Makybe’s son tested over marathon distance

On pedigree, Taqneen wouldn’t be out of place among racing’s elite during The Championships.

The reality is much different and Taqneen’s future will probably be as a hurdler or steeplechaser.

Regally bred Taqneen goes to Mornington on Saturday to run over 3400m in the second heat of the Marathon Series.

A $360,000 yearling purchase for Sheikh Hamdan’s Shadwell Stud, Taqneen is by Lonhro out of three-time Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva.

After five starts for Lindsay Park, Taqneen was picked up by Cranbourne trainer Mick Bell for $5500 at an Inglis sale.

Bell thought Taqneen may have fetched more although a wind operation more than likely turned a few potential buyers away.

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“Shadwell probably made the right decision,” Bell said.

“He wasn’t up to what they wanted, but he hasn’t let us down.

“People try and make a dill of you, but we only paid five-and-a-half grand for him and he’s actually won that back in dribs and drabs.”

Taqneen has one win, at the picnics at Balnarring on Australia Day, and a further three second placings and Bell has no regrets buying the gelding.

While Taqneen won’t live up to his parents, both Horse of the Year winners, he may yet make a name for himself over jumps.

“He’s a lovely horse. He’s only four but he’s done quite a bit of schooling and he’s quite good at it,” Bell said.

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