After reading your write-up on Ravenscraig last week I thought you would be interested to know the story behind Ravenscraig. By the way, Ravenscraig was not bought at the yearling sales. Five years ago at the July Sales in Durban Mr. Carlisle purchased Rebel Patriot (Exclusive Patriot/Rebel Qui), a first foal. Rebel Patriot is now a 5 time winner and has given all a lot of fun.

On the day of the Kildaragh Dispersal Sale the Carlisle family were watching a South African cricket match which was going horribly wrong for South Africa. To escape the cricket off they went to Kildaragh - up for sale came Rebel Qui and a Muhtaful foal. (Ravencraig!) Mr. Carlisle purchased both. Now about the mare. Rebel Qui is now at Summerhill. Her second foal - Polish Patriot (a full sister to Rebel Patriot) was also a 4 or 5 time winner and was trained in Johannesburg. The next foal by Spaceship (2000) also went to Johannesburg and we do not know any more. Next foal was, of course, Ravenscraig. Last year`s foal, a colt by Winter Romance, `The Howard` and this year a foal by Deep Sleep. Both these foals are owned by the Carlisles. Rebel Patriot has story of his own. In 2001/2002 , already a winner, he had a very serious tendon injury and was off the track for an extended period. He came back fit and won again. Then, just before the last Equine flu outbreak, he was on the point of being retired, but with the ban on the movement of horses Duncan Howells decided to keep him in training and he has won again since!! Perhaps you could have given Duncan Howells credit for his training successes, especially recently.  Do hope you enjoy a little news on the background of the horses .

Elaine Ferrie