Darkness prevails in close finish at Lyon Parilly

The Haras de Bonneval-based sire Siyouni (Pivotal) sired his 38th stakes winner on Thursday as his son Darkness (2 c ex Kerila by Makfi) came out on top of a tight finish in the Criterium De Lyon (Listed, 1600m) at Lyon Parilly. 

The Jean-Claude Rouget-trained juvenile came into the race off the back of a fourth place finish in the Prix La Rochette (Gr 3, 1400m) and he stormed home to beat Euphoria (Sepoy) by a short-head, while Colosseo (Street Boss) was another neck away in third. 

The colt was purchased by Larrieu Gerard for €220,000 at the Arqana Deauville August Yearling Sale from the Haras du Cadran draft and he is out of dual winning Makfi (Dubawi) mare Kerila, who is herself a half-sister to Group 3 winner Keratiya (Iron Mask) and Listed scorer Kerasona (Oasis Dream). 

The colt’s third dam is Group 3 winner Keraka (Storm Bird), who is also the dam of Listed scorer Kermiyana (Green Desert) - the grandam of Listed-scoring duo Rocky Ground (Acclamation) and Karasiyra (Alhaarth). 

Meanwhile further back this is the same family as Cathay Lady (Exceed And Excel), who won the Belle of the Turf Stakes (Listed, 1600m) at Gosford in 2013 and New Zealand Listed winner Cutadeel (Dundeel). 

Siyouni is currently the leading sire in France by earnings and he stood at stud for a fee of €100,000 in 2020.