The Best of Bedford House

 

 

 

 

 

LUCA CUMANI has been responsible for training a host of Group winners - including many top-class stars - in his distinguished career. In the past two decades and the current one he has enjoyed Classic glory as well as saddling other Group 1 stars.

 

 

Below are some of the Cumani-trained big guns whose achievements have assured them a place in racing's history books - and Bedford House folklore. The edited text accompanying each picture comes from the excellent Timeform ‘Racehorses' annuals.

 

 

 

 
 

RACEHORSES OF 1988

 

 

Kahyasi - 1988 English and Irish Derby winner

     

 

Most of the horses trained at Bedford House are campaigned lightly, or not at all, as two-year-olds and patience has had its reward with some remarkable results as Cumani's career has burgeoned. Kahyasi…provided another example of Cumani's ability to improve a three-year-old rapidly.

 

 

 

 
 

RACEHORSES OF 1994

 

 

Barathea - 1994 Breeders' Cup Mile winner

   

It took a long time in 1994 before the waters cleared to reveal the European champion miler. Right up until the division's last important race…and that was in the United States. It was a great win to end a fine career and a timely one as far as the Cartier and Racegoers Club awards were concerned as Barathea was declared Horse Of The Year in both.

 

 

 

 
 

RACEHORSES OF 1998

 

 

High Rise - 1998 Derby winner

   
 

"High-Rise's annual rating put him at the top of the year's European middle-distance three-year-olds ahead of Sagamix, Royal Anthem, Dream Well and Tiger Hill." Timeform Racehorses of 1998.

   
     

Photo by Steven Cargill

 
 

RACEHORSES OF 1998

     
 

One So Wonderful - 1998 Juddmonte International Stakes winner

   
 

"One So Wonderful was a thoroughly genuine racemare. She stayed a mile-and-a-quarter and was not beholden to the state of the going." Timeform Racehorses of 1998.

   
     

Photo by Steven Cargill

 
 

RACEHORSES OF 2002

     
 

Gossamer - 2002 Irish 1000 Guineas winner

   
 

She ran out a clear-cut winner of the Irish One Thousand Guineas. Travelling strongly under restraint, Gossamer sprinted clear over a furlong out for a comfortable success by four-and-a-half lengths.

   
     

Photo by Steven Cargill

 
 

RACEHORSES OF 2003

     
 

Falbrav - 2003 Eclipse, Juddmonte, Queen Elizabeth II, Prix D'Ispahan, Hong Kong Cup winner

   
 

Falbrav's achievements in the latest season were a revelation, reflecting tremendous credit on those who worked with him, particularly trainer Luca Cumani.

   
         
 

RACEHORSES OF 2005

     
 

Starcraft - 2005 Queen Elizabeth II Stakes, Prix du Moulin winner

   
 

The tough and consistent Starcraft was versatile concerning both distance (effective at a mile to a mile and a half and going (acted on soft and good to firm), something which, coupled with his physique and ability should ensure him every opportunity to leave his imprint at stud.

   
     

Photo by Steven Cargill

 
 

Alkaased - 2005 Japan Cup, Grand Prix de St Cloud winner

   
 

Alkaased turned out to be a rare bargain, developing into a high-class performer and winning five more races, including two Group 1s , worth well over £1.5m. Alkaased (was) the first British-trained winner of the Japan Cup since 1997 and he was successful in a course-record time.