When Teofilo first stepped onto the racecourse in the July of his juvenile year, his head victory in the seven-furlong maiden may not have given much of a clue as to what a superstar he was to become, but was nevertheless described as a 'horse with a big future' by the Racing Post the next day.
Stepping up to Stakes company just two weeks later, the Jim Bolger-trained colt could not have been more impressive, easing clear of his rivals (who included two colts who gained places at the previous month's Royal Ascot meeting) to land the Listed Tyros Stakes by nearly two lengths.
Teofilo cemented his position as one of the year's premier two-year-olds the following month, when putting up a determined performance to take the G2 Futurity Stakes and secure his place in Ireland's top G1 for two-year-olds, the National Stakes.
Run over a mile at the Curragh, this prestigious race has seen the likes of El Prado (sire of Medaglia d'Oro), Dubawi and George Washington pass the post first and Teofilo put up his most impressive performance yet to add his name to the winners' list. Settled in second position, Teofilo took over from his pacemaker two furlongs out and showed a devastating turn of foot that saw him spring clear of Holy Roman Emperor (who had previously won the Phoenix Stakes) and win emphatically by a length and three quarters.
Trainer Jim Bolger could have quite understandably rounded off Teofilo's campaign there and then but instead chose to travel him to the UK to contest Europe's premier juvenile contest - the Darley Dewhurst Stakes - where he would aim to follow in the footsteps of the great Nijinsky, Zafonic and fellow Darley stallion Shamardal (who had won this race two years earlier).
Sent off the odds-on favourite, a fact that was in itself astounding considering the strength of the field, Teofilo was soon in touch, despite being slowly away. Beginning his run two furlongs out, Teofilo took the lead entering the final furlong just as old rival Holy Roman Emperor began to make his move. A tremendous battle ensued and headed close to home, Teofilo dug in deep, lengthening his stride to cross the line a head in front.
Sadly this was to be the last time the European Champion two-year-old graced the racecourse, with injury preventing him from contesting the Classics the following year and Teofilo was retired to Darley's Kildangan Stud.
Teofilo is already off to a flying start in his new career, having been crowned leading first-season sire at last year's foal sales - where he recorded an outstanding average of €105,000.
This year, however, he has further excelled himself - even at this early stage of the sales season. At the recent Arqana Deauville Sale, he was once again the leading first-season sire, averaging €190,000 - no mean feat in today's tough market conditions.
His top price, which also topped the second day's trading, was €400,000, paid by Sir Robert Ogden for his filly out of G1 producer Delicieuse Lady.
With Teofilo well-represented at the remainder of the season's yearling sales hopes are high that this hugely talented racehorse, named after an Olympic boxing champion, will continue to be a big hitter among Europe's young stallions.
For full details of his yearlings due to be offered at the major European Sales, please visit our dedicated microsite: www.thewonderfulones.com
