Sunderland Holding to Sponsor Pretty Polly
Description:
Sunderland Holding Inc., the company of the Hong Kong-based Tsui family, owner of 2009 European Horse of the Year Sea The Stars, has agreed to sponsor the Pretty Polly Stakes (Ire-I), scheduled for June 28 at the Curragh.
Total purse money for 1 1/4-mile contest for fillies and mares will be €250,000, an increase of €50,000 from 2014, ensuring the race continues to be one of the most valuable of it's kind in Europe.
First run in 1947, the Pretty Polly Stakes is named to honor the great 20th century filly, a two-time English champion and classic winner. Recent previous winners include Dar Re Mi, Dance Design, and Alexander Goldrun, while the Roger Charlton-trained Thistle Bird landed the race last year.
"We are delighted to be able to support such a prestigious race for fillies," said Ling Tsui, on behalf of Sunderland Holding. "As Urban Sea, our wonderful mare, gave us such a great interest in racing and breeding, most especially in Ireland, we feel that it is apt that our first racing sponsorship is at the headquarters of Irish racing and close to the home of our stallions Sea The Stars and Born To Sea."
Sea The Stars ran in the name of Christopher Tsui and was victorious in six group I races in as many months in 2009, including the Epsom Derby, the Irish Champion Stakes, and the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe.
The Tsui family is a long time supporter of breeding and racing in Ireland. They were the owners of Urban Sea, who raced in the name of Christophes Tsui's father, David Tsui, and carried his colors to victory in the 1993 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. Subsequent to her relocation to Ireland, Urban Sea has gained immortality as the dam of Galileo, by Sadler's Wells, and Sea The Stars, by Cape Cross. Now her family and descendants are having a profound impact on Thoroughbred breeding. Sea the Stars stands at Gilltown Stud, alongside his brother, Born To Sea, by Invincible Spirit.