Reliable Man Adds to Stellar Group 1 Record

In Germany over the weekend, 3YO filly Erle secured her place in the spotlight by becoming the fourth Group 1 winner for Westbury Stud stallion Reliable Man with a decisive victory in the Gr1 Preis Der Diana (2200m) at Dusseldorf on Sunday. Trained by Maxim Pecheur, NZ Racing Desk reports that Erle followed up her win in the Gr3 Diana Trial (2000m) at Hoppegarten with a strong performance, pulling away in the final furlong to beat the fast-closing Spanish Eyes by a length. Bred and raced by renowned German breeders Gestut Rottgen, Erle gave Pecheur his first Group 1 win as a trainer, five years after he won the Preis Der Diana as a jockey. "Winning a Diana is indescribable. It's a huge compliment to the entire team," said Pecheur. Gestut Rottgen's Frank Dorff praised Erle's physical superiority, noting she was the highest-rated German horse in the race. Reliable Man, a son of Dalakhani, had a distinguished racing career with wins in the Gr1 Prix du Jockey Club (2100m) and Gr2 Prix Niel (2400m), as well as a notable victory in the Gr1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) in Australia. He now stands at Westbury Stud in New Zealand, having shuttled to Germany and France. Reliable Man's progeny include fellow Group 1 winners Miami Bound, Sentimental Miss, and Inspirational Girl. His service fee this season is $12,500 + GST.

Reliable Man now has four individual Gr1 winners (pic: westburystud.com)