Burden of Proof, the talk horse

By Sharan Kumar
August 13, 2004

Burden of Proof (Fairy King) is undoubtedly the talk horse of the year. He has added a new dimension to the Kunigal Stud Farm by producing a high percentage of winners from his very crop itself that are three-year olds now. The progeny of Burden of Proof have had a major share of success in the juvenile races. The success of Lindsay who won the Gr 1 Fillies Trial Stakes and Fantabulous King who recorded a stunning win in one of the most prestigious races in the country, the Gr 1 Kingfisher Bangalore Derby have served to whet the appetite of those who placed their faith in the progeny of Fairy King. After legendary Saddle Up put Kunigal Stud Farm on the world map and raised the profile of Indian bloodstock by becoming the highest rated Indian horse at the international level by his deeds in India, Malaysia and Singapore, the stud farm has not looked back. 

Saddle Up was also crowned the All Asian Champion (outside Japan) and enjoyed an international rating of 114 and was rated 121 by Timeform. Burden of Proof is now the focus of attention of all prospective buyers of juveniles.

Three sons of Fairy King were imported to India towards the end of 2000 namely Buren of Proof, Royal Kingdom and Hymn. While the last two were late for the covering season, the performance of the progeny of Burden of Proof should gladden the hearts of the breeders who have put faith in the other sons of Fairy King. With two graded race winners within a year of his progeny hitting the turf, there is excited anticipation about his second crop that enter the racing arena in November along with the progeny of Royal Kingdom and Hymn.

Burden of Proof

Burden of Proof progeny are well suited to Indian racing because racing is predominantly run from five furlongs to a mile. Fantabulous King has proved his versatility by winning up to a mile and a quarter in the Derby. Another progeny of Burden of Proof, Full Speed has placed in two group I races.

Fantabulous King winning the Kingfisher Derby 2004 at Bangalore on 11th July, 2004.

A durable racing horse having had 33 starts, 12-year old Burden of Proof was also consistent with 12 wins including four group races and six listed events and he showed out to be at his best from six furlongs to a mile. He raced till the age of seven. Burden of Proof’s dam Belle Passe (Be My Guest) ran once and is the dam of three winners including Italian listed race winner Revenger (Persian Heights). Fairy King, the sire of Burden of Proof, has already got the tag of
being the sire of sires. 

Burden of Proof is standing at the Dr Vijay Mallya owned Kunigal Stud Farm and was bought by Dr John Weld who set up the operations at Kunigal Stud Farm in its formative years after it came under the wing of the beer baron.