and becomes the 3rd Groupwinner in the last 10 days for Stauffenberg Bloodstock
SYMBOL OF HONOUR produced a top-class performance at Newbury today, taking the Gr. 3 Hackwood Stakes over six furlongs in the Godolphin blue.
Ridden with confidence by William Buick, the four-year-old took command two furlongs from home and stayed on strongly to score by a length and a quarter. Trained by Charlie Appleby, the son of Havana Grey out of Arcamist was returning to the course and distance where he had already enjoyed Stakes success, and he confirmed once again what a high-class and durable sprinter he is.
Bred by Whitsbury Manor Stud, SYMBOL OF HONOUR was pinhooked by STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK for 250,000 guineas at the Tattersalls December Foal Sale. Raised and prepared at their farm at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN, he was resold ten months later at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1 for 600,000 guineas to Godolphin.
It is immensely rewarding to see a horse we liked from the first moment we saw him continue to perform at this level. A further Group victory for SYMBOL OF HONOUR underlines not only his exceptional ability, but also the value of patience, development and giving a quality young horse every chance to fulfil his potential.
The results achieved by the graduates of STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK continue to underline the importance of quality, individual care and a long-term approach to developing thoroughbreds.
Across the 2021 to 2023 crops, an average of 26.5% have already become Black Type performers. These figures are particularly encouraging given the deliberately selective and relatively small number of horses raised at Itlingen each year.
The 2023 crop, now three-year-olds, is proving especially exceptional. 7 of its 18 members — an outstanding 39% — are already Black Type horses. It is a remarkable return at this stage of their careers and a powerful indication of the depth of quality within the crop.
The headline horse is undoubtedly MALTESE CROSS. Pinhooked by STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK and raised at their farm at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN, the son of Sea The Stars first produced a sensational performance when finishing second in the Betfred Derby, Gr.1 at Epsom. He has now taken that promise to another level, producing a courageous, top-class display to win the Gr. 1 Grand Prix de Paris at ParisLongchamp. His rise has been an extraordinary moment for everyone connected with the operation.
SALONGLAENZENDE , prepped and consigned by STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK became a new Stakes winner for this generation as well with her emphatic victory in the BBAG Diana Trial at Mülheim, L.. Other Black Type Performer from the 2023 crop are ALARMING, GIORGIA, NOBLE LIPS, RIDERINTHESKY and STIMULATIVE TRIP.
The strength of the 2026 results, however, extends well beyond the 2023 generation. FLORA OF BERMUDA, another STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK pinhook raised and prepared at their farm at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN, has added both the Ellen Chaloner Stakes, L. at Newmarket and the Summer Stakes, Gr.3 at York to her outstanding record.
SANTAGADA, who went through the yearling prep of the team, has again demonstrated her class and consistency, opening her season with victory in the Hannoverscher Stutenpreis, L. before producing another excellent performance to finish second in the Grosser Hansa Preis, Gr.2 at Hamburg, while fellow graduate WIKINGER added another Listed success for the operation in the Casino Baden-Baden Silberne Peitsche, L..
These achievements are the result of a philosophy which has always placed quality ahead of quantity. With a carefully managed number of horses, our aim is to provide every individual with the attention, time and environment required to develop into the best athlete it can be.
a fantastic result result for our operation
MALTESE CROSS gave STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK one of their proudest moments when producing a courageous, top-class performance to win the Cygames Grand Prix de Paris, Gr.1, at ParisLongchamp.
In a thrilling finish over 2,400 metres, Tom Marquand found the vital gap at exactly the right moment and MALTESE CROSS showed all the determination and class that have marked his career to date. The William Haggas-trained son of SEA THE STARS fought his way to the front to win by a head for owner George Waud.
Already winner of the Lingfield Derby Trial, L. and such a gallant second in the Betfred Derby. Gr.1 at Epsom, MALTESE CROSS has now turned Classic promise into Group 1 success. It was a victory earned the hard way—and one which makes it all the more memorable.
Bred in France by Ecurie du Sud and Ecurie Gribomont, Maltese Cross was bought as a STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK pinhook at Arqana December and raised and prepped at their farm at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN before beimh consigned and sold at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sales to Hurworth Bloodstock on behalf of his owner.
From the initial judgement to buy him, through the daily care, patience and preparation required to allow a young horse to thrive, his journey represents exactly what our operation seeks to achieve.
To see a horse we believed in at such an early stage win a Group 1 is a tremendous reward for everyone involved: his breeders, owner George Waud, trainer William Haggas and his team, our partners, and the team at STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK.
MALTESE CROSS is a wonderful advertisement for our model—and a reminder that, with the right horse, the right people and a great deal of commitment, the journey from young prospect to Group 1 winner can become reality.
another Black Type winning graduate of Stauffenberg Bloodstock
STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK graduate SALONGLAENZENDE produced an emphatic performance at Mülheim on Sunday, running out an easy 3¾-length winner of the €30,000 BBAG Diana Trial, L. over 2,000 metres.
Ridden by David Liska for trainer Pavel Vovcenko, the three-year-old daughter of GLENEAGLES out of SALONLOVE defeated Aida decisively and confirmed herself as an exciting contender for the Preis der Diana, Gr.1, the German Oaks. The Mülheim contest was the final trial for the Classic, which will be staged at Düsseldorf on 2 August.
Bred and owned by Gestüt Wittekindshof, SALONGLAENZENDE is the first foal out of the Listed-winning mare SALONLOVE. She was prepared at our stud farm at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN and consigned by STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK at the Goffs Orby Sale. Retained by her breeder when she did not sell, she had already advertised her ability with a decisive maiden victory at Dortmund as a two-year-old. She has now taken the important next step by becoming a Listed winner and securing valuable Black Type for her family.
Her story is particularly rewarding for us because it underlines that the true value of professional sales preparation is not measured by the auction result alone. Our objective is to present every young horse in the best possible physical and mental condition, giving it the foundation to continue developing and fulfil its potential on the racecourse.
SALONGLAENZENDE is another compelling endorsement of that work—and another Stakes winner to emerge from a STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK sales prep.
Congratulations to Gestüt Wittekindshof, Pavel Vovcenko, David Liska and everyone involved with this talented filly. We look forward to following her at the German Oaks at Düsseldorf.
FLORA OF BERMUDA (Dark Angel – Dubai Power) added another memorable chapter to her story with a deserved victory in the Summer Stakes, Gr.3 at York. Now racing in the colours of Wathnan Racing, she once again displayed the toughness, class and determination that have made her such an admirable mare.
For all of us at STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK, this success is especially rewarding. FLORA OF BERMUDA was pinhooked by STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK, purchased for €60,000 at the Goffs November Foal Sale, raised and prepped on our farm at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN and sold to Longways Stables at the Arqana August Yearling Sale in Deauville for €52.500.
We always believed in her. She was never the biggest filly, but from the outset she possessed the qualities that matter most — class, toughness and a tremendous attitude. In fact, we had to persuade Longways Stables to buy her at Arqana, because we were convinced that she had all the makings of a very special filly.
After her rather bad yearling sale, she continued her journey through the market in the best possible fashion, being resold for GBP 340,000 at the Breeze Up Sales. By then, nobody was concerned anymore about her size, because she had shown exactly what counted: quality, grit and real determination. Those characteristics have defined her throughout her career and were once again very much in evidence in this latest Group success.
FLORA OF BERMUDA has never stopped giving her all. She is not only a very good mare, but above all a remarkably genuine and tough one. Time and again she has shown her fighting spirit against top-class opposition, and this latest victory was another thoroughly deserved reward for her consistency and courage.
To see a filly you have bought, raised and sold go on to achieve results like this is what makes this business so special. FLORA OF BERMUDA has been a wonderful representative of our programme, and we could not be happier to see her add another important Group success to her record.
Congratulations to Wathnan Racing, Andrew Balding, and all connections on this excellent victory.
IN THE BLACK became the latest two-year-old winner to emerge from the STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK pinhooking programme when scoring on debut at Carlisle.
The grey daughter of Havana Grey, out of the Showcasing mare Showstoppa, made a successful racecourse debut over five furlongs. Trained by Geoff Oldroyd and ridden by P. J. McDonald, she still looked very green throughout the race, but showed both natural ability and a willing attitude to overcome her inexperience and get the job done.
Racing for Bond Thoroughbred Limited, IN THE BLACK displayed plenty of raw talent and should be entitled to improve considerably from the experience.
In The Black was pinhooked by STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK – purchased at the Tattersalls December Foal Sales and sold at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1. Her debut success adds another smart juvenile result to a strong season for STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK graduates and underlines once again the quality and consistency of the operation’s pinhooking programme.
ABACUS opened his account in style at Baden-Baden on Sunday, winning the das neue welle Auftaktrennen over 2,400m and becoming another successful graduate for STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK.
The three-year-old son of TEOFILO, carried the colours of Liberty Racing 2024 Platin and is trained by Sarah Steinberg. Ridden by Rene Piechulek, ABACUS showed a determined attitude in the closing stages, to score by three quarters of a length.
It was a well-deserved first success for ABACUS at one of Germany’s most prestigious racecourses and is another pleasing result for the team and a rewarding moment for all connections.
The Baden-Baden meeting also produced a major highlight through WIKINGER, who became another Stakes winner for STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK with victory in the Listed Casino Baden-Baden Silberne Peitsche over 1,200m.
The son of TEN SOVEREIGNS, trained by Henk Grewe for Cometica AG and ridden by Thore Hammer-Hansen, produced a powerful late run to win the sprint feature, defeating War Bride and Bacarda in a thrilling finish.
Bred by Gestüt Höny-Hof, Wikinger has long shown an affinity for Baden-Baden, where he had already won the valuable Ferdinand Leisten Memorial as a 2yo. Now, with a Listed victory to his name, he has added valuable Black Type success .
Both were prepped by STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK at their farm at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN and consigned and sold at the BBAG Yearling Sale.
Congratulations to the owners, trainers, jockeys and all connections on a very successful day at Baden-Baden.
A remarkable moment for Stauffenberg Bloodstock as Maltese Cross finishes second in the 2026 Betfred Derby
MALTESE CROSS produced a phantastic performance in the 2026 Betfred Derby at Epsom, finishing a magnificent second behind Christmas Day in one of the world’s most prestigious Flat races. Although victory ultimately went to the Aidan O’Brien-trained winner, MALTESE CROSS’s runner-up finish represents an outstanding achievement and a truly special moment for the whole team at STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK.
The 2026 Betfred Derby was won by Christmas Day, ridden by Ronan Whelan and trained by Aidan O’Brien, with MALTESE CROSS taking second place and James J Braddock finishing third in a race run in demanding conditions at Epsom Downs. MALTESE CROSS is owned by Hollywood producer George Waud, trained by William Haggas in Newmarket and was ridden by Tom Marquand.
For STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK, the result was far more than just a placing. It was the culmination of a remarkable journey with a colt who had already shown Classic potential when winning the Lingfield Derby Trial and earning his place in the Derby field. MALTESE CROSS, a son of SEA THE STARSs out of NABATEA by CAMELOT, had been bought by STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK as a foal at Arqana for €200,000, raised at their farm at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN and later consigned and sold as a yearling at Tattersalls Book 1 for 350,000 guineas to Hurworth Bloodstock on behalf of his connections — a story that underlines the strength of the STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK programme and its ability to identify and develop top-class talent.
Belle Of The Ball provided Stauffenberg Bloodstock with the perfect start to the 2026 two-year-old season when winning at Cork
Pinhooked by STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK, the daughter of Mohaather became our first two-year-old runner of 2026 — and our first two-year-old winner of the year — with an impressive success in the Irish EBF Median Sires Series Maiden over five furlongs.
Trained by Mrs John Harrington and ridden by Shane Foley, BELLE OF THE BALL showed plenty of natural speed and professionalism. Sent off 3/1 joint-favourite, she led from the stalls, travelled strongly, and kept on powerfully in the closing stages to score by four lengths.
BELLE OF THE BALL is a filly by Mohaather out of Edelmira, by Peintre Celebre. She had shaped with promise on debut at the Curragh earlier this month and took a major step forward at Cork, confirming the early speed and quality she had shown at home.
Bred by Piercetown Stud & Tactful Finance, BELLE OF THE BALL was purchased by STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK as a foal at the 2024 Goffs November Foal Sale , raised and prepped at their farm at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN before being offered at Goffs Orby Book 1 the following year through longtime ally Abbeville Stud. Her Cork victory is an exciting early result for our 2026 juvenile crop and a rewarding moment for the team behind her.
Congratulations to her owners OMEGA Racing, Belle Morris & Russell B Jones JR, trainer Jessie Harrington, jockey Shane Foley, and all connected with BELLE OF THE BALL.
LONDON (Lord of England – La Reine Noir) foaled the last foal of the Breeding Season 2026 at our farm at SCHLOSSGUT ITLINGEN – a filly by MODERN GAMES. LONDON is bred and owned by GRAF UND GRÄFIN STAUFFENBERG and a sister to Gr.1 placed LADY MARY. She was sold at the BBAG Yearling Sales to Jeremy Brummit on behalf of Quantum Leap Racing and was placed in the UK. After her racing career she was sourced by STAUFFENBERG BLOODSTOCK and brought back home where she delivered now her first foal.
