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West Wind
West Wind
West Wind
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West Wind
SireMachiavellian
GrandsireMr. Prospector
DamRed Slippers
DamsireNureyev
SexMare
Foaled29 March 2004[1]
CountryUnited Kingdom
ColourChestnut
BreederDarley Stud
OwnerSheikh Mohammed
Godolphin
TrainerHenri-Alex Pantall
Saeed bin Suroor
Record7: 2-2-2
Earnings£388,615
Major wins
Prix de Diane (2007)

West Wind (foaled 29 March 2004) was a British-bred, French-trained Thoroughbred racehorse and broodmare. She did not race until she was three years old but established herself as a top-class middle-distance performe in 2007 when she won the Prix de Diane as well as running second in the Prix Vermeille and third in the Pretty Polly Stakes. She was retired from racing after running poorly on her only start as a four-year-old.

Background

[edit]

West Wind is a chestnut mare with a white star and a white sock on her left hind leg bred in England, by her owner Sheikh Mohammed's Darley Stud. She was sent into training with Henri-Alex Pantall at Beaupreau in France.

She was sired by Machiavellian who was the leading French two-year-old of 1989 when he was unbeaten in three races including the Group One Prix Morny and Prix de la Salamandre. As a breeding stallion his best winners included Street Cry, Almutawakel, Medicean and Storming Home and Chic.[2] West Wind's dam Red Slippers showed high-class racing ability, winning three races including the Sun Chariot Stakes.[3] She was a full-sister to the Jockey Club Stakes winner Romanov and a half-sister to Balanchine.[4]

Racing career

[edit]

2007: three-year-old season

[edit]

West Wind was unraced as a juvenile and began her racing career in the Prix Nikellora over 1600 metres on very soft ground at Saint-Cloud Racecourse on 23 March when she started at odds of 3/1 and finished strongly to take third place behind Aloush and Mindarina, beaten three and a half lengths by the winner.[5] The filly was then moved up in distance for the 2000 metre Prix de la Flandrie at Longchamp Racecourse in April in which she led for most of the way before being overtaken 100 metres from the finish and beaten three-quarters of a length by Coquerelle with Aloush in third. Having been partnered by Johan Victoire in her first two races West Wind was ridden by Christophe Lemaire when she contested the Prix de la Chapelle en Serval at Chantilly Racecourse on 9 May and recorded her first success, coming home two and a half lengths clear of the André Fabre-trained Concentric after taking the lead 200 metres from home.[6]

On 10 June at Chantilly West Wind was partnered by Frankie Dettori in the Group 1 Prix de Diane over 2100 metres at Chantilly and went off the 4.5/1 third choice in the betting behind Coquerelle (who had won the Prix Saint-Alary in May) and Vadapolina (Prix Cléopâtre). The other eleven runners included Cinnamon Bay (Prix d'Angerville), Believe Me (second in the Prix Saint-Alary), Sweet Lily (Silver Tankard Stakes), Mrs Lindsay (Prix Penelope) and Anabaa's Creation (Prix Isonomy). West Wind raced in mid-division before making progress in the straight, overcame interference to overtake the front-running Mrs Lindsay 300 metres from the finish and won by one and a half lengths.[7] Dettori, who had won both the Epsom Derby and the Prix du Jockey Club on the previous weekend, said "It is crazy. I am delighted as it is the first time I have won the Prix de Diane, but also I have ridden Alex's first Group 1 winner. It is an historic day. West Wind ran a beautiful race. The trainer was very sweet on her before the race and she quickened beautifully as soon as I asked her".[8] An emotional Pantall commented "It's been a long time coming", said Pantall. "All week I was really confident with the only slight worry about whether she would get a clear passage and not get blocked".[9]

Less than three weeks after her win at Chantilly, West Wind was sent overseas for the first time to contest the Pretty Polly Stakes at the Curragh, a race which saw her matched against older fillies and mares. With Johnny Murtagh in the saddle she started the 7/2 second favourite and finished third behind Peeping Fawn and the four-year-old Speciosa. After a break of almost three months the filly was stepped up in distance for the Prix Vermeille over 2400 metres at Longchamp in which she was reunited with Johan Victoire. After being restrained towards the rear of the ten runner field she produced a strong late run but failed to overhaul Mrs Lindsay and was beaten three quarters into second place.[10]

2008: four-year-old season

[edit]

Before the start of her second season West Wind was transferred to the ownership of Sheikh Mohammed's Godolphin and moved to the training stable of Saeed bin Suroor in the United Arab Emirates. On her first and only appearance for her new trainer the filly ran poorly as she came home fifteenth of the sixteen runners in the Dubai Sheema Classic over 2400 metres at Nad Al Sheba Racecourse on 29 March.[11]

Breeding record

[edit]

At the end of her racing career West Wind was retired to become a broodmare for Godolphin. She produced at least six foals and three winners:

  • West Riding, a bay colt (later gelded), foaled in 2010, sired by Cape Cross. Unplaced in only race.
  • True Match, bay filly, 2011, by Cape Cross. Fourth in only race.
  • Zephuros, bay colt (gelded), 2012, by Invincible Spirit. Won one races.[12]
  • Parasail, chestnut filly, 2014, by New Approach. Unplaced in only race.
  • Setting Sail, bay colt, 2015, by Dansili. Won four races.[13]
  • New Winds, chestnut filly, 2016, by New Approach. Won two races.[14]

Pedigree

[edit]
Pedigree of West Wind (GB), chestnut mare, 2004[1]
Sire
Machiavellian (USA)
1987 		Mr. Prospector (USA)
1970 		Raise a Native Native Dancer
Raise You
Gold Digger Nashua
Sequence
Coup de Folie (USA)
1982　 		Halo Hail To Reason
Cosmah
Raise The Standard (CAN) Hoist The Flag (USA)
Natalma (USA)
Dam
Red Slippers (USA)
1989 		Nureyev (USA)
1977 		Northern Dancer Nearctic
Natalma (USA)
Special Forli (ARG)
Thong
Morning Devotion (USA)
1982 		Affirmed Exclusive Native
Won't Tell You
Morning Has Broken Prince John
A Wind Is Rising (Family: 4-k)[4]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

West Wind

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
A west wind, or westerly wind, is the movement of air originating from the west and blowing toward the east, driven by differences in and influenced by the . In meteorological terms, it represents a fundamental direction in global wind patterns, where the direction is always specified by the point of origin rather than destination. The most prominent manifestation of west winds occurs as the prevailing westerlies, semi-permanent belts of winds that dominate the mid-latitudes between approximately 30° and 60° latitude in both hemispheres. These winds arise within the Ferrel cell of the three-cell model of atmospheric circulation, where surface air flows poleward and eastward, deflected by the Coriolis effect—rightward in the Northern Hemisphere and leftward in the Southern Hemisphere. The westerlies are stronger in the winter hemisphere due to greater temperature contrasts between the equator and poles, often reaching surface speeds of 30–50 km/h (19–31 mph) or more in jet stream influences aloft. West winds play a critical role in shaping and , transporting moist air masses that contribute to the variable, stormy conditions typical of mid-latitude regions, including much of , , and southern . They drive major ocean currents, such as the North Atlantic Drift and the , facilitating heat distribution from the tropics to higher latitudes and influencing marine ecosystems. Additionally, the interact with high-pressure systems like subtropical highs and low-pressure polar fronts, fostering the development of cyclones and anticyclones that define seasonal variability. has intensified and shifted these winds poleward, particularly in the , potentially altering patterns and transport, as observed in studies of dynamics as of 2022.

Definition and meteorology

Definition

A west wind is defined in as a wind that originates from the west and blows toward the east, named according to the cardinal direction from which it comes as part of the standard system of wind directions (north, east, south, west). This directional convention ensures consistent reporting of wind origins across weather observations and forecasts. Fundamentally, a west wind consists of moving air masses propelled by horizontal pressure gradients, which develop from uneven heating of Earth's surface leading to temperature differences in the atmosphere. The introduces the , a deflecting force that influences wind paths by turning them to the right in the and to the left in the , contributing to the overall motion of these air flows. West winds differ from east winds, or easterlies, which blow from east to west and are typically linked to in the or polar outflows; in many mid-latitude regions like the , west winds often deliver milder, moist air from oceanic sources, whereas east winds can introduce colder, drier continental air, potentially leading to stormy or harsh conditions. Historically, gentle west winds have been termed "zephyrs," a name derived from , the personification of the mild west wind, reflecting early cultural and observational naming in .

Characteristics and measurement

West winds exhibit a wide range of physical characteristics, varying in speed, intensity, and associated patterns depending on their and atmospheric conditions. These winds display significant variability, from gentle zephyrs at lower speeds to forceful gales capable of producing high waves and structural stress. In mid-latitudes, west winds often bring unsettled , including rain, mild temperatures in winter due to influxes of warm tropical air, and alternating storms with brief clear intervals. Measurement of west winds relies on both traditional and advanced techniques to capture speed, direction, and spatial extent accurately. Speed is primarily gauged using anemometers, such as cup or sonic types, which rotate or use sound waves to quantify airflow at standard heights like 10 meters above ground. Direction is determined with wind vanes, which align with the wind flow to indicate the source, often integrated with anemometers for comprehensive readings. The Beaufort scale provides a standardized classification based on observable effects, with Force 3 (gentle breeze, 7-10 knots) showing leaves rustling and Force 5 (fresh breeze, 17-21 knots) causing small trees to sway and moderate waves with whitecaps. Modern methods include Doppler radar, which profiles wind velocities through atmospheric echoes, and satellite imagery that tracks cloud or water vapor motion to derive speeds and directions over large areas. The strength of west winds is influenced by several environmental factors, notably local topography and seasonal changes. Topographical features, such as plains or hills, can enhance wind speeds through channeling or acceleration effects, with open plains allowing unimpeded flow while escarpments create speedup zones up to 1.5 times stronger. Seasonally, these winds intensify in the winter hemisphere due to greater temperature gradients between polar and equatorial regions, leading to lower polar pressure and stronger pressure gradients, while they weaken in summer under higher polar pressures. For safety and forecasting, the offers practical visual cues tailored to west winds' maritime impacts, aiding mariners and meteorologists in assessing risks without instruments. At Force 4 (moderate breeze, 11-16 knots), long wavelets form with scattered whitecaps, while Force 6 (strong breeze, 22-27 knots) produces large waves with foam crests and whistling sounds in . These indicators help predict hazards like reduced visibility from spray or structural damage from gusts, enabling timely warnings for , shipping, and coastal activities.

Climatic and geographical role

Prevailing westerlies

The prevailing form as part of the Ferrel cell within the three-cell model of Earth's , which operates between approximately 30° and 60° in both hemispheres. In this cell, surface air flows poleward from the subtropical high-pressure zones, where it is deflected eastward by the Coriolis effect due to Earth's , resulting in westerly winds at the surface; meanwhile, upper-level air flows equatorward and westward to close the circulation. This thermally indirect cell is primarily driven by friction with the surface and interactions with the adjacent Hadley and polar cells, rather than direct solar heating, and is sustained by the overall equator-to-pole that maintains global atmospheric imbalance. These winds dominate the mid-latitudes, spanning 30° to 60° N and S, where they shape weather patterns over continents and oceans alike. In the , they prevail across the North Atlantic, influencing regions from to . In the , uninterrupted by large landmasses, they intensify, particularly in the between 40° and 50° S—strong westerly winds that circle the globe—and the even more powerful Furious Fifties around 50° to 60° S, driving fierce conditions in the near . Seasonally, the prevailing strengthen during winter months in each hemisphere because the greater equator-to-pole temperature contrast enhances the meridional , amplifying wind speeds and shifting the belt equatorward. Historically, these winds played a pivotal role in European exploration and transatlantic trade during the Age of Sail, enabling ships to return efficiently from the to by sailing northeast into the westerlies after utilizing for the outbound voyage, as exemplified by Christopher Columbus's routes in the late . On landmasses, the prevailing contribute to distinctive patterns through sustained wind action, such as aeolian transport and abrasion in exposed mid-latitude plains of and , where they mobilize dust and sediments over vast distances. In terms of , they establish key belts by carrying moist air from oceans inland, leading to orographic enhancement on windward mountain slopes but creating rain shadows on leeward sides; for instance, in , westerly winds rising over the Sierra Nevada deposit moisture on the western flanks, resulting in arid conditions in the Basin and Range Desert to the east. Similar dynamics affect , where westerlies from the Atlantic foster wetter climates in the west but drier interiors due to topographic barriers like the .

Oceanic and atmospheric influences

West winds play a pivotal role in driving the (ACC), also known as the West Wind Drift, which encircles and connects the major basins, facilitating the global by transporting heat, salt, and nutrients across hemispheres. This wind-driven current, the strongest in the world's with transport volumes exceeding 100 million cubic meters per second, isolates 's cold waters while influencing deep water formation and processes that regulate global ventilation. In the atmosphere, west winds fuel the development of mid-latitude s, or extratropical storms, by steering frontal systems across the mid-latitudes, where temperature contrasts between polar and subtropical air masses provide energy for cyclone intensification. These storms, often reaching wind speeds over 50 knots, deliver , temperature fluctuations, and to continents, with west winds enhancing their propagation and intensity along preferred storm tracks in both hemispheres. West winds contribute significantly to the formation and maintenance of jet streams, including the polar front jet at around 60° latitude and the subtropical jet near 30° latitude, where strong thermal gradients accelerate westerly flows to speeds exceeding 100 km/h at upper tropospheric levels. These jets guide storm tracks, concentrating cyclone activity and meridional heat transport, while in the Southern Ocean, intensified westerlies promote Ekman-driven upwelling that brings carbon dioxide-rich deep waters to the surface, contributing to regional outgassing; nonetheless, the Southern Ocean acts as a net CO2 sink of approximately 0.6 PgC per year (averaged over 2009–2018). As of the , observations show a poleward shift and strengthening of Southern Hemisphere , attributed to stratospheric and increasing concentrations, which may accelerate the ACC, enhance , and reduce the net CO2 sink by up to 0.4 PgC per year in recent estimates. Environmentally, the induced by west winds in the enriches surface waters with nutrients like nitrates and phosphates, supporting blooms that form the base of productive marine ecosystems and sustain krill-based fisheries with annual harvests reaching approximately 500,000 tons as of the 2024–2025 season. Additionally, through their interaction with the North Atlantic's , west winds transport warm waters northward, moderating Europe's winter climate by approximately 3–6°C compared to similar latitudes without the current's influence.

Cultural and symbolic significance

Mythology

In , Zephyrus was the god of the west wind, one of the four wind deities who personified the cardinal winds and seasons. As the gentlest and most favorable of the winds, he was regarded as the herald of spring, bringing mild breezes that awakened the earth from winter dormancy and promoted the growth of vegetation. Zephyrus was the son of the Titan and the dawn , and he married , the of fresh greenery, with whom he fathered , the spirit of fruit, symbolizing his nurturing influence on flora. In one prominent myth, Zephyrus pursued the Spartan prince Hyacinthus, a youth also beloved by Apollo; driven by , Zephyrus diverted Apollo's discus to strike and kill Hyacinthus, from whose blood the hyacinth flower sprang, marking themes of and tragic renewal. The Romans equated Zephyrus with Favonius, their own of the west wind, whom they viewed as a benevolent force heralding spring's arrival with warm, humid gusts that softened the landscape. Favonius embodied similar attributes of mildness and fertility, often invoked in agricultural contexts to ensure bountiful harvests. Across other traditions, the west wind took on varied s. In , Dajoji appeared as the fierce Panther spirit of the west wind, a roaring entity capable of uprooting trees, climbing mountains, and carrying whirlwinds, serving as a guardian against storms alongside the wind giant . In Italian folklore, rooted in classical influences, Ponente represented the calm west wind of spring and , personified as a gentle, tepid presence that eased transitions between seasons without the fury of other directions. Symbolically, the west wind often embodied renewal and fertility, contrasting sharply with the destructive east winds like . , for instance, was depicted scattering seeds across fields to initiate growth, facilitating the shift from barren winter to verdant spring and evoking cycles of rebirth in nature. This motif of gentle transition underscored the west wind's role as a life-affirming force in ancient worldviews. Archaeological and textual evidence reinforces these traditions. referenced in the as one of the divine winds born to and , and in as a seasonal marker for and mild . elaborated on Zephyrus's myths in the , detailing his role in Hyacinthus's death and his union with , while the linked him to floral abundance. Ancient wind roses, such as those described by in and illustrated on the (ca. 50 BCE), positioned Zephyrus in the west, integrating mythological figures into practical diagrams for navigation and architecture, as later codified by in .

Literature and symbolism

In Percy Bysshe Shelley's "" (1819), the west wind emerges as a dual force of destruction and preservation, driving dead leaves like ghosts while promising renewal through its breath, which the poet invokes to carry revolutionary ideas across the world. This portrayal embodies themes of poetic inspiration and sociopolitical change, with the wind likened to an "enchanter" that scatters the old to make way for the new. Earlier in English literature, references , the personified west wind, in (c. 1400) as delivering a "sweete breeth" that inspires tender crops and heralds spring, setting the stage for the pilgrims' journey amid nature's awakening. Similarly, employs "zephyr" in (1610) to evoke , describing the princes as mild as "zephyrs blowing below the violet," underscoring the wind's soft, nurturing quality in human character. Symbolically, the west wind often represents transformation and inspiration in , embodying and the cyclical renewal of , as seen in Shelley's vision of it lifting the poet's spirit like a "swift cloud" to prophesy hope amid decay. It can also evoke melancholy, particularly in autumnal contexts where it scatters leaves as symbols of inevitable loss and transience. In cross-cultural contexts, Japanese haiku traditions incorporate the west wind (known as kaiyose or shell-gathering wind) as a seasonal signaling spring's arrival, often portraying it as a gentle harbinger that scatters seashells and stirs new life in the landscape. Among Native American oral traditions, the west wind features in narratives of seasonal cycles and directional journeys that guide tribal histories. Over time, the west wind's symbolism has evolved from its roots in classical renewal motifs to broader artistic expressions, appearing in 20th-century modernist works through subtle allusions to Romantic ideals of change amid cultural fragmentation. In contemporary eco-poetry and criticism, it serves as a for environmental disruption and potential regeneration, highlighting climate change's destructive forces while echoing calls for restorative action, as explored in ecocritical analyses of Romantic texts.

References

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