The success of Churchfield Syd in last weekend’s Ladbrokes Gold Cup was not just a huge win for the Richard Rees kennel, it was also a feather in the cap for his breeder George Hickey.
Although Hickey “sold him to a Cork man as a sapling” those early weeks can make or break a pup. A pup. that does not get the finest start in life is always facing an uphill battle.
From an early stage it was clear that this dog had a chance of being a strong performer, ” Syd always ticked the boxes as in his temperament physical attributes.” With the Richard Rees kennel, the dog has excelled.
Millbank Jade – The Dam of Churchfield Syd
Son Tony with Baby Jade, a litter sister to Churchfield Syd.
“I bought the dam, Millbank Jade at 15 weeks from a breeder in Waterford as I loved the line of Market Glory and Newinn Expert. It’s one of the best lines in Ireland, I’m always on the look out for pups with top pedigrees”
She has proven to be an astute purchase. She won a couple of races at Limerick, including in 28.74 but it has been as a brood that she has excelled.
Her first litter to Droopys Sydney contains the aforementioned Churchfield Syd, multiple Category One winner and Derby finalist. Over the last 12 months he has proven himself to be one of the top performing four bend dogs in the country. Also in the litter is six-time open race winner Westfield Bullet who has a 15.61 at Towcester to his credit.
“Jades second litter to Burgess Bucks has produced Millbank Boiler who is one of the fastest pups in the UK.” A small measure of pride that Jade’s first litter was not just a one off. Boiler is with Gemma Evans and already has open race wins at Romford, Monmore and Yarmouth on his card within just eight starts.
“I left Jade off in her last season just to give her a break. She’s due her season very shortly and I’ve not fully decided who to use yet, still studying this. It will probably be a son of the great Sydney which will obviously give plenty of options.”
Hickey does not look to expand too much though. “I keep a select few top class broods which is half the battle and then give them the very best of everything in rearing as in attention to detail in feeding, exercise and the best of care.”
Any other broods to look out for?
Daughter Georgia with Millbank Peach
“I also have Millbank Peach who is a repeat mating to Jade. She is actually in pup and due in two weeks time to Droopys Got It.” Peach was an 11 time open race winner on the track, winning at Central Park, Crayford, Romford and Towcester.
“We have Millbank Chosen, the 2022 Cork Oaks winner in 28.26. She’s a top bitch. Her first litter to Malachi are 11 months now but we also have her next litter who are 15 weeks, by Ballymac Cashout.”
“Then we have two others broods, Millbank Marcela – A Kent St Leger finalist and 874m open winner. We acquired Soul Spirit recently, she’s from the same line as the Con Kirby winner, Knockeen Dazzler. A very fast bitch with a top pedigree, she has real potential in the breeding paddocks.” She is a litter sister to Burj Khalifa who open race fans in England will know well.
How does Hickey view his future?
Daughter Leah helping out with the pups.
“My dream and plan is to produce, rear and school approximately five litters annually. I enjoy seeing them growing with all the freedom of 10 acres and hope to turn then into Classic winning dogs but whatever level they end up, we still continue to follow and love them.
How does Hickey decide what he produces? “I look at stud dogs stamina, early pace, size, temperament, has there been a cross already in bloodlines previous and basically breed to best & hope for the best.” It’s a simple enough ethos on paper but anyone who has done it in practise knows how hard it can be.
It is a family operation, the kids are involved and the education of the next generation has never been more important to the sport than it is now. While the Millbank prefix still has a way to go when it comes to instant recognition, the quality of work that is going into producing pups is unquestionable.
The old saying goes you get out what you put in. Hickey has put plenty in and Category One winners are coming out. That’s the perfect formula for continued success.
