Half Moon King
🐎 Half Moon King (IRE)
Foaled: 30th March 2022 | Sex: Gelding | Colour: Bay
Sire: Persian King (IRE) | Dam: Udalla (IRE) (by Dream Ahead (USA))
Trainer: Julie Camacho
Why This Horse?
Half Moon King is an exciting young gelding with a profile that suggests his best days are still firmly ahead of him. Purchased by Ursa Major Racing from the Tattersalls July Sale after beginning his career with Harry Charlton, he was identified as a horse with untapped potential and the physical scope to progress with time and patience.
Although still lightly raced, Half Moon King has already shown encouraging signs of ability. His third-place finish at Thirsk on his first start for Julie Camacho hinted at the improvement that can come from a change of surroundings and further experience. As a young horse with just a handful of starts to his name, he remains an exciting prospect whose career is only just beginning.
🏇 Racing Profile
Foaled on 30th March 2022, Half Moon King is an Irish-bred bay gelding who races in the colours of Ursa Major Racing Ltd. He made his racecourse debut for Harry Charlton before being purchased for 14,000 guineas at the Tattersalls July Sale and joining Julie Camacho's yard.
His first run for his new connections came at Thirsk over a mile, where he produced an encouraging performance to finish third after racing prominently for much of the contest. That effort demonstrated his willingness to compete and suggested there is considerably more improvement to come as he strengthens and gains further experience.
Still very lightly raced, Half Moon King remains an unexposed handicap prospect. His pedigree and racing style indicate that trips around a mile are likely to suit him well, while further physical maturity should allow him to develop into a competitive handicap performer.
🏠 Training
Half Moon King is trained by Julie Camacho, whose Malton yard has become one of the most respected Flat operations in the north of England. Renowned for improving horses sourced from the sales ring, Julie has an excellent record of placing her horses to maximise their potential while allowing them the time to develop naturally.
Since arriving at the yard following his purchase in July 2025, Half Moon King has settled in well and immediately showed promise on his stable debut. The team believe he has plenty more to offer as he gains confidence and experience, and his work at home suggests he has the attitude and ability to continue progressing.
🧬 Pedigree Highlights
Half Moon King is by Persian King, the outstanding French Classic winner by Kingman. A multiple Group 1 winner, Persian King excelled between a mile and ten furlongs, combining class, toughness and an exceptional turn of foot. His first crops have already produced athletic, progressive horses capable of improving with racing.
His dam, Udalla, is by Dream Ahead, the brilliant multiple Group 1-winning sprinter whose influence brings speed, toughness and consistency. The female family has already produced winners, giving further confidence in the strength of the pedigree.
The cross of Persian King's class and Dream Ahead's speed creates an exciting blend of quality and versatility, suggesting Half Moon King has the potential to develop into a useful performer over a mile and possibly further as he matures.
🌟 Looking Ahead
Half Moon King is still at the beginning of his racing career, but there is plenty to be excited about. His encouraging debut for Julie Camacho showed that he is heading in the right direction, and with so little racing under his belt, natural improvement is expected with every outing.
Given time to strengthen and carefully placed by an experienced team, he has every opportunity to develop into a competitive handicap horse. For Ursa Major Racing, Half Moon King represents exactly the type of young prospect that can reward patience, and his journey is one that owners can look forward to following over the coming seasons.