Molly Darling, an 8-year-old Christian Cullen mare, missed with her first two breeding attempts to McArdle and Bettors Delight, but it was third time lucky with Mach Three.

Owner Scott Plant of Plant racing Ltd, said he almost lost the colt soon after he was born.

"He's had a tough start few days in intensive care but now seems good. I thought since he's started life in the Intensive Care Unit we will name him ‘I C U Darling'," Plant said.

Sandy Yarndley, who works for Breckon Farms in a consultancy role, said the foal's temperature had been fluctuating this morning (Thursday) and blood had been taken from him.

"He is very bright but they might have to do something with his off-front to straighten it, but apart from that he is a nice foal," Yarndley said.

Molly Darling was one of New Zealand's best racing mares in the mid 2000s. She beat Mainland Banner in the Group One $100,000 Nevele R Fillies Final at Addington Raceway in 2005, that was a year after she won the Group One $100,000 Nevele R Stud Caduceus Club Fillies Classic at Alexandra Park.

She was also highly regarded in Australia winning 16 races, including the Group One $200,000 Australasia Breeders Crown as a 2-year-old at Bendigo in 2004. All up she raced 72 times for 24 wins, 18 placings and $575,150. She was trained and driven in New Zealand by Brent Mangos at Pukekohe.

Molly Darling is the eighth foal of nine out of one-win Vance Hanover mare, Wisha. Molly Darling last raced in Australia in August last year when finishing fifth of 10 at Bendigo.

Duane RANGER (editor)