A weekend of elite racing in Italy and Sweden confirmed the enduring influence of Ready Cash, whose lineage, led by Face Time Bourbon, swept Group 1 honors in two countries.
In Modena, Italy, First Of Mind and Funny Gio, both sired by Face Time Bourbon, delivered standout performances to capture the open and mare divisions of the prestigious Gran Premio Unione Europea. Trained by Alessandro Gocciadoro, First Of Mind powered to victory in 1:55.1f (mile rate) securing the lion’s share of a €154,000 purse. Stablemate Funny Gio followed suit in the mare division, stopping the clock at 1:54.1f to collect the winner’s share of the total purse of €66,000.
Meanwhile, in Sweden, Face Time Bourbon’s progeny continued to assert dominance. Wise Guy driven by Per Nordström, overcame a wide trip to secure the E3 Final for colts at Färjestad. The 3-year-old colt – fresh off a world-record performance at Solvalla – cruised home in 1:57.1f over the 2,140-meter (1 5/16-mile) distance, bagging 1.5 million SEK (approx. $160,000 USD) in the process.
The filly division proved equally thrilling. Kobra Brick, daughter of Readly Express (he sired by Ready Cash) and trained by Petri Salmela, surged to victory under Mika Forss in 1:56.1, matching the colts’ prize money with her own SEK 1.5 million payday.
Though Ready Cash is no longer with us, his genetic legacy – especially through Face Time Bourbon – continues to redefine European trotting.