Theia

Theia (1973 – after 1989) was a French Thoroughbred racehorse and broodmare. She was widely regarded as the best European filly of her generation in 1975, when she was unbeaten in three races including the Prix du Calvados and the Critérium des Pouliches. In the following year she added wins in the Prix Vanteaux and Prix de la Nonette and finished second in a strongly-contested renewal of the Prix Saint-Alary, but appeared to be just below top class. She was later exported to race in the United States, where she campaigned with limited success. She was later a useful broodmare, producing several winners. Background Although officially described a bay during her racing career, Theia was a grey mare with a white blaze and three white socks bred in France by her owner Baronne de Lopez-Taragoya. Her sire, Caro, was a top-class performer (rated 133 by Timeform), whose wins included the Poule d'Essai des Poulains, Prix Ganay and Prix d'Ispahan, before becoming a very successful breeding stallion. Caro's other progeny included Madelia, Crystal Palace, Cozzene and Winning Colors. Theia's dam Cavadonga won as a two-year-old and produced several other winners. Theia was trained during her racing career by Raymond Touflan. Racing career 1975: two-year-old season Theia, who had been the subject of very positive reports from her performances in training, made her debut in a maiden race over 1200 metres at Deauville Racecourse in August. She took the lead 400 metres from the finish and won by three lengths. Later that month, at the same course, Theia was moved up in class for the Prix du Calvados and started favourite against twelve opponents. She was among the leaders from the start, took the lead 300 metres from the finish and held off a late challenge from Antrona to win by a neck.