ZOFFANY reached another landmark at the weekend when his son Ventura Storm provided him with his first Group 1 winner following his victory in the Gran Premio del Jockey Club at San Siro in Italy. The Richard Hannon-trained colt beat local runner Full Drago, with Andrew Balding’s Elbereth back in third place. It was good to see such a quality winner of this Italian Group 1 race and hopefully it will ensure it retains its status for next year.

Bred in Co Meath by Laurence Kennedy. Ventura Storm three times passed through the sale ring, purchased for €54,000 by Tally-Ho Stud as a foal, €50,000 by Grangebarry as a yearling (both times at Goffs) and 110,000gns as a two-year-old at the Tattersalls Breeze Up Sale by Peter and Ross Doyle Bloodstock. As well as being a Group 1 winner in Italy, he is a Group 3 winner in France, a dual listed winner in England and runner-up in the Group 1 St Leger at Doncaster.