Anyone in the USA would have been reminded with the running of the Preakness Stakes about how big the Triple Crown is in the American psyche. Given the turmoil in that country, the result of the first two legs were a tonic to a nation crying out for some good news.

Those in Kentucky would have been struck by another phenomenon: the pervasive influence of the reigning "emperor" of A.P. Indy. Every major farm stands at least one of his sons or grandsons and while his fame rested initially on classic types, these days the tribe is running short and long, on the grass or dirt and they’re flying on the polytrack as well.

The earner of close to $1,5 million in his own right, A.P. Arrow is a brother to fellow millionaire and multiple Grade 1 winner Geri and another Stakes winner. His dam is a daughter of Mr Prospector, the most successful broodmare sire in USA history, and she’s a three-quarter sister to many times Champion South American stallion Hussonet.

Mick Goss, speaking from Summerhill’s base in Mooi River, said the now deceased Camden Park’s instant success with two Grade 1 winners in his first two crops in South Africa, makes a compelling case for A.P. Indy.

Goss opined: "We’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this for several years. Knowing that Barry Irwin, for whom I have the highest regard, had valued him at several million dollars (and then some) a short while back, when A.P. Arrow came into range, it was a chance we had to take.

"It was only the current financial crunch in the USA that made him reachable and while we still had to 'mortgage the farm' to get him, we wouldn’t have fired so much as a shot for a horse of his class in normal times. We’re just so grateful to have him, and especially for the help of old friends in making it possible. Good people never fail you, especially when the chips are down.’’

For enquiries phone Mick Goss at Summerhil Stud: 033-263-1314. - Summerhill Stud.