Sheikh Maktoum bred Country Reel in the name of his Gainsborough Farm from his homebred Seattle Slew mare Country Belle. Country Belle won the 1998 Prix Amadine in Maktoum's colors. This is her first foal. Country Reel's yearling foal is a full brother to Country Reel.
Country Reel became Danzig's 172nd stakes winner Wednesday with his win in the Scottish Equitable Gimcrack Stakes (Eng-II) at York. Sheikh Maktoum's homebred finished a half-length ahead of Mister Links in only his second start for captured the £125,000 event. Country Reel was the betting favorite among the 11 horses who contested the Gimcrack. The Kentucky-bred colt was always close to the pace set by Revenue then gained the lead with 150 yards left in the six furlong race. Irish-bred Mister Links (by Flying Spur) followed the winner over the line, pursued closely by US-bred Membership (by Belong to Me). The winner was guided by Frankie Dettori and completed the course in 1:12.61.