Million-dollar trotter Damien wins career debut

by Thomas Hedlund

Three-year-old Damien (Muscle Hill—Danae), who was purchased by Brixton Medical AB for $1 million at the 2019 Lexington Selected Yearling Sale, won his career pari-mutuel debut on Tuesday (Oct. 26) for trainer Daniel Redén.

Stall Zet, Brixton Medical AB bought the full brother of Propulsion and left the horse in Marcus Melander’s barn, where Damien tried a qualification race in 2020. Some months into 2021, an agreement that resulted in a journey over the Atlantic Ocean was made between Melander and Redén and Damien has been trained at Redén’s farm in Sweden during the summer and fall.

The race debut was made in Eskilstuna in a $5,800 race and the Muscle Hill son solved the task without problems. Örjan Kihlström came to the lead after 650 meters and Damien more or less jogged in nice style towards a 2:03.2 (mile rate) over 1.3 miles.

Damien’s pedigree is without doubt interesting and Danae has proved to be a successful broodmare in America. Propulsion is well known, for many reasons and full sister Dream Together banked $893,046 during her career. D’Orsay (Yankee Glide—Danae) earned $450,683 and now the career has started for 3-year-old Damien.

New career for record-breaking filly

Björn Goop-trained Eagle Eye Cherry (Bold Eagle) became the most successful 3-year-old filly when she ended her season in 2020. Eagle Eye Cherry earned approximately $588,100 last year and she earned big trophies in the Oaks and Breeders Crown.

The 4-year-old Bold Eagle mare has now concluded her career with eight wins in 19 starts and total earnings of $719,000. According to Björn Goop’s website, Eagle Eye Cherry will be bred to Muscle Hill next year.