Purdon’s Judgment Special on this Occasion

Master horseman Mark Purdon has done it again.

At the 2024 yearling sales, without paying what many would call “silly money,” he managed to unearth another gem — the promising pacer Special Occasion (now 2 wins, 1 placing from 3 starts).

Purdon went to $30,000 to secure the son of Captaintreacherous from the Art Major mare Silvia, offered by Tardina Stud at Karaka. A sum that barely covers the cost of getting a mare in foal, yet the decision has already been vindicated. The high-profile ownership group now have plenty to look forward to as the major juvenile races loom.

From a family patiently cultivated by Tony and Anne Parker over decades, Silvia was consistent though winless in six raceday starts — never finishing further back than fourth. Her first foal, Silver Spoon (by Bettor’s Delight), was quickly snapped up by Australian interests after a couple of starts in New Zealand. He has since won six races from 20 attempts with a best mark of 1:56. Special Occasion is her second foal.

Silvia lost her 2023 pregnancy to Downbytheseaside but is now safely in foal to Lazarus, due early in the season. She is a daughter of Hi Ho Silver Lining (by Badlands Hanover), a 7-time winner from just 27 starts who went on to produce six winners.

Among them, Rub Of The Green (1:50.6 USA) won once in New Zealand before heading to Western Australia, where he racked up 19 wins and $187,000. He then crossed to North America and added a further 28 victories and $216,000 in stakes. Your Good Fortune won three in New Zealand before heading to Australia, where she claimed another 11 wins and $187,000, along with Group 1 placings.

More recently, Flying Ellie — a full sister to Silvia — has emerged as a standout against her own sex, winning four races to date and banking nearly $100,000 for Nathan Williamson.

Another family member, Dance On Stars (by Mach Three and a full sister to Rub Of The Green), qualified but never raced. Her first foal, You Little Beauty, has been a revelation — 12 wins and $145,000 so far for trainer David Butcher. Tardina Stud wisely retained a share in her, with every chance she will rejoin their broodmare band at the conclusion of her career.

Hi Ho Silver Lining herself was a half-sister to Hunka Hickling (20 wins across three countries, $232,000). Their dam Wishing (by Soky’s Atom) was in turn a half-sister to the brilliant Sharp And Telford, winner of 16 of 33 starts and $499,000 when trained by a young, fledgling Mark Purdon.

Now, several generations later, the story has come full circle. Purdon, in partnership with son Nathan, finds himself training another bright talent from the family. At Auckland, Special Occasion showed his mettle by beating a strong 2YO field from the outside draw over 1700m, sitting parked the last lap and still finishing best.

As the season unfolds, this colt might just prove to be very aptly named — something genuinely special.