill went off favourite for the opening maiden event, though had to settle for fourth place behind Sid Game after showing good early speed before tiring late. She was not given a hard race. It was a promising debut run by the daughter of Evasive out of Perfect Spy (Nathaniel), a half-sister to River Tiber - a very useful turf miler who won at Ascot and Nad Al Sheba at four and five, having won a maiden for Aidan O'Brien in Ireland at three. GS
Guineas placed rivals outpointed
New arrival at Skoganstallen
Admiral de Vega – unraced Lope de Vega son
10 Nov 21: Väsby Häst AB secured an interesting recruit to Annike's team at the Tattersalls Horses in Training Sales in Newmarket last month, getting the final bid for Aljasur, a smart looking two-year-old son of Lope de Vega, the sire of Väsby Häst's high class sprinter General de Vega. This unraced colt, who has been renamed to Admiral de Vega, comes from a good Shadwell Stud family.
His dam, a well bred Dansili daughter named Ashaaqah, was trained by John Hammond in France, but never got much of a career. She ran twice as a three-year-old, finishing unplaced over 2,400 metres at Clairefontaine and over 2,000 metres at Compiegne. Sent to stud, Ashaaqah has made a much better impact as a broodmare. Prior to giving birth to Aljasur, she produced three useful winners, all by top notch stallions. Her daughter by Dubawi, Mahaarat, went into training with Sir Michael Stoute in England and won a Novice Stakes over a mile at Kempton Park as a juvenile, before being exported to Qatar, where she has also won. Mahaarat gained handicap 84 at best in England. Her half-brother Madeeh, a gelded son of Oasis Dream, is a prolific winner still in training in England, where he is being handled by Philip Kirby. Madeeh has captured seven races to date. At his peak he has been rated on 89 by the handicappers, and he racked up four consecutive wins over 12.5 furlongs at Newcastle in February / March this year. Finally, Ashaaqah is also the dam of a nice Kingman filly called Areehaa, trained by Gary Moore. Found worthy of 82 on the official handicap in England, she won a Novice Stakes over a mile at Chelmsford as a three-year-old in 2020, and she ran second in a good 7-furlong handicap at Newmarket this autumn. Also part of the well publicised Shadwell dispersal, Areehaa is set to go through the ring at the upcoming December Sales in Newmarket.
Admiral de Vega's second dam, Kareemah, a daughter of the brilliant Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe winner Peintre Celebre, raced in France – winning the the Prix Charles Laffitte (LR) over 2,000 metres at Chantilly as a three-year-old. Like Ashaaqah, she was also trained by Hammond. She comes from a family full of winners, one of the best known being her half-sister Lahudood, who won the Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Turf (G1) at Monmouth Park and Flower Bowl Invitational (G1) at Belmont Park, after having landed three Group races in France. This is also the family on the unbeaten champion miler Baaeed, winner of this year's Queen Elizabeth II Stakes (G1) and Prix de Moulin de Longchamp (G1). GS