The 2022-23 racing season delivered more than 70 wins for Pencarrow Stud, highlighted by an Australian Group One triumph by star three-year-old Dunkel (NZ) (Dundeel ex Kudamm).

Trained by Patrick Payne in Victoria, Dunkel was a debut winner at Moonee Valley in October, rising to prominence in Tasmania through the summer months with brilliant come-from-behind wins in the Listed Launceston Guineas and Tasmanian Derby.

His pinnacle came in Adelaide in May, charging home from near the tail of the field to score an exceptional victory in the Group One South Australian Derby.

"It’s very special,” said part-owner Brendan Danaher.

“All credit to Patrick Payne, a fantastic training job he’s done with this horse.”

“He’s got that killer instinct and every horse out there he wants to pass it,” added his jockey Billy Egan.

Dunkel’s dam Kudamm (Cape Cross) has had five runners for five winners.

Dunkel was one of seven stakes performers for Pencarrow during the 2022-23 season.

One of the most exciting young prospects in that group is the undefeated filly Zourion (NZ) (Zoustar ex Irion), who was knocked-down to Te Akau Racing’s David Ellis from Book 1 of Karaka 2022.

Racing in the colours of Brendan and Jo Lindsay, Zourion raced twice in her two-year-old season and recorded two sparkling victories. The second of those was the Group Two Matamata Breeders’ Stakes, where she overcame a slow start to win with ease. The third-placed Pignan (NZ) (Staphanos), who is out of Pencarrow-bred mare Hirondelle, won at Group One level in her next start.

Zourion’s half-sister, Pearl of Alsace (NZ) (Tavistock), also won at black-type level last season, taking out the Group Three Cuddle Stakes, and placed fourth at her next start in the Group One NZ Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes.

Irion (NZ) (Danroad ex Dopff), who herself scored four wins from 19 starts and placed third in the Group Two Rich Hill Mile, has had three runners for three winners, including two at stakes level. Her latest progeny include a yearling filly by Super Seth and is expected to foal another by Super Seth soon.

The Mark Walker-trained Mehzebeen (NZ) (Almanzor ex Salkantay), enjoyed a breakthrough season. She was secured by Sarai Stud from Book 1 of Karaka 2021.

Mehzebeen was a maiden winner at Awapuni in early March, and less than three weeks later she stepped up to the elite level and ran second behind Pennyweka in the Group One New Zealand Oaks. Mehzebeen’s full brother, now named Lovely Friends, was purchased by Jamie Richards Racing and Andrew Williams Bloodstock at the 2022 Ready to Run Sale from Ohukia Lodge for NZ$475,000.

Kazalark (NZ) (Vadamos ex Skywards) was another graduate of Pencarrow’s Book 1 draft at Karaka 2021. He caught the eye of Mulcaster Bloodstock and Chris Waller Racing, who purchased him for $115,000. From just four starts so far, Kazalark has recorded a win at Hawkesbury and a second placing in the Group Three Spring Stakes at Newcastle. Skywards has a yearling colt on the ground by King’s Legacy.

Meanwhile, Pencarrow-bred Warsaw (NZ) (Vadamos ex Stanica) who has one win in his five-start career, also finished third in the Group Two Avondale Guineas in February before a creditable midfield finish in the Group One New Zealand Derby.

Another notable performer during the 2022-23 season was Stonybreck (Tavistock ex Fair Isle), who David Ellis purchased for $20,000 from Karaka 2021. From 10 starts, Stonybreck has recorded four wins and three placings.

“He was a bargain from a really good Pencarrow Stud family of Sir Peter Vela, and is beautifully bred,” Ellis said.

“We were so taken with him that I went back the following year, in 2022, and bought his half-sister by the Triple Crown winner Justify.”

Stonybreck’s dam, Fair Isle, is the dam of three winners from five foals including Zacouver, Far and Away, and Stonybreck. Star of Justice (Justify) is an unraced two-year-old.

Pencarrow’s stellar Karaka 2021 draft of 30 yearlings has so far produced 13 winners, including three at black-type level.

Additional Pencarrow success from the past season includes Opito Ballerina, Treaty of Paris, Jay Bee Gee, Irish Butterfly, Two Million, Toa Haka, Stella Splendida, Churchillian, Tavi Time and more. For the full list of Pencarrow graduate results, click here.