Conscript is a colt we’ve always held in high regard, and it was hugely rewarding to see him make a winning return at Ffos Las this summer, scoring impressively after a 405-day absence. It was a fantastic result for his owners and a testament to the patience, care, and skill of Clive Cox and his team, whose expert handling has allowed him to return stronger and ready to fulfil his early promise.
We purchased Conscript for €75,000 at the Tattersalls Ireland September Yearling Sale — a venue that has proven particularly fruitful for Kennet Valley, producing the likes of Sir Busker, Flashcard, and Fast Society. Clive Cox was especially taken with him at the sale, having trained our high-class juvenile Dragon Leader the previous season.
By Soldier’s Call, an exciting young sire and top-class two-year-old himself — winner of the Windsor Castle Stakes at Royal Ascot and the Group 2 Flying Childers — Conscript comes from a sharp and proven sprinting line. Soldier’s Call has already sired Group performers such as Dawn Charger and continues to make a promising impression with his early crops.
Conscript’s dam, Dundel’s Spirit, is by Invincible Spirit (also the broodmare sire of our smart sprinter Equality) and has already produced the speedy Listed winner Isaan Queen. She is a half-sister to two high-class juveniles: Charlotte O’Fraise, Group 3 Prix de Calvados winner, and Luck Money, winner of the Goffs Million and placed in the Group 2 Coventry Stakes. This deep family also traces back to the outstanding sire Dubawi.
Conscript made a highly encouraging debut at Haydock last June, finishing a close third, but subsequent setbacks kept him off the track for over a year. In hindsight, that time may have proved a blessing in disguise, allowing him to grow and strengthen. Returning in spectacular fashion at Ffos Las, he delivered one of the season’s most heart-warming moments. Unfortunately, he was struck into during the race, leading to another enforced break, but he remains an exciting prospect, especially for valuable three-year-old handicaps this winter.
