First Winners for Skip Away, Touch Gold, Tale of the Cat

Skip Away, 1998 Horse of the Year, was represented by his first winner when his daughter Heart Ofa Champion won June 7 at Belmont Park. Bred by E & D Enterprises and Skip Away Syndicate, Heart Ofa Champion scored by 5 1/4 lengths in 1:03.59 for five furlongs for owners Fog City Stables and James Scibelli. Skip Away (Skip Trial--Ingot Way, by Diplomat Way) stands at Rick Trontz' Hopewell Farm near Midway, Ky.

Touch Gold, the 1997 Belmont Stakes (gr. I) winner, was represented by his first winner June 6 at Gowran Park in Ireland. His son New Currency, who was bred by trainer Jim Bolger, won a seven-furlong race for the conditioner's wife. Touch Gold (Deputy Minister--Passing Mood, by Buckpasser) stands at Frank Stronach's Adena Springs Kentucky near Midway.

Grade II winner Tale of the Cat's first winner emerged June 8 when his son Risky Cat won at Churchill Downs. Bred by Michael J. Cartee, Risky Cat went five furlongs in :57.55 for owners Bill Hayes and Tom O'Grady. Tale of the Cat (Storm Cat--Yarn, by Mr. Prospector) stands at Ashford Stud near Versailles, Ky.