AQHA MAGAZINE May / June 2020 AQHA May-June YB 2020 WEB LR | Page 41

PG.39
After starting two year olds for many
years, David had always wanted to send a
‘special 2yo’ to Warren, and felt confident
that NPH Gunner Be A Goodnite Q-91426
was the one.
‘I consider myself extremely lucky and
humbled to share in some of the great esteem
Warren has earned.’ David says. ‘He is such
a legend of an Australian horseman, so
finding and starting that 2yo for Warren to
go on to train and win a futurity has been a
long-term ambition.’
Warren was certainly not disappointed when
that ‘special 2yo’ arrived at Backhouse
Training Stables, and has nothing but good
words about Mike.’
‘Strength and maturity play a big part when
any horse arrives ready for training.’ Warren
states. ‘David Manchon did an excellent job
starting Mike, and the horse had never had
any pressure put on him. Because the colt was
brought along so steadily, he had a very good
mind set and great work ethics, all important
attributes. The only small challenge with
Mike is that he’s a very sensitive horse. I also
rode his dam, and she was a similar horse
to work with. We just adjusted our training
program with him, as we do with every new
horse, anyway. We treat each horse as an
individual.’
Warren Backhouse on NPH Gunner Be A Goodnite Q-91426
Photo by: Ken Anderson Equine Photography
Following his futurity success, Magic Mike
was rewarded with a well-deserved spell at
Trinity Ranch Stallion Station and, while
there, covered a group of proven mares
whose progeny the Manchons hope will be
seen in some well-known training stables, in
the future. Jane Manchon, an equine vet, is
proud to share her point of view on Mike, as
a stud.
‘We’re thrilled with how fertile the colt is.’
says Jane. ‘He has been a kind and lowmaintenance
stud to collect from and deal
with throughout the breeding season. His
semen has travelled Australia-wide with
great results. As owners, we’re still pinching
ourselves over Mike, as the ultimate
package.’
After the great start to his stud career, Mike
was sent back to Warren’s to commence
his ARBC campaign and the start to his
Derby years. Things were progressing to
plan until COVID-19 changed everything
for 2020. But with a keen and positive
outlook to move forward regardless, David
and Jane are excited to announce a lucrative
breeding incentive program for mares bred to
MAY/JUNE ISSUE ~ YEARBOOK 2020