Rosemont Stud’s Extreme Warrior has grown from a boy to a man
$16,500 INC GST
COVERED 294 MARES IN HIS FIRST TWO SEASONS FIRST WEANLINGS SOLD UP TO $105,000 RIDE THE NEXT WAVE OF JAPANESE STALLION SUCCESS
$11,000 INC GST
GROUP 1 WINNING 2YO
YEARLINGS IN LEADING STABLES
FIRST YEARLINGS SOLD TO $240,000 AT AN AVERAGE OF $58,000
▶ Top 5 Australian Stallion by Group One Winners per runners*
▶ 6.75% SW/R’s - superior to the likes of SO YOU THINK, DUNDEEL, TORONADO, STREET BOSS, WRITTEN TYCOON, BRAZEN BEAU, NICCONI, STAR WITNESS etc.
▶ 6.5 x Return on Service Fee in 2023 – more significant than the likes of I AM INVINCIBLE, SNITZEL, ZOUSTAR, SO YOU THINK, PIERRO, WRITTEN TYCOON and DUNDEEL.
▶ 270 combined Yearling & Foal crop on the horizon
2023 Fee: $60,500 inc GST www.rosemontstud.com.au
T: 03 5220 6500
Ryan McEvoy (0439 802 837) Charlie Sprague (0499 583 479)
COX PLATE Winning 3yo and sire of FIVE individual Group One Winners!
The return of Street Boss and the addition of first-season sire Paulele highlights Darley’s Victorian roster, writes
JAMES TZAFERIS
12 New era for historic Blue Gum
DANNY POWER talks to Blue Gum Farm’s Sean Dingwall as the Euroa farm enters a new chapter under new ownership.
JAMES TZAFERIS reports on Widden Victoria’s new stallion Bruckner who is turning the heads of breeders.
The Benalla stud farm has welcomed the impressive Dalasan and Shamoline Warrior to its stallion ranks, writes
JAMES TZAFERIS
Fierce Impact remains popular as his first yearlings prepare for the 2024 sales, writes
DANNY POWER
8
DALASAN: The durable and delightful Dalasan will stand at Riverbank Farm, Benalla.
Extreme Warrior, the exciting Group-winning son of boom stallion Extreme Warrior, will stand his second seson at Rosemont Stud, Gnarwarre, in Victoria. The cover of Inside Breeding is a promotion for Rosemont Stud
The complete list of Victorian stallions standing at stud this season. Pictured is Blue Gum Farm’s new sire Sejardan.
Hitotsu joins his sire Maurice at Arrowfield Stud, and John Messara is delighted, writes DANNY POWER
Tasmania’s Grenville Stud has an exciting young stallion in Stratosphere, writes JAMES TZAFERIS
Royally bred Cape Of Good Hope has joined the roster at Bombora Downs.
Coolmore Stud is keen on the prospects of former brilliant juvenile Best Of Bordeaux, a fast son of the great Snitzel.
42 Q&A DANNY POWER chats with TBV’s new executive officer Carrie Hu.
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46
Swettenham Stud’s Rubick continues to climb the stallion ladder, reports DANNY POWER
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DESIGNER Kate Slattery PHOTOGRAPHY Racing Photos, Bruno Cannatelli, Colin Bull (unless stipulated, photos supplied)
WRITERS Danny Power, James Tzaferis Paul Symes
New sire Pierata and a Japanese son of Lord Kanaloa add to Yulong’s eclectic stallion roster
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COVER PHOTO: the impressive Extreme Warrior, pictured at Rosemont Stud, Gnarwarre, where he will stand for $19,800 in 2023.
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The HIGHEST RATED 3yo son of superstar, EXTREME CHOICE!
‘A powerful, dynamic colt with a scintillating turn of speed. A genuine Group One talent’ Trainer, Mick Price
‘Extreme Warrior has matured & let down magnificently. We’re excited to build on a talented group of mares in foal to him’
When Extreme Warrior retired to stud in 2022, he’d just completed a three-year-old campaign.
Like most young stallions retiring from the track, when still muscled and fresh from racing campaign, Extreme Warrior looked every bit a boy amongst the men in the Rosemont Stud stallion barn before his first season in 2022.
Extreme Warrior went to stud at Rosemont’s showcase farm at Gnarwarre, near Geelong, with much fanfare as the highest rated three-year-old son of the freakish stallion Extreme Choice (by Not A Single Doubt), who will cover a select book of mares this year at Newgate Farm in the Hunter Valley at a fee of $275,000.
Rosemont’s bloodstock manager, Ryan
McEvoy, said Extreme Warrior (ex-Heart of Thrills, by Show A Heart), who was heavily supported not only by the farm, but also outside broodmare owners last spring, initially struggled to handle his workload. “After his first month, we tinkered with a few things, changed his routine and got him back on track, so he finished his season strongly. He’s likely to have more than 70 foals born this spring,” he said.
“What happened to him is quite common, especially for stallions coming out of their three-year-old racing season— remembering he was competing into May—straight into breeding 100 or more mares.
“Since then, he has let down into a real stallion. People who saw him last spring will notice the big change from the immature racehorse to a stud stallion of the highest quality.”
McEvoy said it’s hard not to be impressed
by Extreme Warrior. “He has all the quality of his sire line, and we are really excited by what he is going to produce when our mares foal this spring. Our expectations are high.”
A lot was expected of Extreme Warrior on the racetrack when trained Mick Price and Michael Kent jnr.
He was out early when very unlucky when second behind Fake Love in the Listed Debutant Stakes (1000m) in October 2020, and then finished second behind General Beau in a Group 3 Blue Diamond Preview (1000m, Caulfield) early in 2021. The colt won his first two starts at three in the spring—a warm-up at Echuca (1100m) on October 1 and he backed up 12 days later to demolish a quality field in the Group 3 Blue Sapphire (1200m, Caulfield), beating highly regarded stablemate Profiteer by 3.75 lengths. His Timeform rating of 118 was elite, and enough to send
him to the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Derby Day as $3.40 favourite.
Price, rarely one for over-thetop statements, was effusive about Extreme Warrior. “He’s an outstanding colt and we’re obviously proud that he’s by a stable favourite in Extreme Choice. This colt put his hand up as a ‘proper one’ almost instantly as he’s got a beautiful attitude, a truckload of natural speed and quickens off a fast tempo. Everything he does, he does with ease. Only the really good ones have that characteristic.”
In the Coolmore Stud Stakes, Extreme Warrior injured a knee when finishing 10th behind Home Affairs, beaten less than six lengths. Although hampered by fluid on his troublesome knee, Extreme Warrior returned in the 2022 autumn to win the Group 3 Bel Esprit Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield. He will stand for a fee of $19,800 this spring, a slight drop on his initial fee of $24,750.
As much as the Rosemont team is waiting expectantly for Extreme Warrior’s foals to arrive, they find it hard not to waste time at the farm gazing at the grazing sons and daughters of Hanseatic, the brilliant son of Street Boss whose first yearlings will sell next year.
“We recently did an assessment of all our weanlings (now yearlings) and 11 of the top 30 are by Hanseatic,” McEvoy said. “We deliberately held back offering them as weanlings, because they are so impressive, we think the market will love them as yearlings.
At this stage, we have pinpointed a half-dozen Hanseatics as the ideal type for our Magic Millions draft in January.
“Even so, the weanlings by him at the sales were well received, and sold up to $145,000, which is nine times his service fee.
“They are athletic, well-muscled, and mature horses, which will be perfect for that market. I don’t think I have been associated with a stallion as popular as Hanseatic. He covered 195 and 175 mares in his first two seasons, although we
Shamus Award had his smallest three-year-old crop of only 54 foals, so we were expecting a bit of a lull.” McEvoy stresses that Shamus Award—Snitzel’s most successful sire son—has two big crops of foals (126 foals in 2021, and 142 last year) from the best mares he has covered since he retired to stud in 2014.
“Last year the quality of his 137 mares at a fee of $88,000 was outstanding. They came from all over the country to go to him. We already have seen the improvement
and Duais,” he said.
“Injury stopped both those outstanding horses adding to their records last season, and also
are getting from trainers around Australia, he’s going to be a value stallion at $8800 for breeders,” McEvoy said.
We are happy to make it public that Rosemont Stud is willing to negotiate on the advertised fees of all its stallions. We are in the market do deal, so give us a call
RYAN MCEVOYSHAMUS’ BOY: Incentivise, pictured after winning the 2021 G1 Caulfield Cup, is an example of the elite racehorse that his sire Shamus Award can produce.
then he won races like the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) and the Group 3 Eskimo Prince (1200m), both at Randwick, at three.
“As an autumn three-year-old, he was mixing it with the best older horses in the country and was placed in Group 1 races such as the T.J. Smith Stakes, the Doomben 10,000 and the Kingsford Smith Stakes. He came back at four and won his Group 1, so what we love about him is that he was a great twoyear-old, a great three-year-old and a great four-year-old. And there is plenty of horse there— he’s 16.1hh with a great shoulder and a really good hind quarter. I think he’ll be a relatively easy horse to mate to.”
Something
Andy Makiv, head of sales at Darley, is particularly excited about the return to Victoria of star stallion Street Boss (ch 2004 Street Cry [IRE]Blushing Ogygian [USA], by
Ogygian [USA]), the sire of Godolphin’s pin-up boy Anamoe (ex-Anamato, by Redoute’s Choice), after two seasons on the Kelvinside roster, in Aberdeen, New South Wales.
With nine-time Group 1 winner Anamoe retiring to Kelvinside in 2023, Makiv said the time was right for Street Boss to return “home” to his former long-time Victorian base, from where he sired all off his Australian Stakes winners before his move north in 2021.
“The return of Street Boss to Northwood Park after two seasons in New South Wales is hugely exciting,” Makiv said. “We did that for several reasons, one of which was that we felt he cut his teeth in Victoria and he’s a proven stallion for Victorian breeders.
“He went to New South Wales to balance the roster up there when we had quite a strong group in that price point here (Victoria), but with Anamoe going to stud in New South Wales, we felt there was balance with him coming home. Besides, he will have some good horses such as Pericles, Pinstriped and She Dances running for him in
the spring.
“What is really exciting for the future is that mares like Anamoe’s dam Anamato, the Group 1 Thousand Guineas winner Flit and Group 1 Golden Slipper winner Kiamichi are all in foal to Street Boss.”
At the opposite end of the spectrum is newcomer Paulele (ch 2018, Dawn Approach (IRE)Chatoyant, by Flying Spur), who retires to stud a Group 1 winner at four, and Stakes winner at two, three and four.
The colt’s crowning glory came with victory in the 2022 Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m, Ascot) in Perth, although Makiv believes it was his achievements as a two-year-old that will make him just as attractive to breeders, at an introductory fee of $16,500.
“The roster needed a big-ticket item like Street Boss to come home and it needed a new horse, and we felt that Paulele was the perfect candidate,” he said. “He was good enough to win as a twoyear-old at Moonee Valley and Randwick before Christmas which gives you an indication about how precocious he was. He also won the Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes (1100m, Randwick) at two, and
At the same $16,500 price point, Kermadec (b 2011 Teofilo [IRE]-Hy Fuji, by Fuji Kiseki [JPN]) represents terrific value for breeders, according to Makiv. “He’s trending ahead of stallions like Proisir and Shamus Award at the same time of their careers, and I would suggest he’s the best-priced stallion in the country,” Makiv said. “I envisage he’s the sort of horse whose fee could easily get to $40,000 or $50,000 in the future so he’s a great opportunity for breeders at $16,500.”
Kermadec has had big past 12 months with the Toorak Handicap (1600m) winner Tuvalu (ex-Hangin’ Tough, by Exceed And Excel) and Queensland Oaks (2200m) heroine Amokura (ex-Fain, by Quest For Fame [GB]) adding to his list of Group 1 winners that includes elite stayers, Montefilia (ex-Bana Wu [GB], by Shirocco [GER]) and Willowy (ex-Dextrous by Quest For Fame [GB]).
The Northwood Park stallion line-up his headed by exciting English speedster Blue Point (by Shamardal [USA], fee $44,000), who is fully booked, and Darley’s Victorian roster will again include Brazen Beau (by I Am Invincible, $44,000), Ghaiyaath (by Dubawi [GB], $27,500), Earthlight (Shamardal [USA], $16,500) and Impending (Lonhro, $8800).
Darley’s Andy Makiv is confident he’s playing “the perfect match” with the international operation’s Victorian stallions this spring, writes JAMES TZAFERIS
old, something new and plenty of blue could easily be the theme of the Darley’s 2023 roster at Northwood Park, Seymour, featuring an eclectic lineup of eight sires.THE BOSS IS BACK: Street Boss, pictured parading at Northwood Park, returns to Darley’s Seymour farm after two seasons in New South Wales.
There was a concern that the famed Blue Gum Farm’s history of standing highly commercial stallions would be lost with the announcement by Phillip and Patti Campbell late last year that the Euroa farm was to be sold.
However, that was quickly dispelled when the new owners, Trilogy Racing—Jason and Melanie Stenning and Sean and Cathy Dingwall—projected its ambition was to return Blue Gum Farm to its glory days as a premier stallion and broodmare farm.
The quartet boast extensive business operational acumen and management experience with the Dingwalls having over 20 years experience in the Victorian breeding industry. .
The next step was ind an ideal stallion to reinstigate the stallion program at the famous Blue Gum Farm barn that housed some outstanding stallions, headed by Victorian champion sires Encosta De Lago, Rubiton, Rancho Ruler and Noalcoholic.
An approach to Newgate Farm resulted in securing established stallion Flying Artie (b 2014, Artie SchillerFlying Ruby, by Rubiton)—sire of star colt Artorious and fast filly Asfoora—and that has since been balanced with an exciting first-season sire, Sejardan, a brilliantly precocious son of Sebring.
Sean Dingwall said he had his eye on Sejardan as the ideal horse for Victorian breeders for some time. “He was a mature high-class, early running two-year-old, and he is a
great option for Blue Gum to get back into stallions.”
Sejardan comes from one of the best families in the Australian Stud Book, and a family that can produce a champion stallion.
His fourth dam, Procrastinate (by Jade Hunter [USA]), is a broodmare gem producing five Stakes winners, and she is out of Reigntaine (dam of three Stakes winners), a sister to champion New Zealand stallion Centaine (by Century from Rainbeam).
He began his racing career under trainer Gary Portelli with a splash by winning the premier pre-Christmas race for two-year-olds, the 2021 Group 3 Breeders’ Plate (1000m) at Randwick in October, and he followed that with an equally impressive burst of finishing speed to win the $1 million Golden Gift (1100m) at Rosehill.
In the autumn of 2022, Sejardan continued his great form to win Group 2 Todman Stakes (1200m, Randwick).
In the spring as a three-year-old, Sejardan had to overcome a few niggling issues before producing his signature finishing burst to win the Group 3 Red Anchor Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate day.
Dingwall said Trilogy will support Sejardan with a strong book of mares.
“We set our goal to sell 10 shares in the horse, and we had a fantastic response with John and Helen North from Bowness and Watershed buying in, so has Widden Stud (who stood the late Sebring) and some local breeders who came to have a look at him.
It’s a boost for the Victorian breeding industry that Blue Gum Farm’s rich history of standing stallions is to continue under its new ownership, writes DANNY POWERRUNNING THE FARM: Cathy and Dean Dingwall, partners in Trilogy Racing, and the historic Blue Gum Farm, Euroa. POWERHOUSE: The muscular and mature Sejardan photographed recently at Blue Gum Farm, Euroa
“Every person who has come to Blue Gum Farm to inspect the horse has either bought a share in the horse or committed to sending a mare. We can’t ask for more than that.
“The bottom line is he is a lovely horse, a standout on type, very strong and muscular, and a good size, just over 16 hands.”
Dingwall said Trilogy has bought mares that perfectly match Sejardan’s pedigree. “We did our homework on pedigree analysis to find the types of mares that would best suit him. The evidence is that Zabeel tailline mares work really well with him, and Written Tycoon, Show A Heart and Medaglia D’Oro (USA) mares will be good for him as well.
“We’ve tried to buy mares to give him his best chance. Importantly, a lot of those mares are in foal to good stallions and, hopefully, when those foals go to the races, they will enhance the pedigrees of the Sejardan foals when they get to the sales.”
Flying Artie, who won the
2016 Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes, stood six seasons at Newgate Farm, Aberdeen, from where he has sired six Stakes winners, headed by Artorius, who will replace him at Newgate after a stellar racetrack career that included the 2021 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m, Caulfield), the 2023 Canterbury Stakes (1300m, Randwck) and outstanding thirds in England
best sprint races in 2022—the Group 1 Platinum Jubilee (1200m) at Royal Ascot and in the Group 1 July Cup (1200m) at Newmarket.
“Flying Artie is going well. He’s had three Stakes winners since he came down here and we aren’t the only ones who think he can keep it going, especially as his biggest crop and the best mares he has covered was in
2021 off the back of Artorius’ big year,” Dingwall said.
Although Flying Artie has 77 two-year-olds representing him this season, there is almost double that number following up as yearlings after he served 201 mares in 2021.
“He still getting the right support from leading breeders. He’s got 135 foals on the ground out of extremely well-bred mares and China Horse Club has eight or nine of them from some of their best mares.
“Gilgai has booked a mare and Two Bays Farm has as well, and they are booking on his pedigree, history and that they also believe he can do what Shamus Award, Written Tycoon and Rubick have done, which was getting a spike of Stakes winners.”
There’s a bit of fate in the fact Flying Artie is settling into life at Blue Gum Farm at a fee of $16,500, because his dam’s sire, the great Rubiton (by Century), was a stalwart stallion for the famous farm.
Widden Stud’s principal Antony Thompson sings the praises of new Victorian stallion Bruckner, reports JAMES TZAFERIS
The famed 19th century Austrian composer and organist Anton Bruckner never married, nor fathered children so his musical genius was never passed on. Widden Stud’s principal Antony Thompson believes things will very
different for his namesake, the brilliant racehorse Bruckner (br 2018, Snitzel-Jestajingle, by Lonhro), who will begin duties at Widden’s Victorian base this spring.
Bruckner was bred by Oakland Park Stud’s Neville Duncan—the man behind champion Northerly—and purchased by Aquis Farm and trainer Ciaron Maher from the Blue Gum Farm draft at the 2020 Inglis Melbourne Premier, for a sale-topping $725,000.
He is the first foal of the Perth city winner, Jestajingle (by Lonhro), and is a threequarter brother to Platinum Thoroughbreds’ stallion Jukebox (by Snitzel), who was a brilliant Stakes-winning juvenile.
From only seven starts, Bruckner won the 2021 Group 3 McNeil Stakes (1200m) at
HIGH EXPECTATIONS: The first yearlings by Widden’s impressive stallion Dirty Work (by Written Tycoon) will be offered in 2024.
POWER AND STYLE: Widden’s new boy, Bruckner (left), displays his athleticism and strength as he gallops with top filly Fake Love at Moonee Valley in October 2021. The son of Snitzel stands his first season at Widden Victoria this spring.
We’ve been delighted with what we’ve seen from the first weanlings by Dirty Work, Doubtland and Russian Camelot
Caulfield as a spring three-year-old, and he followed up with a second behind Home Affairs in the stallionmaking Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Derby Day.
Widden’s Antony Thompson was hoping Bruckner’s arrival at Widden would strike a chord with breeders and he’s been delighted with the initial interest in the young stallion. “The response was instant upon the announcement, it’s been terrific,” Thompson said. “We felt he was the ideal horse to add to the roster and the weight of support suggests we were correct. There is very little not to like about him—he’s a goodlooking son of Snitzel and a Group 1-performer in one of the best siremaking races in Australi, and he is standing at incredible value.
“All of those attributes are ticking boxes for not only Victorian breeders, but we have mares coming from New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia to him in his first year.”
Bred on the successful SnitzelLonhro cross that has also produced Stakes winners Wayupinthesky (exThe Darling One) and Sandpaper (ex-Smooth), Bruckner has inherited the best parts of both stallions, according to Thompson.
With other Stakes-winning sons of Snitzel standing for significantly more than Bruckner’s introductory service fee of $11,000, Thompson believes there are obvious commercial opportunities for mare owners who book into the young stallion.
“As a sales topper, you expect them to be good looking and Bruckner certainly doesn’t
disappoint,” he said. “He has that great strength, depth of girth and masculinity that Snitzel provides, but also he has this amazing amount of quality, balance and the rich dark colour, which epitomises Lonhro.
“Physically, Bruckner is going to suit a wide range of mares. He has great balance about him, good bone and plenty of quality. Not only will he suit the typical Australian mare, but he appears a great option for breeders who are wanting to put more strength, substance and bone into any mares who need to be complemented by those attributes.”
Bruckner is one of nine standing at Widden, and the youngest, on what is Victoria’s biggest roster for 2023.
Since opening the doors of its Romsey farm—formerly Sun Stud— in 2021, Widden has wasted little time stamping itself as one of the big players in the local bloodstock industry, complementing its successful operations in the Hunter Valley.
Thompson said there is much excitement about the 2024 yearling sales circuit with the first progeny of young stallions Dirty Work (by Written Tycoon), Doubtland (by Not A Single Doubt) and Russian Camelot (by Camelot [IRE]) set to be offered across the country.
The trio served a total of at least 250 mares each in their first two years at stud and although Thompson acknowledged a sire’s third season can be challenging, he is again expecting strong patronage for all three.
“It’s always a difficult year (third year at stud), however when you
have the support of the breeders and the quality of stock on the ground, it gives you confidence taking a punt on those sires,” he said. “It can be a very big reward for breeders with plenty of value.”
In a sign that it understood the increased economic pressures on breeders, Widden reduced the service fees on the trio from their 2022 marks—Russian Camelot will stand for $22,000 this spring, and Dirty Work and Doutbland each command a fee of $13,200.
“We’ve been delighted with what we’ve seen from the first crop of weanlings by Dirty Work, Doubtland and Russian Camelot, and we’ve already seen some of their progeny sell for up to $100,000 as weanlings,” he said.
“Given the team here made an educated decision to retain our weanlings for next year’s yearling sales, we feel we are in for a tremendous sales season with the types we will be presenting by these three exciting, emerging sires.”
Nature Strip’s sire Nicconi (by Bianconi [USA], fee $22,000), long-time Victorian pin-up Magnus (Flying Spur, $16,500), Gold Standard (Sebring, $13,200), Star Witness (Starcraft, $11,000) and Overshare (I Am Invincible, $8800) round out Widden Victoria stallion list.
Widden’s famed Hunter Valley farm also will stand nine stallions this year, headed by Zoustar (by Northern Meteor), who stands at a fee of $220,000, and also feature the former Victorian-trained star Jacquinot (by Rubick), who will cover his first mares at $33,000.
Bruckner is going to suit a wide range of mares. He has great balance, good bone and plenty of quality
ANTONY THOMPSON
Russell and Caroline Osborne, husband and wife team that run Riverbank Farm at Benella, are in awe of the latest addition to their stallion roster—the delectable Dalasan (ch 2016, Dalakhani [IRE]-Khandallah, by Kitten’s Joy [USA]).
It’s easy to see why the Osbornes, who traditionally offer a line-up of affordable breed-to-race stallions, are so optimistic about Dalasan’s prospects.
During a celebrated racing career that spanned five seasons, the handsome chestnut become one of South Australia’s pin-up horses, winning eight races and more than $3.5 million in prizemoney under the care of trainers Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas, and an owner group headed by leading South Australian breeder Harry Perks.
Dalasan was Group 2-placed as a juvenile, won five Stakes races at three and was placed at Group 1-level on four occasions from 22 attempts, including against elite competition in Sydney in the famous 1600m-metre Randwick “miles”, the Doncaster Handicap (third behind Cascadian) and Epsom Handicap (third behind Private Eye) in 2021. In between, at weight-for-age, he finished third behind Eddeybb and Verry Elleegant in the $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m), also at Randwick.
Hall-of-famer Macdonald rates Dalasan as the best horse he has trained. “Gold Guru won an Australian Derby, but Dalasan is an all-round better horse,” the recently retired trainer told radio RSN
Caroline Osborne, one of the leading vets in Victoria’s northeast, has little doubt he’s the most exciting stallion prospect to arrive Riverbank and, at an introductory service fee of $5500, she believes he’s priced to attract interest from both breedto-race and commercial breeders.
“We’re very lucky to get him and he’s probably the bestcredentialed horse that we’ve had at Riverbank Farm,” she said. “He is a magnificent horse, he’s settled in really well and he’s handling everything like the true professional that he is. We are expecting him to comfortably serve 80 to 100 mares in his first season.
“It’s no surprise that there is a lot of interest from South Australian breeders and his ownership group are going to support him with some topquality mares.”
As the only son of
champion racehorse Dalakhani (by Daylami [IRE])—winner of the 2003 Group 1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2400m) and French Derby (2100m)—at stud in Australia, Osborne is confident Dalasan will appeal to mare owners looking for the perfect horse to outcross with Danehill-line mares.
Osborne said the imposing chestnut presents as a local and more affordable alternative to another son of Dalakhani, New Zealand’s Westbury Stud’s Reliable Man, who has sired 21 Stakes winners worldwide.
“On the racetrack he was very versatile—he won from 1000m to 2035m—so I think he’s got a lot of upside, and we believe he’ going to suit a lot of mares.”
Riverbank Farm’s other newcomer for the 2023 season is anything but new, although Osborne admits there’s been a surprising buzz around the arrival of rising 17-year-old Shamoline Warrior (b or br 2006. Shamardal [USA]Picholine, by Dehere [USA]).
The Stakes-winning halfbrother to former promising sire Rebel Raider (by Reset) finds himself in Benalla a decade after commencing stud duties in New Zealand. Shamoline Warrior’s owner John
Fiteni bred and races two of the stallion’s exciting, young progeny in Long Lost Friend (exFriendswithbenefits, by Street Boss [USA]), who won a twoyear-old race at Bendigo in April before tackling the Group 3 SA Sires’ Produce Stakes (seventh, 1400m), as well as city-placed juvenile Within Sight (ex-Vedo, by Azevedo).
Osborne is confident Shamoline Warrior’s impressive strike rate, and his $2200 service fee will help him serve a larger book of mares this spring.
“He’s certainly not the prettiest horse but he’s very well conformed and his statistics are quite impressive—I think he’s only covered 88 mares in the past seven years but his strike rate on the track is over 50 per cent (winners to runners).
Osborne expects farm stalwart Redente (by Redoute’s Choice), who has consistently been Riverbank Farm’s busiest and best-performed stallion, to again prove popular with mare owners at $3300, while young blueblood sires, Prince of Caviar (by Sebring out of Black Caviar) and Boulder City (a Snitzel son and half-brother to Winx)—both at $4400—will continue to gain momentum as their first crops build on their racing careers.
Skilled (by Commands, $3300) and Wayed Zain (by High Chaparral [IRE], $2200) round off the Riverbank roster for 2023.
VERSATILE AND MAGNIFICENT: Dalasan, rated by co-trained Leon Macdonald, as the best horse he has trained, stands his first season at the Osborne-family’s Riverbank Stud, Benalla.Five-time Group winner over sprint trips including the all-important G1 1,200m WFA sprint.
GENETICALLY PROVEN CC speed gene PROVEN SPEED G1 WFA sprint winner
Standing at Northwood Park, Vic at $16,500 (inc GST). Payment on live foal
Leneva Park is unwavering in its expectation its stallions will make the grade in Australia’s strong commercial breeding scene, reports DANNY
The team at Leneva Park can be forgiven if they are pacing the paddocks at their Seymour farm like expecting parents.
As the progeny of their two stallions—Fierce Impact and Royal Meeting—build towards their racetrack appearances in next two years, for the everyone at Levena Park it’s a matter of playing the waiting game.
Leneva Park general manager Mick Sharkie said everything has been put in place to give the two stallions their best opportunity in a tough commercial world. “We can’t be happier as to how Fierce Impact and Royal Meeting have been received by
broodmare owners, and how their progeny have sold this year. To be honest, we can’t wait for them to hit the racetracks,” he said.
Fierce Impact, the only Group 1-winning son of Deep Impact (JPN) (by Sunday Silence [JPN]) at stud in Victoria, has covered 294 mares in his first two seasons at stud.
However, Sharkie said the farm is not resting on its laurels. “We have bought some nice mares this season and we plan to send more of our own mares to Fierce
POWERImpact than we have previously. It’s a sign of the confidence we have in the horse.
“And our decision not to change his fee ($16,500 inc GST) hasn’t stopped the phone ringing. Importantly, people who have bred to him are coming back on the strength of the quality of his foals.
“It was a big boost for our confidence when we offered a share in Fierce Impact for sale online earlier this year and Yulong bought it, and we were told it was because they like the stallion and like the way we have marketed him. He’s a triple Group 1 winner over 1600m in Australia, and physically he’s built more like an Australian
stallion with strength and bone, which makes him appealing to breeders.” Sharkie said it was a deliberate decision to hold back Fierce Impact’s best foals for next year’s yearling sales rather be tempted to sell them as weanlings. “We feel they will be at their best as yearlings, so we are expecting him to make a real impact next year.”
Even so, the best of the handful of Fierce Impact weanlings that went through the ring in May were keenly sought after.
One of the highlight weanlings at the Inglis Australian Weanling Sale at Riverside in Sydney was the Fierce Impact filly from 2012 Listed Gimcrack Stakes winner Brilliant Bisc, a daughter of Elvstroem. After a solid bidding
FIERCE IMPACT: Leneva Park’s impressive triple Group 1-winning son of the legendary Deep Impact, continues to have strong support from Victoria’s breeders. ROYAL MEETING: His first yearlings made a big impression at this year’s Australian yearling sales.winner Brilliant Bisc, a daughter of Elvstroem. After a solid bidding battle among several interested parties, the athletic bay was sold for $105,000 to the keen eye of West Australian trainer Simon Miller, of Amelia’s Jewel fame.
battle among several interested parties, the athletic bay was sold for $105,000 to the keen eye of West Australian trainer Simon Miller, of Amelia’s Jewel fame.
The beautifully balanced, loosewalking filly, offered by the Hunter Valley’s Golden Grove farm, had the precociousness of her dam, and the scope and good looks of her sire. Her grand-dam is the Group 1 Australian Stakes winner Stella Cadente (by Centaine), who is from the family of the champion Bint Marscay and the outstanding racehorse Filante.
The beautifully balanced, loosewalking filly, offered by the Hunter Valley’s Golden Grove farm, had the precociousness of her dam, and the scope and good looks of her sire. Her grand-dam is the Group 1 Australian Stakes winner Stella Cadente (by Centaine), who is from the family of the champion Bint Marscay and the outstanding racehorse Filante.
Toby Liston, from Three Bridges Thoroughbreds at Eddington, near Bendigo, is a convert. “I think in years to come we will look at Fierce Impact and think, it was so obvious, of course he was going to make it. The two foals we have at the farm are quality horses, if that is the standard for the stallion then breeders need to take notice.”
Toby Liston, from Three Bridges Thoroughbreds at Eddington, near Bendigo, is a convert. “I think in years to come we will look at Fierce Impact and think, it was so obvious, of course he was going to make it. The two foals we have at the farm are quality horses, if that is the standard for the stallion then breeders need to take notice.”
Fierce Impact’s barn-mate Royal Meeting has also made his mark. There are few more eye-catching stallions than this young son of champion sire Invincible Spirit
Fierce Impact’s barn-mate Royal Meeting has also made his mark. There are few more eye-catching stallions than this young son of champion sire Invincible Spirit (IRE) (by Green Desert [USA]) and Royal Meeting is passing
on his looks and athleticism to his offspring. His first yearlings averaged $80,000—from 15 sold—at the sales this year and, importantly, they attracted a buying bench that including some of Australia’s leading trainers. These were great results off a $11,000 service fee, which remains unchanged in 2023.
(IRE) (by Green Desert [USA]) and Royal Meeting is passing on his looks and athleticism to his offspring. His first yearlings averaged $80,000—from 15 sold—at the sales this year and, importantly, they attracted a buying bench that including some of Australia’s leading trainers. These were great results off a $11,000 service fee, which remains unchanged in 2023.
Royal Meeting’s top-selling weanling of 2022—he made $160,000, and was resold for
Royal Meeting’s top-selling weanling of 2022—he made $160,000, and was resold for $240,000 as a yearling at the Magic Millions Gold Coast in January.
sed er incili sequi
$240,000 as a yearling at the Magic Millions Gold Coast in January. The son of the Canny Lad mare Mistress McDowell, from the famous family of Redoute’s Choice, is the image of his sire.
The son of the Canny Lad mare Mistress McDowell, from the famous family of Redoute’s Choice, is the image of his sire.
Another colt, from Lady Of Crebilly (by Choisir) was bought for $120,000 at the same sale by Mornington trainer John McArdle, and a filly from Cavaco (by Fastnet Rock) was snapped up by Mick Price and Michael Kent jnr., in partnership with Australian Bloodstock, for $65,000.
Another colt, from Lady Of Crebilly (by Choisir) was bought for $120,000 at the same sale by Mornington trainer John McArdle, and a filly from Cavaco (by Fastnet Rock) was snapped up by Mick Price and Michael Kent jnr., in partnership with Australian Bloodstock, for $65,000.
At the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, Adelaide’s Richard and Chantelle Jolly paid $120,000 for a bay colt by Royal Meeting from She Chose Me (by Foxwedge), a halfsister to multiple Group 1-winner Zipping (by Danehill [USA]).
At the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, Adelaide’s Richard and Chantelle Jolly paid $120,000 for a bay colt by Royal Meeting from She Chose Me (by Foxwedge), a halfsister to multiple Group 1-winner Zipping (by Danehill [USA]).
It’s a credit to Leneva Park’s marketing that Royal Meeting has continued to serve books of 106 and 105 in his expected “quiet time” over the past two seasons. On what we have seen of his progeny, and based on the fact he was a Group 1-winning juvenile over 1600m in France, it is safe to say there is good reason for broodmare owners to expect a likely boost in the stallion’s
It’s a credit to Leneva Park’s marketing that Royal Meeting has continued to serve books of 106 and 105 in his expected “quiet time” over the past two seasons. On what we have seen of his progeny, and based on the fact he was a Group 1-winning juvenile over 1600m in France, it is safe to say there is good reason for broodmare owners to expect a likely boost in the stallion’s profile after his stock hit the track in the coming season.
Group 1 winner of the Randwick
Sire of Group 1-winner El Dorado Dreaming, and Kings Consort, brilliant winner of the 2022 $1m The Showdown
A stallion with the ability to upgrade his mares and trainers love his progeny
We plan to send more of our own mares to Fierce Impact than we have previously
MICK SHARKIESTAR FOAL: This cracking Fierce Impact-Brilliant Bisc filly was sold for $105,000 at the Inglis Australian Weanling Sale to the bid of WA trainer Simon Miller.
facil dio eriurem ipisi blandiate dio consequat, vel dolore dipsums andreratin ulla con ullaorSTAR FOAL: This cracking Fierce Impact-Brilliant Bisc filly was sold for $105,000 at the Inglis Australian Weanling Sale to the bid of WA trainer Simon Miller. Guineas, 1600m NOOR ELAINE FARM 279 Moglonemby Road, Euroa, Vic, 3666 / Office 03 5795 1400 Stud Manager, Tim Jackson 0428 855 240
Given his stellar record and the number of equine stars that have passed through his stable, it’s worth listening to Ciaron Maher when he labels Bon Aurum one of the toughest horses he has ever trained.
Despite suffering from bone chips throughout his career, 2016 Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m, Caulfield) winner Bon Aurum (ch h 2012, Bon Hoffa-Goldsmobile, by Promontory Gold [USA]) never shirked a challenge on the racetrack having been thrown that most admirable of attributes by his sire Bon Hoffa (by Belong To Me [USA]), winner of the same race in 2007.
Bon Aurum (ch h 2012, exGoldsmobile, by Promontory Gold [USA]) was bred and raced by Ken King, the owner of the Ken King Thoroughbreds property, near Euroa. The flashy chestnut’s time on
Dr Kim McKellar has learned the importance of patience through his 50-plus years as an equine veterinarian, and he is determined to instil those same values at Wyndholm Park, the sprawling Ballarat property he runs in partnership with his wife Liz.
The farm’s two resident stallions are globetrotting Group 1-winner Crackerjack King and multiple Stakes winner Ringerdingding; Ringerdingding’s first crop of yearlings is due to hit the ground this season.
Having tasted success at the highest level in Europe, Crackerjack King was brought out to Australia in 2014 to be trained by Hall of Famer David Hayes, only to suffer a careerending suspensory ligament injury in the Group 1 Caulfield Stakes (2000m) shortly after finishing third in the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m).
the track was cut short in 2018 when the ownership group chose not to remove further bone fragments from his troublesome knees.
Bon Aurum had given everything in a career which yielded five wins and just shy of $600,000 in prizemoney, headlined by that stirring victory in the Sir Rupert Clarke when he beat Voodoo Lad and Fast ‘n’ Rocking.
Despite displaying such tenacity on the track, away from the races Bon Aurum had a mild-mannered demeanour and King sees much the same traits in his progeny.
“He’s always been a pretty relaxed customer, and he produces similar foals,” said King, who stands Bon Aurum for a fee of $6600.
“They were never going to show up as two-year-olds, but some of his three-yearolds have been making their
mark so we’ve been fielding a few more inquiries for him recently. We bought Bon Hoffa as a yearling and raced him, then we sent some mares to him when he retired to stud, and Goldsmobile produced Bon Aurum. For him to win the same Group 1 as his sire was quite an achievement, especially as he did it under duress with some chips in his knees.
“He was as tough as they come and if we could complete the trifecta and manage to win another Rupert Clarke with one of Bon Aurum’s progeny, it really would be beyond our wildest dreams.”
King is confident that the next 12 months will see Bon Aurum’s progeny start to enhance their sire’s reputation. “I think it’s only a matter of time before he throws a good horse,” he said. “He’s got a couple of sharp ones which we think could be running in Stakes races this spring. Aureate (ex -omar Star, by Johannesburg [USA]) was a lovely debut winner at Ballarat for (trainer) Shane Fliedner recently and we think Villa Seventynine (trained by Wendy Kelly), (ex-Villa Albani, by Mossman) a three-quarter brother to top mare Bons Away has got potential.”
[2000m] at four at Rome’s Capannelle Racecourse) before being brought out here to win the Cox Plate. He had such a sharp turn of foot that David used to work him alongside his sprinters. So, he was a serious racehorse and I’m sure he’ll have a successful career at stud if he’s given time and gets the right mares.
“Showing patience and waiting until young horses fully mature is so important, but a lot of syndicates these days want instant success.”
Given his impeccable pedigree—he is by Sharmadal (USA) out of Claba Di San Jore (IRE) (by Barathea [IRE]), the dam of six Stakes winners— McKellar was quick to strike a deal to stand the ghostly grey at Wyndholm Park, at a 2023 stud fee of $6,600.
His early progeny hit the ground running in Australia, with two Crackerjack King three-year-olds on course to contest the 2020 Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m), only for injury to curtail their campaigns.
“We’ve been waiting patiently since then for the next really good one to come along,” said McKellar. “Brung King (trained by Henry Dwyer) (ex-Wild Cliffs by Canford Cliffs [IRE]) looks like a very nice horse in the making, and there are one or two others coming through that we have high hopes for.
“Crackerjack King is impeccably bred and had great success in Europe (he won the G2 Derby Italiano [2400m) at three and the Group 1 Premio Presidente della Repubblica
The near jet black Ringerdingding certainly made an instant impression during his racing career, winning on debut at Rosehill before tasting back-toback Stakes success at three in the Listed Springtime Stakes (1400m) at Flemington and the Group 2 Sandown Guineas (1600m).
“He had a serious turn of foot, and his first crop of yearlings are with some great trainers, so we’re really looking forward to seeing what they can do this season,” said McKellar.
The son of Golden Slipper winner Sebring (by More Than Ready [USA]) will stand his fourth season at a fee of $6,600 (inc. GST).
Breednet.com.au, 8th Oct. 2022
2YO colt of 2021/22
Won Silver Slipper Stakes-Gr.2
“a show of sustained speed” Racingandsports.com.au
Won Roman Consul Stakes-Gr.2
“kicking strongly when challenged to surge clear” Sportsnews.com.au
Won Canonbury Stakes-Gr.3 on debut by 4¾ lengths
“the son of Snitzel simply ran his rivals ragged”
Breednet.com.au
2nd Golden Slipper-Gr.1, defeating Gr.1 winners Coolangatta, Daumier, Jacquinot, She’s Extreme etc.
Fee: $27,500 (INC. GST )
One of the best and fastest 2YOs by SNITZEL
A great looking individual and very much in the mould of his sire
a three-year-old, before injury sidelined him after connections had worked hard over 12 months trying to get him back to the races. After producing a memorable finishing burst from near last to win the 2021 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington— straight from a solid fifth in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas over 1600m—he resumed to win the Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington in early March; that victory was the first time the race had been won by a horse first-up since a spring campaign.
Again, trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace capitalised on Hitotsu’s ability to handle any distance and stepped him up from 1600m to the 2400m of the Australian Derby at Randwick, and the brown colt didn’t let them down.
“You’ve got to have the engine, and you’ve got to have the lungs. He’s done a phenomenal job,” Maher told the media after the Sydney Classic.
Hitotsu is a son of sensational Japanese racehorse Maurice (JPN) (by Screen Hero [JPN]) who has shuttled from Japan’s legendary Shadai Station to Arrowfield since 2017—apart from missing 2020 due to travel issues during COVID-19—when Messara and his marketing team had to work hard to fill a book of 121 mares at $33,000 despite his six wins at Group 1 level—1600m to 2000m—in Japan and Hong Kong.
Last season Maurice covered his biggest Australian book of 165 mares at a fee of $82,500, making him one of the most sought-after stallions on the Arrowfield roster—and he remains at that fee this spring.
It’s fitting that Hitotsu has found his way “home” to a prime position in the stallion barn at the famed Arrowfield Stud, near Scone, in the Hunter Valley.
The triple Group 1 winner was born and raised at Arrowfield and he’s a sparkling advertisement for the daring investment in Japanese stallions made by the stud’s supremo, John Messara.
[USA]). It’s an outcross of the bloodlines of two hemispheres that also produced the 2022 Group 2 Alister Clark Stakes (3YO, 1600m, Moonee Valley) winner Bank Maur, this year’s promising Stakes-winning juveniles, Namesake (Listed Oxlade Stakes, 1300m, Eagle Farm) and Azula (Listed The Phoenix, 1400m, Eagle Farm).
It’s no coincidence that the Maurice’s top-class sprinter, Mazu—winner of the 2022 Group 1 Doomben 10,000 (1200m, Doomben)—is out of a mare by another of Arrowfield’s champions Flying Spur, also son of Danehill. It’s a cross that keeps on giving.
Hitotsu was a special
Messara, who has the Midas Touch in finding successful stallions for his farm, said it was a logical move to secure Hitotsu as he attempts to offer not only different bloodlines but also with the capacity to produce horses who are elite over middle distances, fighting the Australian trend for speed at all costs.
“Each of Hitotsu’s three Group 1 victories is was an exceptional performance, but together they put him in the very sparsely populated category of historymaking champion,” he said.
Messara will be hoping, if not expecting, Hitotsu will pass on his heart and lungs to his offspring, just as his sire and maternal grandsire have done.
Although there historically has been a reluctance for some breeders to send their mares to Derby winners, Arrowfield only has to look at its own roster to take encouragement they are on the right track with Hitotsu, who stands at $22,000 in 2023.
Dundeel (by High Chaparral [IRE]), the 2013 Australian Derby winner, is now an outstanding stallion at Arrowfield and will cover a big book of mares this spring at a fee of $82,500.
Hitotsu has a similar feel about him to Dundeel—the sire of 24 Stakes winners—who also had the turn-of-foot to win the Group 1 Randwick Guineas (1600m) on his way to winning the Rosehill Guineas (2000m) and Derby.
Arrowfield Stud’s recent policy of investing in elite racehorses with speed and stamina is reflected in their acquisition of Hitostu, a horse they bred and raised, writes DANNY POWERGROUP 1 DELIGHT: Jockey John Allen celebrates as Hitotsu bursts through on the inside of Lightsaber to win the 2021 Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington. PHOTO RACING PHOTOS
Sire of stakes winner MY NIKITA, and stakes placed LADY STYLE, STONE WARRIOR and KORODON
Consistent producer of winners with over 51% winners to runners
$2,200 inc GST & routine vet fees, conditions apply.
INTRODUCING ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S BEST AND MOST VERSATILE GR1 PERFORMERS OF RECENT YEARS
20 starts in Group 1 company and victories included Group 2 VRC Danehill Stakes, Group 3 SAJC Spring Stakes, Group 3 VRC Carbine Club, Group 3 SAJC Chairmans Stakes
Entirely free of DANEHILL/DANZIG and ZABEEL/SIR TRISTRAM blood, ideal outcross
$5,500 inc GST & routine vet fees, conditions apply.
Also standing BOULDER CITY (HALF BROTHER TO WINX), PRINCE OF CAVIAR (EX BL ACK CAVIAR), REDENTE, SKILLED AND WAYED ZAIN
Riverbank Farm….where dreams are affordable
high price when he finished second, behind Performer, on debut in the 2018 Group 3 Canonbury Stakes (1000m, Rosehill) for trainers Peter and Paul Snowden. It was a performance that elevated him in Golden Slipper markets, but, unfortunately, an injury meant that placing was the colt’s only start.
knocked down to bloodstock agent Bevan Smith for $125,000, is one of Singapore racing’s young stars.
Bart McCulloch’s phone has been ringing constantly over the winter months, and for all the the right reasons.
As a young studmaster gearing up for the 2023 breeding season, that’s a good problem to have, especially when most of the calls are from broodmare owners seeking a nomination to his young stallion Stratosphere (bay 2015 Snitzel-Ultimate Fever, by Gold Fever [USA]).
As much as McCulloch and his team at Grenville Stud, at Whitmore in northeast Tasmania, have spruiked Stratosphere to anyone who would listen since the eight-yearold arrived from Sydney in 2019, it’s safe to say that the young stallion is the talk of Tassie, and starting to become very wellknown on the mainland.
McCulloch knew Stratosphere was the complete package—he had the pedigree, the looks and the speed—and he knows that if it hadn’t been for the injury, his family-run operation wouldn’t have been able to afford him.
Despite McCulloch’s hard sell to breeders, even at a fee of $4400, Stratosphere’s first three foal crops totalled 111, and consisted mostly of modestly bred local mares.
That looks set to change this spring after the young sire roared into the consciousness of breeders after his first crop hit the track.
In 2022-23, Stratosphere has sired six individual two-year-old winners, including the Stakesperformed Cairns (ex-Airlie Magic, by Magic Albert) and Encounter Sphere (ex-Flying Dami, by Incumbent).
Another son, Greatham Boy (ex-In Harmony, by Exceed
McCulloch said it’s been a dream start to Stratosphere’s stud career and a huge boost for the farm, and Tasmanian breeding. “From a first crop of 50 foals to have six individual winners and for those horses to have won at either their first or second start, it’s an extremely promising start for the horse,” he said.
“Realistically, the majority of those winners have been out of mares that haven’t been great producers, so he’s clearly upgrading his mares considerably and we think with better-quality mares and a couple of bigger books off the back of this, he’s a real chance to continue on a strong trajectory.”
McCulloch said he will divert some of his premier broodmares from their annual trips to Victoria or the Hunter Valley to stay at home for a date with Stratosphere, and he’s optimistic mainland breeders will also support the horse.
After three seasons at $4400, Stratosphere will command a $7700 fee in 2023.
“This season he’s going to be
said. “I don’t think there’d be many stallions out there with a better return on investment— his yearlings at the Tasmanian Sale this year averaged $53,000 with a 100 per cent clearance rate which I think shows that you can get a pretty good return off a low-risk investment.
“Travelling from Victoria to Tasmania (by boat) is probably a lot easier and a lot less stressful on a horse than travelling from Victoria to the Hunter Valley. We do the trip every year.”
Although he went short of mentioning Stratosphere in the same breath as Grenville Stud’s foundation stallion West Quest (by Gone West [USA]), who died in 2015, McCulloch said it’s difficult not to dream about what Stratosphere can do in the coming seasons.
West Quest stood 15 seasons at Grenville from 1999 to 2014, siring more than 860 winners including 12 individual Stakes winners.
Zululand (b 2011, Fastnet Rock-Dream Play, by Hennessy [USA]), who has sired nine individual winners from only 20 runners in the 2022-023 season, will again accompany Stratosphere on Grenville Stud’s 2023 roster at a service fee of $4400.
to a Tasmanian studmaster who has hopes to reach great heights with his young stallion Stratosphere
Breeze Ups: 16 & 17 October 2023
at Te Rapa
Sale: 22 & 23 November 2023 at Karaka
Book 1 Sale: 28 - 30 January 2024
Book 2 Sale: 31 January - 2 February 2024 at Karaka
Saluting in the Derbys, the Classics, the Miles, the Carnivals and more, Karaka graduates’ recent racetrack triumphs enhance a formidable reputation in the great Group One tests.
Join us for the perfect blend of horses, people and place, while securing yourself the next generation of kiwi talent at Karaka.
The arrival of a new stallion can give a stud farm a boost at the best of times, but for everyone at Bombora Downs, standing the royally bred Cape Of Good Hope this spring is a special thrill.
Cape Of Good Hope is the first new stallion to stand at the Bittern farm on the Mornington Peninsula since 2020.
Bombora Downs’ Christoph Bruechert couldn’t be more delighted with the prospects of Cape Of Good Hope, a Group 1 winning son of the great Irish stallion Galileo from the exceptional Australian-bred mare Hveger (by Danehill [USA]), a sister to Elvstroem and a halfsister to Haradasun (by Fusaichi Pegasus [USA]), both outstanding racehorses who won Group 1 races in both hemispheres and who have both sired Group winners at stud.
Hveger also is the dam of the seven-time Group 1-winner Highland Reel and the two-time Group 2 winner Idaho—both by Galileo.
Importantly, the GalileoDanehill cross has produced the world’s top-ranked sire, Frankel.
The good-looking Cape Of Good Hope was originally trained in Ireland by Aidan O’Brien, who had him pegged as
a Derby colt in 2019.
After winning the Listed Blue Riband Derby Trial (2000m) at Epsom, O’Brien sent him to France for the Prix du Jockey Club (2100m)—the French Derby—at Chantilly, where he ran very well to finish fourth behind the high-class Sottsass.
Later that year, after two runs in the USA, Cape Of Good Hope arrived in Australia for the spring carnival under the care of the team at Lindsay Park, and he couldn’t have made a bigger impact by storming home to beat Black Heart Bart in the Group 1
Caulfield Guineas (2000m) at Caulfield at his first outing. Injury prevented Cape Of Good Hope from recapturing that form, however, and he retires as a stallion who will suit breeders with the aim of producing a middledistance galloper. His 2023 fee is $8250.
Cape Of Good Hope’s arrival comes after good results from the early runners by Bombora Down’s young sire the unraced De Gaulle.
De Gaulle (B h 2014 Exceed And Excel-Response, by Charge Forward), a three-quarter brother to the 2018 Group 1 Golden Slipper winner Estijaab (by Snitzel) showed exceptional talent in trials before injury forced his retirement, has left five winners from his first crop of only 12 named foals. His winners include the smart Madame Du Gast—a mare partowned and bred by De Gaulle’s owner Richard Anderson (Quilly Park, Pearcedale)—who gave De Gaulle’s stallion profile a huge boost when she won on debut at Flemington in January 2022. The now four-year-old mare has recently shown good form since moving to Queensland.
The success of De Gaulle’s progeny, and the fact they are impressive lookers like their sire, resulted in him attracting 48 mares last spring, compared to only nine in 2021. His fee has remained at $5500.
Also on the Bombora Down’s stallion roster are multiple Group-winning stayer Dandino (by Dansili [GB], fee $5500) and Frankel My Dear (by Frankel [GB], $5500).
Christoph Bruechert couldn’t be more delighted with the prospects of Cape Of Good Hope
An investment in a top shelf Bordeaux red will more than likely to come with the advice to give the wine time to age so the Cabernet Sauvignon grape can develop to perfection.
In contrast, the investment of sending a broodmare to the brilliant new Coolmore Stud stallion, Best Of Bordeaux, will bring a desire that the offspring will be precocious, fast and mature enough to be competitive in the G1 Golden Slipper, the world’s richest race for two-yearolds.
Best Of Bordeaux, a son of four-time Australian Champion Stallion, Snitzel (by Redoute’s Choice) went close to winning the Slipper in 2021, when he ploughed through a bog track to lead his rivals until swamped late by the filly, Fireburn.
The colt’s trainer Kacy Fogden lamented the heavy track in the knowledge that the sensationally fast Best Of Bordeaux wouldn’t have been caught had the track been firm, just like when the colt skipped across the firm Rosehill turn to win the Group 3 Canonbury Stakes (1100m) on debut in January; followed by a decisive but narrow on a soft 5 track over the same course to win the important Group 2 Silver Slipper Stakes (1200m) four weeks later.
Coolmore’s Australian supremo Tom Magnier and his board of advisers were taken by Best Of Bordeaux’s Golden Slipper performance, and quickly stepped into buy a controlling interest in the colt.
Competing in Coolmore’s famous royal blue livery a three-
year-old, Best Of Bordeaux emulated outstanding sires Fastnet Rock, Zoustar, Exceed And Excel and Russian Revolution when he overcame his dislike for heavy ground to win the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m, Randwick) in October. It was a more meritorious performance considering Best Of Bordeaux had been suffering from a virus leading into the race.
Twelve months later, Coolmore Stud got his own son of Snitzel to win the Golden Slipper when Shinzo, ridden by Ryan Moore, produced an outstanding performance at only his fourth start.
Coolmore Stud’s head of nominations, Colm Santry, said Best Of Bordeaux fits the brief of what Australian breeders are best at, which is producing precocious speed.
“Snitzel is emerging as a sire of sires, and Best Of Bordeaux represents
three a sire line dominated by three of the greatest stallions Australia has produced, starting with Coolmore’s own Danehill and Danehill’s champion son, Redoute’s Choice,” he said.
“Like his sire, Best Of Bordeaux was a natural, forward-running speed horse, faster and more accomplished at two than other effective sire sons of Snitzel, such as Shamus Award and Russian Revolution.
Best Of Bordeaux is out of the mare Chateau Cheval, a daughter of Epsom Derby winner High Chaparral (IRE), by Sadler’s Wells (USA). Santry said although Best Of Bordeaux is very similar to his sire Snitzel, he can also see some similarities to High Chaparral. “He is neat, light-on-his-feet colt like Snitzel, but when you look at his side on, you can see High Chaparral’s athleticism in him, and he has High Chap’s beautiful head.
“He’s the type of stallion who will suit many heavy-bone sprinting mares—he’ll tidy up the foals—and he’s been very popular at a fee of $27,500.
“Importantly, he’s going to get great support from a wonderful group of leading breeders who involved in his ownership, each of whom will support him with quality mares. He was bred by Gerry Harvey who remains in the ownership, and we feel that he is the perfect horse for breeders to target, with sales like the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale in mind.”
Best Of Bordeaux is the only first-season sire on Coolmore’s stallion roster of 15, headed by stalwart Fastnet Rock (by Danehill [USA]), second-season sensation Home Affairs (by I Am Invincible), Pierro (by Lonhro), the exciting Yes Yes Yes (by Rubick) and the incredibly successful So You Think (by High Chaparral [IRE]), who now has 11 Group 1 winners to his name.
Shutting from Ireland are the international star Wootton Bassett (by Iffraaj [IRE]), champion European colt St Mark’s Basilica (by Invincible Spirit [IRE]) and, importantly, former Australian sprint star Starspangledbanner (by Choisir) returns home.
On the strength of success of his first Australian crop on the track last season, unbeaten Kentucky Derby winner Justify (by Scatt Daddy [USA]) is back by popular demand from Kentucky.
BLEND OF SPEED: Best Of Bordeaux, pictured winning the G2 Roman Consul Stakes at Randwick as a spring threeyear-old, will stand his first season at Coolmore Stud in the Hunter Valley.
tick all the boxes, irrespective of mares they are out of.
This approach is predicated partly on the relative affordability of Ilovethiscity’s progeny but predominantly on the fact that, according to the stable’s racing manager Brad Taylor, “you know exactly what you’re going to get”.
“Both King Of Hastings and Kings Consort are typical of the breed, in that they’re very tough horses and are great to have around the stable,” said Taylor.
Kings Consort’s (ex-Peckish, by Snitzel) career came courtesy of his slashing win in the $1 million The Showdown (1200m, 2YOs, Caulfield) in 2022, when the chestnut, built in the image of his sire, charged from the back of the back to land a $557,000 payday for syndicate group.
Many of those owners— including Paul Ryan, whose first horse was none other than former topliner Mummify (also bought in Adelaide)—had money to burn through their association with Stakes winner King Of Hastings (ex-Handcut, by Danerich).
They say lightning doesn’t strike twice, but Anthony Freedman disproved that theory when the stable paid the same price for two Ilovethiscity yearlings at the same sale three years apart, and promptly enjoyed runaway success with both.
The sale was the Magic Millions Adelaide Yearling Sale and the two yearlings were King Of Hastings (bought in 2018) and Kings Consort (2021). They cost a combined $64,000 and, to date, have amassed almost $1.5 million in prizemoney between them.
The team at Freedman Racing traditionally targets the Adelaide sale with the specific intention of sourcing athletic yearlings at a reasonable price, and these days
any yearlings by Ilovethiscity (by Magic Albert) are high on their list.
Ilovethiscity ( h h 2007, Magic Albert-Kensington Rose, by Kenfair), Group 1 winner of the 2011 Randwick Guineas (1600m) for trainer Grahame Begg, stands at Noor Elaine Farm, Euroa, for $5,500 (inc. GST), making him one of Victoria’s best-value stallions.
What you are getting for that modest fee is a stallion that not only beat the best at Group 1 level, but also can sire a Group 1 winner, having produced the 2018 Group 1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) winner, El Dorado Dreaming (exSolanas, by Zabeel [NZ]).
Freedman is a “type” buyer and the progeny of Ilovethiscity
“They’re just an absolute pleasure to train and you know exactly what you’re going to get with his progeny. Both horses have both been real money spinners for us, particularly as Ilovethiscity is a VOBIS Sire, so his yearlings are racing for some great bonuses each year.
“We go to the Adelaide sale with the aim of buying the best Ilovethiscity yearling each year, and we’ve had great success doing it. They’re generally very competitively priced and given the results we’ve had in the past, his yearlings sell themselves, so it makes it easy to offload the shares.
“We’ve got a few unraced ones in the stable which will be hitting the ground this coming season, so hopefully we can continue the success we’ve enjoyed so far with him.”
The undoubted highlight of
They decided to back Freedman’s judgement when he returned to Adelaide to follow the same successful blueprint, and have been reaping the rewards ever since with the regally-named pair registering seven wins and 13 minor placings between them.
“King Of Hastings has come back very well this prep so we’re pleased with how he’s going, and Kings Consort comes back from the paddock very shortly,” said Taylor.
“We’ll probably look to target the back end of the spring with him, he probably just lacks the class to compete at the very highest level but as he showed in The Showdown, he’s got an electric turn of foot on his day so I’m sure we’ll be able to pick off a few more wins with him yet.”
After covering his biggest book of mares in 2020—124—a bumper crop of Ilovethiscity juveniles is set to hit the ground running this season, so the bandwagon is showing no signs of slowing down just yet.
EXCEED AND EXCEL x RESPONSE
QUILLY PARK
By a super sire, from a Group 1 winner, with progeny putting the wins on the board. Halfbrother to ESTIJAAB, winner of the 2018 Longines Golden Slipper plus half-brother to 2022 INGLIS Easter sale graduate ($2,250,000) CONGREGATION, winner of his first two starts as a 2yo. From his first small crop (where he stood privately) has had 6 winners from 10 to the races. Proven success with access to high class bloodlines at an affordable price point.
SERVICE FEE IS $5,500 (INC. GST)
GALILEO (IRE) x HVEGER
HOPE (IRE) (new for 2023)
Proven International bloodlines with wins coming at 2 and then trained on as a classic 3yo. Full brother to Highland Reel (IRE), multiple Group 1 winner and successful sire. Group 1 success as a Northern Hemisphere 3 year old over 2000m against the older horses in the MRC Caulfield Stakes. Highland Reel (IRE), with a first crop stakes winner is now out of the country, so CAPE OF GOOD HOPE is an excellent alternative.
SERVICE FEE IS $8,250 (INC. GST)
FRANKEL (GB) x BUENOS AIRES (IRE)
NOMINATED FOR VOBIS SIRES
NOMINATED FOR VOBIS SIRES
In demand pedigree with oldest progeny rising 2yos and great reports coming in from breakers and pre-trainers. From a family which abounds in black type including Australian Horse of the Year and multiple Group 1 winner MIGHT AND POWER and Champion Miler 2003-04 of Hong Kong, LUCKY OWNERS. Progeny have great temperaments, easy to handle and are tractable, not fizzy, just like their dad. The FRANKEL (GB) progeny are in hot demand in Australia, both for racing prospects and broodmares and the bloodlines are available via FRANKEL MY DEAR.
performed
SERVICE FEE IS $5,500 (INC. GST)
DANSILI (GB) x GENEROUS DIANA (GB)
1600m Stunning, correct type with a brilliant turn of foot who Won or Placed in 21 of 37 starts.
NOMINATED FOR VOBIS SIRES
now has 127 Group winners, at a 9% average for foals of racing age
crop foals are strong, correct types with a great attitude, just like their dad
Generous Diana (Generous) a current and highly active family
Stunning, correct type with a brilliant turn of foot who won or placed at 21 of 37 starts. Desirable pedigree being by the highly successful sire, DANSILI (GB) out of a three time winner. Providing strong, correct types with a great attitude that are proving easy to break-in. Family possesses speed and versatility and he passes those attributes on to his sons and daughters with his progeny winning from 1200m to 2400m
SERVICE FEE IS $5,500 (INC. GST)
NOMINATED FOR VOBIS SIRES
AGIS TMENT FOALING WEANING BREAKING IN WALK-IN / WALK-OUT SERVICE
• His first crop are now 3 year olds with a winner and a number of place getters from a handful of runners
• Winner of 20 races from 1000m to 1600m Jungle Ruler retired sound
• By Lion Hunter, who has a 72% Winners to Runners strike rate for such a short stud career
Only 15 firstseason stallions will be in the market for broodmare owners in 2023, the lowest number in the 15 years I have been editing Inside Breeding.
It looks like a growing trend as not only studmasters are getting more discerning about which stallions they want to stand in the current market, but also broodmare owners are shopping more selectively.
Last season 22 first-season sires were profiled in Inside Breeding, a big drop on the 32 first-season sires that stood in 2021. A check on the past 15 years shows that the annual average is just short of 30 new sires entering Australia’s stallion ranks each year.
Victoria is holding up its end with six newcomers to stand this spring, compared with only three in 2022.
Of course, the headline act of the 15 new boys is nine-time Group 1-winner Anamoe, who replaces his sire Street Boss (by Street Cry [IRE]) at Darley’s Kelvinside property at Aberdeen in NSW’s Hunter Valley. Street Boss returns “home” to Darley Northwood Park at Seymour, where he stood from 2009 to 2020.
Anamoe’s stud fee is an Australian record $121,000 for a first-season sire, eclipsing the $110,000 fee set for Coolmore’s speedster Home Affairs (I Am Invincible) last year. Anamoe will cover a full book.
Interestingly, there is only one shuttle stallion in the list, the 2021 Group 1 Cox Plate winner State Of Rest (IRE) (by Starspangledbanner), who has just served his first book of mares at Rathbarry Stud, in Fermoy, County Cork, Ireland. He will stand the Australian spring at Newgate Farm, Aberdeen, NSW, at a fee of $44,000.
Arrowfield Stud continues to back its Japanese stallions and a commitment to breed middledistance horses by securing the triple Group 1-winner Hitotsu as its only new sire for 2023. Hitotsu is a son of Arrowfield’s Japanese shuttler, the brilliant Maurice (JPN) (by Screen Hero [JPN]) who has had a sensational start to his stud career in Australia resulting in him standing for $82,500 this year.
Hitotsu’s three-year-old racing
season was nothing short of phenomenal. After winning the 2021 Victoria Derby (2500m) at Flemington, he resumed in the autumn with a win in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m), and then did something no horse has done, by jumping distance, to 2500m, to win the Group 1 Australian Derby at Randwick five weeks later. Unfortunately, injury prevented Hitotsu from running again, and Arrowfield’s John Messara was keen to stand him at an appealing fee of $22,000.
When Philip and Patti Campbell handed over the keys to the gates of their Blue Gum Farm at Euroa, late last year, the new owners, Trilogy Racing, immediately announced its intention to continue the Blue Gum tradition of standing commercial stallions.
Trilogy’s Jason and Melanie Stenning and Sean and Cathy Dingwall have secured the former brilliant juvenile Sejardan (by Sebring), who will stand his first season at a fee of $13,750. He is joined by the established stallion, Flying Artie (by Artie Schiller [USA]), who transfers from Newgate Farm.
The Blue Gum Farm brand is synonymous with some of Victoria’s best stallions of the past 50 years, such as Encosta De Lago, Rubiton, Rancho Ruler and Noalcoholic (FR).
The built-for-speed Sejardan impressed onlookers when he paraded at the Great Southern Sale at Oaklands Junction in June.
Another stallion who turned heads at that parade was Widden Victoria’s new boy, Bruckner, a quality son of champion sire Snitzel, who will stand at the Kerrie farm at a fee of $11,000.
Bruckner’s athleticism saw him top the 2020 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale at $750,000. On the track, for
trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, he beat Artorius (new to Newgate this year at $27,500) to win the 2021 Group 3 McNeil Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield before finishing second behind Home Affairs in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington on Derby Day. A failed comeback from injury saw him retired to stud.
Widden offers the outstanding dual Group 1-winner Jacquinot (by Rubick) to breeders at its famous Hunter Valley property at a fee of $33,000 and Coolmore Stud’s newcomer, the brilliantly fast Best Of Bordeaux (by Snitzel)—fee $27,500—will cover his first mares at nearby Jerry’s Plains.
Darley has added the Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes winner Paulele (by Dawn Approach [IRE]) to its Northwood Park roster at a competitive fee of $16,500. Paulele was a Group winner at two, three and four, and he offers breeders the opportunity to tap into the fastest line descending from the great Galileo (IRE).
Breeders of middle-distances horses have the opportunity to use the talented and durable Dalasan (by Dalakhani [IRE]), who stands at Riverbank Farm, Benalla, and the 2019 Group 1 Caulfield Stakes winner Cape Of Good Hope (IRE) (by Galileo [IRE]), who will cover his first book at Bombora Downs, Bittern. Both farms have a healthy client base of people breeding to race, although both stallions will have wider commercial appeal at their modest fee of $5500.
Yulong’s love affair with the star Japanese stallion Lord Kanaloa [JPN] continues with multiple Group-winner Diatonic, a sprinter-miler, joining its growing stallion roster at Nagambie at $13,750.
NOTE: All fees quoted are inclusive of GST.
NEW BOY BRUCKNER: The former top-priced yearling, in blue, pictured winning the 2021 G3 McNeil Stakes (1100m) at Caulfield. He will stand his first season at Widden Victoria.Bay or brown 2018, SnitzelJestajingle, by Lonhro Widden Victoria, Kerrie
Fee: $11,000
Type: It’s not a guarantee that the top-priced yearling at a sale lives up to his or her good looks and pedigree to become an outstanding racehorse. Bruckner, a son of champion sire Snitzel, ticked the ‘made-it’ box. Bruckner, a handsome, 16hh colt, sold for $725,000 to top the 2020 Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale. He’s a near-black stallion—he gets his colour from his dam’s sire Lonhro—who can be best described as a stunning athlete.
Performance: Bruckner, trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, after two starts at two in early 2021, emerged as a top-flight spring 3YO later that year when he beat G1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Artorius in the G3 McNeil Stakes (1200m, Caulfield), before finishing a brilliant second to star colt Home Affairs in the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m, Flemington) on Derby Day. Unfortunately, injury sidelined him for a year before it was decided to retire him after a failed attempt at a comeback last spring.
Pedigree: Snitzel (by Redoute’s Choice) is the sire of 129 Stakes winners and his sons are just starting to make their mark at stud, headed by Shamus Award, Russian Revolution and Trapeze Artist. Bruckner’s dam, Jestajingle, twice a winner in Perth,
is from the outstanding broodmare Jestatune (by Rory’s Jester), the dam of former Group-winning juvenile and now stallion Jukebox, also by Snitzel.
Bay 2016, Galileo (IRE)-Hveger, by Danehill Bombora Downs, Bittern
Fee: $5500
Type: Cape Of Good Hope is an impressive-looking son of champion Irish stallion Galileo, and is very much in his sire’s image as a neat, athletic stallion of medium height.
Performance: Cape Of Good Hope was trained in Ireland by Aiden O’Brien, who set him on a Derby trail after he won his maiden (1400m) at Tipperary, and was twice placed at Group level as a 2YO in 2018. The colt opened his 3YO campaign by winning the Listed Blue Riband Trial (2027m) at Epsom, but O’Brien decided to send him to France for the G1 Prix du Jockey Club (2100m) rather than to the Epsom Derby. At Chantilly, Cape Of Good Hope performed well to finish fourth behind star local Sottsass.
Importantly, Cape Of Good Hope—eventually trained by David and Ben Hayes and Tom Dabernig—earned his Group 1 success in front of an Australian audience when he powered home to beat Black Heart Bart in the 2019 Caulfield Stakes (2000m).
Injury stopped him from reproducing that form, but he retires as the ideal stallion for anyone looking for to breed a stayer proven under Australian racing conditions.
Pedigree: There are few better-bred stallions at stud in Australia that Cape Of Gold Hope, a Irish-bred son of the great Galileo (by Sadler’s Wells [USA]) from Hveger, a sister to five-time Group 1-winner Elvstroem (by Danehill [USA]) and a half-sister three-time Group 1 winner Haradasun (by Fusaichi Pegasus [USA])—both the sire of multiple Group winners. Hveger’s stud career has mirrored her famous dam, G1 Australian Oaks winner Circle Of Gold, in that she has produced three internationally successful offspring—all by Galileo— headed by the seven-time Group 1-winner and successful stallion Highland Reel.
Ch 2016, Dalakhani (IRE)Khandallah, by Kitten’s Joy (USA)
Riverbank Farm, Benalla
Fee: $5500
Type: There won’t be many better-looking stallions than Dalasan going to stud in Australia this spring, and certainly few that performed with such longevity at the highest level. Dalasan is a 16hh chestnut, well-muscled but athletic and balanced, with a beautiful head.
Performance: Dalasan, trained in Adelaide by Leon Macdonald and Andrew Gluyas, was a top-class 2YO who won his first two starts at Morphettville before a luckless and narrow defeat by the filly La Tene in the 2019 G2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m, Flemington). He started favourite in the G1 Caulfield Guineas that year, but he had no luck from barrier 16 before finishing an excellent fifth behind Super Seth. He atoned
BRUCKNER: Exciting son of Snitzel will stand at Widden Victoria. CAPE OF GOOD HOPE: The G1 Caulfield Stakes winner is new to Bombora Downs DELECTABLE: Dalasan, pictured in all his magnificent, will stand at Riverbank Farm.There won’t be many betterlooking stallions than Dalasan
with a brilliant win in the G3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on Derby Day. It took a star in Russian Camelot to beat him in the G1 South Australia Derby (2500m), and he continued to race competitively at Group 1 level, including a third behind Addeybb and Verry Elleegant in the 2021 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m, Randwick), and thirds in the Doncaster Handicap and Epsom Handicap over the famous Randwick “mile”.
Pedigree: Dalasan’s sire, the Aga Khan-bred Dalakhani (by Darshaan [GB]) was a champion racehorse winning the G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2400m) and the French Derby (2100m) in 2003, and he’s been a wonderful sire; included in his offspring is French Derby winner Reliable Man, who is a leading sire in New Zealand. Dalasan’s dam, Khandallah, has an all-American pedigree, being a daughter of Kitten’s Joy (by El Prado [IRE][), the 2004 US Champion Turf Horse, who twice became champion North American sire, making him one of the best US representatives of the famous Sadler’s Wells sire line.
Bay 2015, Lord Kanaloa (JPN)-
To Harmony (JPN), by Sunday Silence (USA)
Yulong Stud, Nagambie
Fee: $13,750
Type: Diatonic stands at 15.3hh. He is built as his performance suggests, an athletic sprinter-miler with a good head and a good attitude.
Performance: Diatonic was a tough sprinter-miler who
campaigned at the top level in Japan, winning the 2019 G2 Sho Swan Stakes (1400m, Kyoto)—a race he won again in 2022—and the 2022 G2 Hanshin Cup (1400m, Hanshin).
Pedigree: Yulong Stud has invested heavily in the progeny of leading Japanese sire Lord Kanaloa (JPN) (by King Kamehameha [JPN]), who retired as one of Japan’s greatest sprinters after winning six Group 1s from 1200m to 1600m. Lord Kanaloa made an immediate impact at stud when he produced champion mare Almond Eye, an eighttime Group 1 winner (two Japan Cups), and he is also the sire of Yulong’s young sire Tagaloa, who won the 2020 G1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m, Caulfield).
Importantly, Diatonic is bred on the same cross as Almond Eye, being out of a mare by the legendary Sunday Silence (by Halo [USA]). Importantly for Australian breeders, he comes from the same family as champion sires Danehill and Northern Dancer, so he is a terrific nick for Danehill-line mares.
Ch 2018, Dawn Approach (IRE)Chatoyant, by Flying Spur Darley Northwood Park, Seymour Fee: $16,500
Type: Paulele is the latest offering for Victorian breeders from Darley Northwood Park. He is a powerful, 16.1hh chestnut sprinting son of Dawn Approach (IRE) (by New Approach [IRE]) with an imposing stallion’s head and
a flowing forelock—a la So You Think—that makes him impossible to ignore.
Performance: Paulele was up and running early—he won his debut at Moonee Valley (1000m) as a pre-Christmas juvenile in November 2020 and four weeks later repeated the performance at Randwick over 1200m. In the autumn, he won the G2 Kindergarten Stakes (1100m) at Randwick, a prelude to his exceptional spring of 2021 when he won the Listed Rosebud (1100m, Randwick); finished second in the G3 San Domenico Stakes (1100m, Kembla Grange) behind In The Congo; and chased home Home Affairs in the Listed Heritage Stakes (1100m, Rosehill) before winning the important G2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.
As an autumn 3YO, he won the G2 Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m, Randwick) before finishing his campaign with a third behind Nature Strip in the G1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) and the G2 Arrowfield Stakes), behind Mazu, both at Randwick. Last spring, he was at his best, winning the G2 Schillaci Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield, which led into him breaking through at the highest level, when he stormed home from last at the 400m to win the G1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) at Ascot in Perth. Pedigree: Paulele comes from the family of Group 1-producing stallions Merchant Navy and Gypsy Kingdom, and he represents a speedy example of crossing the blood of the greats, Galileo (grandsire of Dawn Approach) and Danehill, sire of Flying Spur.
Bay 2019, Sebring-Miss
Amajardan, by Hinchinbrook Blue Gum Farm, Euroa
Fee: $13,750
Type: If you are looking for a stallion who matured early and was one of the best juveniles of his year, Sejardan fits the profile and his physique is what you would expect. He’s a neat 15.3hh powerful, muscular package, built for speed.
Performance: Sejardan’s win in the G3 Breeders’ Plate (1000m) at Randwick in October 2021 was nothing short of sensation after drawing wide, settling near last before producing a withering sprint. Five weeks later, again from a wide draw, barrier 10, he produced a similar performance, running over the top of his rivals to win the $1 million Inglis Golden Gift (1100m) at Rosehill.
Trainer Gary Portelli rightfully set the colt for the G1 Golden Slipper, and Sejardan stepped out one of the favourites after his win in the G2 Todman Stakes (1200m) at Randwick. Unfortunately, a slow start on a bog track resulted in Sejardan finishing ninth in the Slipper behind stablemate Fireburn.
At three, a series of niggling problems held Sejardan back, but he showed Victorians his mettle when he charged home late to win the G3 Red Anchor Stakes (1200m) on Cox Plate day in 2022.
Pedigree: Sejardan is a son of Golden Slipper winner Sebring (by More Than Ready [USA]), the sire of 78 Stakes winners and promising young sire sons, Gold Standard and
Supido. Sejardan’s dam, Miss Amajardan, is by Fastnet Rock’s quality sire-son Hinchinbrook, who is closely related to champion sire Snitzel. Miss Amajardan’s fourth dam, Reigntaine (Century-Rainbeam), is a sister to multiple champion New Zealand sire Centaine.
Bay 2018, Street Boss (USA)-Anamato, by Redoute’s Choice
Darley Kelvinside, Aberdeen
Fee: $121,000
Type: Anamoe is an outstanding 16.1hh individual, who throws a lot to his dam’s sire, the great stallion Redoute’s Choice. He’s the type of horse that dominated in pre-race parade rings, and he’s expected to do that when he lets down as a stallion at Darley in NSW. He retires at a fee of $121,000,
which is the richest fee for an Australian first-season sire.
Performance: Anamoe’s sparkling win in the Listed Merson Cooper Stakes (1000m) at Sandown in the spring of 2020 was the run of a talented colt with a lot more to give, and give he did. In the autumn, he won the G2 Todman Stakes (1200m, Randwick) before finishing second behind Stay Inside in the G1 Golden Slipper (1200m, Rosehill).
He followed that with a soft win in the G1 Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m, Randwick).
At three, a second in the G1 Golden Rose (1400m, Rosehill) was followed by an enormous come-frombehind win in the G1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m), which led into a tremendous, luckless, and narrow second behind State Of Rest in the G1 Cox Plate (2040m, The Valley).
As an autumn 3YO, his best win was the 2022 G1 Rosehill Guineas (1600m), but he emerged as a mature beast last spring when he dominated the weight-for-age races, winning four Group 1 races on the trot, culminating in the Cox Plate. He added another two Group 1 wins in the autumn before he was retired with the imposing record of 25 starts, 14 wins— nine at Group 1 level, more than any other horse owned by Godolphin. Pedigree: Anamoe has the perfect pedigree for Australian breeders, in that he’s by an outcross stallion from a Danehillline mare. He also represents the two most influential sire lines in this part of the world—his sire Street Boss is a son of the great Street Cry (sire of Winx) from the G1 Australasian Oaks winner, Anamato, who is a daughter of Redoute’s Choice, Danehill’s best sire son.
Bay 2018, Flying Artie-Gracie’s Lass, by Redoute’s Choice Newgate Farm, Aberdeen
Fee: $27,500
Type: Co-trainer Anthony Freedman describes Artorius as, “physically, an incredible type, who I have great confidence will pass on these attributes to his progeny”. Artorius performed best as a sprinter, although he was capable to stretching to 1600 metres.
Performance: Artorius won twice at Group 1 level. He was a dynamic juvenile who
produced a withering sprint to win the 2021 G1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m, Caulfield), at his third start, beating Ingratiating and Anamoe. He didn’t win in the spring as a 3YO, but he produced three enormous performances— fourth in the G1 Golden Rose (1400m, Rosehill, won by In The Congo), third in the G1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m, won by Anamoe) and third, behind Home Affairs, in the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m, Flemington).
In 2022, he was stiff not to win the G1 Platinum Jubilee (1200m) at Royal Ascot when he missed the start and came on late for third behind Naval Crown, and then ran gamely for third behind Alcohol Free in the G1 July Cup (1200m) at Newmarket.
In the autumn this year, he warmed up for a second tilt at Royal Ascot glory by winning the G1 Canterbury Stakes (1300m, Randwick) in March. In England, a glorious swansong was not to be although he again ran gamely for fourth in the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes.
Pedigree: Artorius is a son of Flying Artie, who recently moved from Newgate to stand at Blue Gum Farm in Victoria. Flying Artie, a son of Artie Schiller, was a brilliant sprinting 2YO and 3YO, winning the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes and finishing second in the G1 Blue Diamond Stakes. Artorius’s dam, Gracie’s Lass, is a daughter of Redoute’s Choice from a mare by the influential More Than Ready. Gracie’s Lass is a half-sister to Group 1-winner Delectation (Coolmore Stud Stakes).
GLORIOUS ANAMOE: The headline new horse at Darley Kelvinside in 2023. BUILT FOR SPEED: Sejardan starts his stud career at Blye Gum Farm. ARTORIUS: Returns from England to serve his first mares at Newgate Farm.Anamoe has the perfect pedigree for Australian breeders
Bay 2019, Snitzel-Chateau
Cheval, by High Chaparral (IRE)
Coolmore, Jerry’s Plains
Fee: $27,500
Type: Best Of Bordeaux, a genuine star juvenile, is the quintessential product of his champion sire Snitzel—neat, well-built and athletic—so much so, that Gerald Ryan, who trained Snitzel to win the 2006 G1 Oakleigh Plate, said of Best Of Bordeaux when inspecting him as a 2YO, “this horse is just the spitting image of Snitzel”.
Performance: Best Of Bordeaux was trained in Brisbane by Kacy Fogden who thought so much of the colt, she kicked off his career in the G3 Canonbury Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill in January 2022, one of the early lead-up races to the G1 Golden Slipper. Best Of Bordeaux bounced to the front, and then left his rivals struggling from the 400m to win easily by almost five lengths. Three weeks later at the same track, he again led from start to finish to win the G2 Silver Slipper Stakes (1100m).
Fogden kept him fresh into the Slipper, but on a heavy track, he was overhauled close to the line by the filly Fireburn. The brass at Coolmore were impressed enough to move quickly to buy a majority interest in Best Of Bordeaux.
At this third run in the 2022 spring, Best Of Bordeaux again showed his sprinting talents by running his rivals off their feet to win the G2 Roman Consul
Stakes (1200m) at Randwick. He then stepped up against the older horses to finish third behind Bella Nipotina in the G1 Manikato Stakes (1200m) at The Valley. Injury issues curtailed any 2023 campaign. Pedigree: Best Of Bordeaux’s sire Snitzel, by Redoute’s Choice, needs little introduction as a four-time Australian Champion Stallion. His sons are also starting to leave their mark at stud, especially the established Shamus Award and the up-and-coming Russian Revolution.
Best Of Bordeaux is from a stallion-producing family. His dam, the High Chaparral mare Chateau Cheval, is a half-sister to the underrated Casino Prince (sire of All Too Hard) and closely related to successful stallions Just Awesome and Onemorenomore.
Bay 2019, Epaulette-Illustrate, by Street Cry (IRE)
Twin Hills Stud, Cootamundra
Fee: $16,500
Type: Strong and powerful, he ran true to type as an outstanding juvenile in the speedster mould of the best Australia can produce.
Performance: As a November 26-born foal, Daumier wasn’t expected to be running early for trainers Anthony and Sam Freedman, but a couple of impressive jump outs resulted in Daumier lining up in a Listed Blue Diamond Preview (1000m) at the end of January in 2022, which he won impressively. Followed a
third in a G3 Blue Diamond Prelude, a determined Daumier proved too good for the filly Revolutionary Miss to win the G1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m, Caulfield) in late February. He franked that form in Sydney with a fourth in the G1 Golden Slipper (1200m) and a fourth in the G1 Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m), both behind Fireburn. Daumier retired as the only Group 1-winning colt of his juvenile season.
Pedigree: Daumier is a product of nearly 150-years of Australian breeding from a family nurtured in modern times in the paddocks of the Ingham family at the famous Woodlands Stud. His sire Epaulette (by Commands) was a Listed Black Opal Stakes (1200m) winner at two, and at three, won the 2012 G1 Golden Rose (1400m) and the 2013 G1 Doomben 10,000. Daumier’s dam, Illustrate, is a daughter of Winx’s sire, Street Cry, from the G2 Surround Stakes winner, Parables, by Lonhro.
Brown 2018, Maurice (JPN)Love Is Fickle, by Redoute’s Choice
Arrowfield Stud, Scone
Fee: $22,000
Type: Hitotsu is a stallion of medium height, but he’s extremely athletic and possesses a lethal turn of foot. Performance: Hitotsu did what only one other horse, Mahogany (1993-94 season), has been able to achieve— TO win the Victoria Derby (2400m) at Flemington in the spring, the Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick in the autumn, and in between, take out the G1 Australian Guineas (1600m, Flemington). These were Hitotsu’s last three starts before injury forced his retirement.
Hitotsu, when trained by Wendy Kelly, was sharp enough to compete in the 2021 G1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m) as a 2YO. He finished only tenth, but it was an eyecatching performance, running on late from near last on the turn to be beaten only five lengths by the winner Artorius.
Clients of trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace swooped to buy the colt, and after a lowly maiden win at Donald (1350m) in the spring, Hitotsu ran a terrific fifth in the G1 Caulfield Guineas behind Anamoe. His win in the Victoria Derby was phenomenal thanks to a masterful ride by John Allen, who weaved colt through the
SPEEDSTER: Snitzel’s brilliant son Best Of Bordeaux will stand at Coolmore. DAUMIER: New to Twin Hills Stud.big field from near last.
Pedigree: Hitotsu’s pedigree is an invention of the master of Arrowfield, John Messara. Hitotsu is a product of Messara’s devotion to Japanese bloodlines mixed with the great stallion Redoute’s Choice. He is by Maurice (JPN) (by Screen Hero [JPN]) from Love Is Fickle, a daughter of Redoute’s Choice (by Danehill [USA]). Maurice, a racetrack sensation in Japan and Hong Kong, is proving to be an exceptional sire.
Ch 2018, Snitzel-Via Africa (SAF), by Var (USA) Newgate Farm, Aberdeen
Fee: $33,000
Type: In The Congo is a striking chestnut with three prominent white socks— something he inherited from his dam’s sire, the champion South African stallion Var (USA). Co-trainer Gai Waterhouse described him as a “fast, tough colt with the attributes necessary to make a great stallion”.
Performance: After winning his maiden at Randwick (Kensington), 1100m, as an 2YO in May 2021, In The Congo emerged as a star in the spring of that year, winning the G3 San Domenico Stakes (1200m) at Kembla Grange and the G1 Golden Rose (1400m, Rosehill), beating Anamoe after a sustained display of speed.
Last year a wet Sydney autumn cost him a better record. Again, he set a slick pace but was run down in very heavy going when third in the G1 The Galaxy (1100m. Rosehill) behind mudlark Shelby Sixtysix, and then led when Mazu nabbed him late in
the G2 Arrowfield Stud Stakes (1200m, Randwick), again on heavy ground.
Pedigree: In The Congo retires as arguably the fastest son of champion sire Snitzel (by Redoute’s Choice), who is starting to kick goals with his sire-sons, headed by Shamus Award and Russian Revolution. In The Congo’s dam, Via Africa, offers breeders a point of difference in that she was a champion Group 1-winning sprinter in South Africa. Her sire Var—a French Group-1 winning speedster and son of Forest Wildcat (USA), [ by Storm Cat (USA)]—was a dominant speed influence and was regarded as a breedshaping sire in South Africa in his 16 years as a stallion.
Bay 2019, Rubick-Ponterro, by Pierro
Widden Stud, Widden Valley
Fee: $33,000
Type: Jacquinot is a 16.hh athletic colt with big stride, and a sparkling turn of foot. He is built in the image of the best stallions from the Encosta De Lago sire line. Co-trainer
Mick Price praised Jacquinot for his “speed, soundness and temperament” and believed one of keys to his success was his will to win.
Performance: When Jacquinot won on debut, as a 2YO, at Caulfield (1200m) on Boxing Day 2021, he produced a performance that became his signature—a barnstorming, clock-breaking finish from back in the field.
He produced something similar
in the G1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m, Caulfield) seven weeks later, but fell short of winning when a charging third, beaten half a length, behind Daumier. His tardiness early in his races also cost him a closer finish than sixth in the G1 Golden Slipper (1200m, Rosehill) behind Fireburn, when he came from near last on the turn.
That big late sprint hit the jackpot for him in the spring when he won the G3 McNeil Stakes (1200m, Caulfield) and the G1 Golden Rose (1400m, Rosehill), the latter beating star filly In Secret.
In the autumn this year, Jacquinot franked his talent by winning the G1 Orr Stakes (1400m) at Sandown.
Pedigree: Jacquinot is a son of Rubick—a very fast son of champion sire Encosta De Lago and close relation of Redoute’s Choice—who is proving to be an outstanding sire. Apart from Jacquinot, he hit the headlines when his son Yes Yes Yes won The Everest (1200m, Randwick) in 2020.
Jacquinot has a damline of depth that boasts influential stallions as the sires of his first four dams—Pierro, Redoute’s Choice, Royal Academy and Sir Tristram. His dam, Ponterro, is from the exceptional
broodmare Pontiana, the dam of Inference (G1 Rosehill Guineas), Dragon Leap (G1 Avondale Guineas) and the smart Illation.
Bay 2015, Exceed And ExcelSharp Susan (USA), by Touch Gold (USA)
Spartus Bloodstock
Fee: $9900
Type: Signore Fox is built in the image of his sire, Exceed And Excel. He’s a balanced, black-pointed bay with a sprinter’s physique and a masculine head.
Performance: Signore Fox has been a stalwart sprinter for the Peter and Paul Snowden stable since they paid $300,000 for him as a yearling in 2017. He took a while to hit his straps, winning his maiden at Hawkesbury in 2018 as a 3YO, and later in that season won the Listed Daybreak Lover Stakes (1200m) at Eagle Farm. His most important win in his 43 starts came in April 2021 when he won the G3 Star Kingdom Stakes (1200m) at
SIGNORE FOX: The durable son of Exceed And Excel.
HANDSOME: The good-looking In The Congo will stand at Newgate Farm..
JACQUINOT: The brilliant dual Group 1 winner headlines at Widden Stud.
Jacquinot is from the same family as champion sire Redoute’s Choice
(1200m) and Stradbroke Handicap (1400m), at Eagle Farm.
Pedigree: Signore Fox’s sire Exceed And Excel has been a wonderful international success at stud, and an enduring headliner for his champion sire Danehill.
Singore Fox’s dam Sharp Susan is an American-bred mare who was outstanding on the track winning a Group 2 at Saratoga and was Group 1-placed at Belmont. Her best distances where 1400m to 1800m. She is a half-sister to two Group 1 winners in the USA, Spring At Last and Sharp Lisa.
Bay 2018, StarspangledbannerRepose (USA), by Quiet American (USA) Newgate Farm, Aberdeen
Fee: $44,000
Type: Trainer Joseph
O’Brien described State Of Rest as “without question a remarkably talented, durable and consistent performer. We asked a huge amount of him throughout his career, and he delivered every time”. State Of Rest is a middle-distance galloper capable of handling dry and wet tracks, but he also was sharp enough to win on debut as a 2YO over 1200m.
Performance: The fact that State Of Rest won four Group 1 races in four different countries should be enough of a selling point to launch his stud career. He left Ireland for America in mid-2021 and won the G1 Saratoga Derby (1900m) on the turf on his way to a dramatic win in the G1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Moonee Valley when he beat star colt Anamoe
in a thrilling finish, and then survived a protest. In mid-2022, State Of Rest resumed from his overseas trip to win the G1 Prix Ganay (2100m) at Longchamp in France, and then finished third behind Alenquer back home in the G1 Tatt’s Gold Cup (2110m) at The Curragh before stunning some of Europe’s best horses to win the G1 Prince Of Wales’s Stakes (2000m) at Royal Ascot on June 15.
Pedigree: State Of Rest is the best-performed son of the outstanding Australianbred shuttle stallion Starspangledbanner (by Choisir), although his type and racing style comes from an outstanding American family tracing back to his third dam, the 1979 US Champion 3YO Filly, It’s In The Air (by Mr Prospector [USA]), who won five Group 1s.
Ch 2016, Not A Single Doubt-Star Pupil, by Starcraft (NZ)
Aquis Farm, Benobble
Fee: $13,750
Type: Stronger is a powerfully built stallion with the strength and bone you’d expect from a horse with his sprinting pedigree. He has a striking similarity to Not A Single Doubt’s star sire-son, Extreme Choice.
Performance: Stronger, trained by Peter and Paul Snowden, was an easy debut winner at Kembla Grange (900m) as a 2YO in November 2018. He campaigned in the Golden Slipper lead-up races in 2019, with a best effort third behind
Cosmic Force in the G3 Pago Pago Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill in March. The Snowdens sent him to Queensland where he produced a big finish to beat Accession in the G3 Ken Russell Memorial Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast, after which he was sold to race in Hong Kong, where he campaigned for three seasons in the major sprints, winning the 2022 HKG1 Centenary Sprint Cup (1200m, Sha Tin), beating top sprinters Sky Field and Hot King Prawn.
Pedigree: Stronger cost bloodstock agent James Harron $1,050,000 as a yearling at Sydney Easter in 2018. He is a son of champion sire Not A Single Doubt (by Redoute’s Choice), whose sire-sons include the exciting Extreme Choice. Stronger comes from the family of Golden Slipper winner Polar Success.
Ch 2017, Deep Field-Miss Interiors, by Flying Spur Geisel Park, Myalup
G1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield at only his fifth start. He followed that with a string of three seconds at Group level including behind Group 1 winners Portland Sky (G3 Manfred Stakes) and Tagaloa (G3 CS Hayes Stakes).
At four, he was beaten less than a length when fourth behind Sierra Sue in the 2021 G1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m, Caulfield) and 12 months later capped off his career by winning the Listed Chautauqua Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley.
Pedigree: Aysar has serious stallion’s pedigree. His sire Deep Field (by Northern Meteor) is a headliner for the Encosta De Lago sire line, and his dam, Miss Interiors (by Flying Spur), is not only the dam of Coolmore’s young gun stallion Home Affairs (by I Am Invincible), but she is also a half-sister the highly promising stallion Russian Revolution (by Snitzel). Just as importantly, Aysar comes from the direct female line that produced champion stallions Flying Spur and Encosta De Lago, who also appear so prominently in his pedigree.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA AYSAR: heads to Geisel Park. STRONGER: Stands his first season at Aquis in Queensland.Shalaa’s yearlings have sold up to $220,000 this year, and he covered almost 200 mares across 2021 and 2022.
After six seasons at Arrowfield Stud in the Hunter Valley, Shalaa has been bought to stand at Woodside
Twelve months later, Shalaa’s youngsters were again firing early. His filly Seven Veils (exMesmereyeser, by Redoute’s Choice) won the Group 2 Reisling Stakes (1200m, Randwick) and a colt, Semillion (ex-Sistonic, by Bel Esprit), won the Group 3 Kindergarten Stakes (1100m, Randwick).
That early success saw
kept himself in the news, which pleases Woodside Park’s nomination manager, Mark Dodemaide. “Shalaa has really been on a roll in the past 12 months. Since March 2022 he has had 10 new Stakes winners, including (in the autumn) three-year-old Stakes success with Recommendation (Group 3 Zeditave Stakes, Sandown) and Jennilala (Group 2 Auraria Stakes, Morphettville),” he said.
Shalaa’s also leaving his mark in Europe, where his daughter, No Speak Alexander (ex-Rapacity Alexander [IRE], by Dandy Man [IRE]) won the 2021 Group 1 Matron Stakes at Leopardstown in Ireland.
Not surprisingly, due to the success of the Invincible Spirit sire line, it is in Australia where Shalaa seems best suited, especially given the benefits available from the lucrative Victorian VOBIS bonus scheme, something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by Woodside Park’s owner Eddie Hirsch.
“I was eyeing off Shalaa since
the start of the yearling-sales’ season, and with him being a champion two-year-old in both England and France (where he won two Group 1s and three Group races over 1200m), I believe he is an ideal fit for the VOBIS scheme, especially the new VOBIS Sires Boost program, which has $30,000 in bonus vouchers attached to VOBIS Gold races,” he said.
The VOBIS Sires Boost scheme gives winning owners the option of spending the $30,000 on VOBIS-nominated yearling or use it on a service fee for Victorian-based stallion eligible for VOBIS Sires.
Woodside Park’s roster also includes consistent Stakesproducing stallions Foxwedge (by Fastnet Rock), Vancouver (by Medaglia D’Oro [USA]) and Rich Enuff (by Written Tycoon)—all standing for $11,000—and last season’s new boy Delaware ($8800), a fast Group 3-winning son of champion sire Frankel (by Galileo [IRE]).
Woodside Park Stud stives to improve its stallion roster, and the addition of the Shalaa is an important step to capitalise on Victoria’s rich VOBIS bonus scheme, writes DANNY POWERJON FREYER SHALAA ON THE MOVE: Ex-Arrowfield Stud stallion, Shalaa, pictured, has relocated to Victoria’s Woodside Park Stud to capitalise on the state’s rich VOBIS bonus schemes.
You were born and raised in Beijing. Did you have any interest or family background in racing?
I had no family background in racing. There wasn’t much racing in China in general when I was growing up. My parents took me to a riding stable when I was about 10, and I just fell in love with horses. As someone born and raised in a big city like Beijing, my teenage dream was to live on a farm where I could wake up every morning and see horses running around.
You attended university in China, but also in Maryland, USA. Can I assume that’s where you got your first taste of horse racing.
I got my bachelor’s degree in Economics from the Central University of Finance and Economics in China and my master’s degree in Finance from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. I love horses so much that I interned as the event coordinator at the Longines Equestrian Beijing Masters during the last two years of
my bachelor’s degree before I went overseas. When I was in the US, I applied to the Dubai International Thoroughbred Internship (DITI), a 10-month internship program offered by Darley in Kentucky, and was selected. This was my first taste of racing and breeding and it changed my career trajectory.
You are a graduate of the Godolphin Flying Start program. Tell me about that experience.
I learned about the Godolphin Flying Start program when I was interning at Darley America. The staff there encouraged me to apply, and I received tremendous help along the way from everyone there, particularly Brianne Sharp, who is a graduate of the program. I thought I’d give it a go and I was very lucky to be selected into the program in 2015.
It was definitely an eyeopening two years for me, given that I didn’t grow up in racing; there was just so much to learn and absorb.
The course covers various
aspects of the industry—racing, training, breeding, mating, marketing, communication, and so forth. It not only provided me with valuable knowledge about horse handling and equine management, but also gave me a good understanding of the industry. The program also gave me the opportunity to build relationships with, and learn from, industry professionals worldwide. How did you find managing the vast racing portfolio of global racing and breeding outfit, RIFA Mustang? It was another extremely steep learning curve; I had to learn a lot of racing jargon too! I didn’t know what ‘five home two’ was when I first started.
Robert Roulston was the CEO of RIFA Mustang, and he’s been a great teacher and mentor to me. I learned a lot about conformation and pedigrees by going to the sales—and visiting the RIFA trainers— with Robert. It was several years of non-stop learning.
How did TBV’s executive position come on your radar?
Teresa Poon (the co-owner of Musk Creek Farm) told me earlier this year that she thought it would be a good role for me. I went through an interview process where I learned more about the organisation and met the board members, after which I thought it was a great opportunity that I’d like to take up.
What interested you about Victorian racing and breeding?
It’s a market that can meet the needs of everyone, whether you’re a breeder, owner or punter. We not only have champion Australian sire Written Tycoon standing at Yulong, but also a range of quality stallions from different sire lines at varying price points that will suit different types of mares and the different needs of breeders. On the racing side, Victoria has not only the Melbourne Cup, but also several other prestigious Group races
DANNY POWER asks the questions of Thoroughbred Breeders’ Victoria’s (TBV) newly appointed executive officer, Carrie Hu.Thoroughbred Breeders’ Victoria new executive officer Carrie Hu, pictured inspecting horses at Rosemont Stud.
with significant prizemoney and VOBIS incentives on offer almost daily.
Since your appointment, have you had the opportunity to visit some of Victoria’s farms and meet the people?
I have, as part of my previous role, so I knew some of the industry participants when I started. I met a lot more during the Inglis Great Southern Sale in June. People are definitely a key reason Victoria is the best place to be for breeding and racing. Since my appointment, I’ve been to Darley, Swettenham and Leneva Park, and I look forward to visiting many more over the next several months.
What has captivated you about what you have seen?
We’re very lucky here in Victoria to be blessed with great pasture
in close proximity to Melbourne and the coast, which makes Victoria an ideal place for breeders to base themselves.
It’s no surprise that we’ve bred so many great champions, including Black Caviar, and the farms are centered around fantastic regional communities that are attractive places to work and live.
What do you see as the future of Victorian breeding and what are some of the initiatives on the TBV board’s radar?
The future of Victorian breeding is incredibly bright, and promising. The quality of stock has never been better. The level of investment we currently have is unprecedented not just within Victoria but nationwide.
We wou ld like to build TBV into a hub of information and resources for all the breeders
in Victoria and individuals interested in Victorian breeding. We would also like to investigate opportunities around education that can bring more people, especially the next generation, into the industry.
Are there plans to boost the Victorian Owner and Breeder race day at Caulfield in April 2024?
We have yet to start the discussion about next year, but stay tuned, as it will be bigger and better. It will be a fantastic race day for all involved. How do you see Australian breeding and the developing interest in thoroughbred racing in China panning out, especially in the wake of Yulong’s massive investment in Victoria?
The Australian breeding market has been strong in recent years.
This year (yearling sale) prices have softened a little with the change in economic conditions, particularly in the lower end of the market. However, it’s been great to see new investment continuing to come in from lots of different places, including Mr Zhang and Yulong, which shows continuing confidence in the industry here.
Interest in thoroughbred racing in China is picking up but given the quarantine restrictions around horse movements into and out of the country it is likely to be some time before it becomes a fully fledged racing jurisdiction. Mr Zhang has made a huge contribution to racing there, and he leads the China Horse Owners Alliance which has hosted multiple race meetings.
The underrated Rubick continues his climb up the Australian leading sires’ ladder, writes
DANNY POWERIt’s puzzling to know what more Swettenham Stud’s Rubick needs to do before he’s recognised as a top-class stallion.
The royally bred son of Encosta De Lago continues to be not only a consistent source of city-class winners, but also, he sits in that rare air of a stallion that can produce offspring that are better racehorses than himself, which is some achievement for a horse who was a genuinely fast and precocious colt ranked with the best juveniles of his season.
At two, he showed sparkling speed to win the 2014 Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m) at Caulfield. A season on, he beat the older horses to win the Group 2 Schillaci Stakes (1000m, Caulfield) as a spring three-year-old.
Also, it should be no surprise Rubick is making his mark as a stallion because his dam Sliding Cube (by Rock Of Gibraltar [IRE]) is a three-quarter sister to the great stallion Redoute’s Choice, and many other internationally successful sires who trace back to Sliding Cube’s fourth dam, the American broodmare gem, Best In Show (by Traffic Judge [USA]), the ancestress of more than 150 Stakes winners.
Rubick’s progeny possess his slick turn of foot, as evidenced by his two outstanding colts, Yes Yes Yes and Jacquinot. Yes Yes Yes was a first-crop
son who produced a scintillating finishing burst to win the 2019 $15 million The Everest (1200m, Randwick), as a three-year-old, after winning the Group 2 Todman Stakes (1200m, Rosehill) and two. In 2020, he was retired to stand at Coolmore Stud in the Hunter Valley.
Jacquinot, also recently retired to stand at historic Widden Stud in the Hunter, was the best colt of his three-year-old year, winning the 2022 Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m, Rosehill) and the Group 1 Orr Stakes (1400m) at Sandown in the autumn.
It’s interesting to note that his barn mate Toronado (by High Chaparral [IRE]) will cover a full book at $88,000,
although Rubick—at the time of publication in early July—in 18th place, only two places behind Toronado on the 202223 Australian General Sires’ List (earnings) stands for just $27,500.
In the season just gone, Rubick sired 92 winners from 240 runners and his progeny have won $9.4 million in stakemoney. Including Jacquinot, he sired five Stakes winners of nine Stakes races in 2022-23, which puts him 13th on the general list, ahead of such stallions as Capitalist (14th, Pierro (17th) and Written Tycoon (25th). Toronado is 10th with 10 Stakes winners.
Rubick’s profile has continued to build as he has climbed the ladder—in the 2020-21 season
he was 47th on the general sires’ list, last year 28th.
Rubick entered stud at Coolmore in 2015 and stood six seasons there before relocating to Swettenham Stud, at Nagambie, in 2021. It’s safe to say Victorian breeders didn’t warm to the stallion that season, because he attracted only 42 mares, but the bounceback has been enormous with 156 going to him last season.
Toronado, who remains top dog at Swettenham, will cover some very good mares from the Hunter Valley. His ability to produce yearlings with an immense sale quality makes him a favourite with breeders.
The newest stallion on the Swettenham roster is Wooded, who won France’s premier sprint, the 2020 Group 1 Prix de l’Abbaye (1000m, Longchamp). The impressivelooking Wooden—fee $22,000—received 84 mares in his first season at Swettenham last year, but his profile will build as breeders recognise the significance of his sire, Wootton Bassett (GB), [by Iffraaj (GB)], who was a big-money purchase by Coolmore in 2020 to fill the place of the deceased champion Galileo.
I Am Invincible’s fast son, I Am Immortal (fee $$13,750)—his first foals are two-year-olds in 2023-24—and the handsome ghostly grey Puissance De Lune ($14,300), by Shamardal (USA) round off Swettenham’s stallions for 2023.
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Although one of the biggest thoroughbred breeding stories this year has been Yulong Investment’s big spend on broodmares, a splurge of close to $40 million, it’s time to turn the attention on the Victorian farm’s stallion roster.
Yulong’s headline champion stallion Written Tycoon (by Iglesia) will likely get the pick of the bunch, although the 21-year-old chestnut is in the twilight of his career and will cover a restricted book of mares and some outside mares at a
private fee.
That restricted book will result in some wonderful opportunities for the other six stallions at Yulong’s Nagambie farm, especially the exciting Pierata, who relocates to Victoria after serving an average of 148 mares at Aquis Queensland over the past three seasons.
Pierata retired in 2020 as the fastest son of his Golden Slipper-winning sire Pierro (by Lonhro), winning nine of his 26 starts, including the 2019 Group 1 All Aged Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.
Pierata, who is out of the wellbred mare Stakes-winning mare November Flight (by Flying Spur
from November Song, by Zabeel [NZ]) will stand his first season at Yulong at a fee of $44,000. His first foals will be two-year-olds in 2023-24.
Yulong is expected to support its promising young sire Grunt (by O’Reilly [NZ]), whose profile has been boosted by his exceptional colt Veight, who won the G2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m, Flemington) in March. Grunt’s fee is $22,000.
There is a confident expectation about the first crop of Alabama Express (by Redoute’s Choice)— fee $22,000—kicking off their juvenile season in 2022-23 after being well received at the yearling sales, and the progeny of 2021 Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Tagaloa (by Lord Kanaloa [JPN])—fee $27,500.
Yulong’s owner Yuesheng Zhang is a convert to champion Japanese sire Lord Kanaloa and has sourced another of his son’s from Japan, Diatonic (exTo Harmony [JPN], to stand his first season at Yulong (at a fee of $13750).
Importantly, Diatonic, a multiple Group-winning sprinter-miler in Japan, is bred on the same Lord Kanaloa–Sunday Silence cross that produced champion Japanese mare Almond Eye, winner of nine Group 1s, including two Japan Cups (2400m).
Lucky Vega (IRE) (by Lope De Vega [IRE]), winner of the 2020 Group 1 Phoenix Stakes (2YOs, 1200mn) at The Curragh in Ireland, will also have yearlings to sell in 2024. His fee dropped to $16,500 after kicking off at $22,000 in 2021.
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With the breeding season just around the corner, Oakford Thoroughbred Farm, near historic Maldon in central Victoria, headlines as a specialist in professional breeding services.
The picturesque 324-hectare farm is a well-oiled machine that leaves no stone unturned to provide its clients with the best of service in all facets of the thoroughbred industry—racing, breeding, yearling preparation, agistment and rehabilitation.
Oakford Thoroughbred Farm is central to all major Victorian studs and is the perfect place to board your mares for the breeding season. The farm also caters for walking-out mares, foaling down, and the natural progression to selling the foal as a yearling at the Melbourne sales.
This all adds up to a satisfying, worry-free result for broodmare owners.
This family-owned and -operated thoroughbred farm offers the experience and reputation afforded from a lifetime involvement in the thoroughbred industry.
The McKnight family—with Brian and wife Judy ably assisted by sons Brendan and Ashley—
Inglis is once again making available the opportunity to work with one of Australia’s most respected companies—and one of the most prestigious names in the world of bloodstock— through its renowned Inglis Internship program.
The Inglis Internship—a fulltime position—will provide the successful candidate the chance to gain an in-depth insight and understanding of all facets of the Inglis business as well as the global racing and breeding industries.
The role will see the successful applicant spend time in each of the major divisions of the Inglis organisation including bloodstock, marketing and Inglis Digital in both the Sydney and Melbourne offices.
The Intern will have opportunities to learn from influential participants across the Inglis team, as well as industry leaders, gaining an understanding of how and why Inglis continues to be Australia’s leading thoroughbred auctioneer.
The internship will begin in October 2023 and last for 12 months, with the possibility of
future full-time employment with the company at its conclusion.
The position is open to Australia and New Zealand residents only, and the applicants must be over the age of 20 and be licensed to drive.
Inglis Bloodstock CEO Sebastian Hutch encouraged all young industry enthusiasts to apply for the role, no matter their current experience.
“The internship has been a hugely effective program for Inglis over many years, with graduates including the likes of James Price, Peter Twomey and James Mitchell, and we feel now is an appropriate time for another candidate,” Hutch said.
“Whether you’re already working in the industry or studying anything equine related or simply someone on the fringes who has a passion for the industry and looking for a way in, this could be the role for you.
“Inglis is such a progressive, dynamic business—it has to have been to have sustained itself over its rich 156-year history—so whether it’s learning from the extensive experience of the senior team or being part of
has beautifully positioned Oakford Thoroughbred Farm in a district renowned for raising stock with strong bone and aided by constant water supply.
Brian McKnight, 75, has been in the area most of his working life, starting as a 17-year-old at Ed Barty’s Trevenson Park. He worked at Trevenson Park for 33 years before developing Oakford on land next door—the
the development of the latest initiatives, it really is a fantastic environment to work and learn.
“We have a particularly strong group of people at the moment, across all departments, but we are always on the lookout for new people and the internship has traditionally been extraordinarily effective in identifying hugely talented people who develop significant careers in the bloodstock industry.
“This is an exciting and rare opportunity so I encourage
McKnights moved there in 1997.
Oakford Farm also tailors the agistment experience to include stabling, rugging, premium-farrier care by Ashley—a qualified master farrier registered with Racing Victoria—and on-call veterinary services from Dr Sarah Jalim and partners from the Victorian Equine Group at Bendigo.
Farm manager, Brendan, carefully monitors all aspect of the feeding program, which includes consultation with a nutritionist.
Feed is weighed and mixed daily with a Keenan Feed Processor and the horses thrive on the feeding program.
The farm facilities include a swimming pool, walking machine, water-walker and the recent addition of a treadmill.
everyone who thinks this role might be for them, make sure you apply because even if you aren’t successful this time, we will have your information for any future roles that may arise.”
To apply for the Inglis Internship, send a current CV (with appropriate references) and a cover letter explaining why you feel you are a worthy candidate for this role to internship@inglis.com.au.
Applications close 5pm on Friday, August 18.
Don’t wait until spring to make sure you have a sound and healthy foal—it’s crucial to focus on your mare’s nutrition now with Barastoc’s range of breeding feeds.
As a breeder, you know that pregnancy is the time to ensure your mare is getting vital nutritional care so that the subsequent foal is given the best chance to be healthy and strong.
Barastoc breeding feeds meet your mare’s nutritional needs with just the right balance of minerals, protein and calories to nourish a healthy foal.
In the early stages of pregnancy, your mare can manage on good pasture and hay along with a low-intake vitamin and mineral supplement like Barastoc Stud Balancer
www.barastochorse.com.au
From six months of gestation, your mare will have increased need for energy, so give here additional calories with a higher-intake breeding feed such as Barastoc Breed N Grow along with high quality roughage.
Also, your growing foal needs the right amount of natural Vitamin E to boost their infection-fighting proteins, making Barastoc Breed N Grow the perfect choice for your broodmare.
If a mare becomes overweight during pregnancy, she should be switched to a feed that is more concentrated in proteins and minerals, so that less can be fed per day— Barastoc Stud Balancer is recommended. Talk to a Barastoc nutrition expert today to find your perfect breeding feed.
It was fitting that the Melbourne Cup Tour should stop at Rich Hill Stud, at Walton, in New Zealand in July to visit the 2009 Cup winner Shocking, who has established himself as one of the best sires in New Zealand.
At stud, Shocking is the sire of 33 Stakes performers (21 Stakes winners), headed by the brilliant I’m Thunderstruck, winner of the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), Toorak Handicap (1600m) and the Golden Eagle (1400m) before his untimely death earlier this year.
Shocking (by Street Cry [IRE]) might be Australian-bred, and along with his Aussie-bred barnmate, Proisir (by Encosta De Lago), has become part of the recent revival of the New Zealand breeding industry.
In the wake of the death of great New Zealand stallion Zabeel (by Sir Tristram [IRE]) in 2015, the industry has regained its place as a leader in racing and breeding in
the southern hemisphere, thanks to Zabeel’s champion son, Savabeel— the star stallion at Waikato Stud— and the emerging Proisir, who has come from obscurity to be one of the most sought-after stallions in this part of the world.
In the spring the expectations are high for the headliners for New Zealand breeding—Savabeel’s sprinting son I Wish I Win, trained by Peter Moody, is vying for favouritism for $20m The Everest (1200m) at Randwick in October, and Proisir’s brilliant daughter Prowess is expected to be at the top of the betting in the 2023 $5 million Cox Plate (2040m) at The Valley two weeks later.
New Zealand Bloodstock will welcome Australian buyers to the famous Karaka yearling sales, south of Auckland, in 2024—with the yearlings in Book 1 selling on January 28 and 29—although there is expected to be plenty of Aussie action before that at the Ready To
HEALTHY RESULT: Look after the health of your mare and foal with Barastoc feed supplements.TCS Freezebranding offers an extensive design service in the development of unique brands, made in brass, for their clients throughout Australia.
Freeze-branding, with the use of liquid nitrogen, is a safe, virtually painless, and economical process. The brand is legible, permanent and can be read from a distance.
TCS Freezebranding has a full set of alphabetical and numerical freeze brands to brand your horse.
If you require a standard numerical or alphabetical brand on the near side, for example, SLP and a 1 over 10 on the offside, this can be completed using an existing set of freeze brands.
A range of shapes such as square, circle, diamond and bar are also available. The brands are 25mm in size and will create a neat and clearly legible brand.
AUSTRALIAN MADE:
Irongate is a leader in the manufacture and design of equine exercise machines.
Irongate is a proud Australiaowned company, and we not only make everything utilising stringent quality assurance, but also continue to set the highest standards in engineering, reliability, services and safety.
We manufacture our walkers using only Australia-made steel.
Irongate Australia has been in business for 30 years and is going more strongly than ever both locally in international markets. Recently, we produced 33 walkers in the new state-ofthe-art Conghua Racecourse in Guangdong province in China, as well as looking after all our
When Tony Carter-Smith decided to retire from his freeze-branding business after 35 years, he handed the “cold-iron” to Ross Hedwards, who had worked for him for 15 years.
Hedwards, who was born in Swan Hill and has a reputation as an outstanding horse breaker, has been in the horse business for more than 40 years, working for some of Victoria’s leading farms including Chatswood Stud and Basinghall Farm, where his skill in handling foals was valued.
It is this calm demeanor and horsemanship that allows the freeze-branding process to be quick and relatively easy.
Hedwards, with the help of his wife Sharyn, have an extensive client base and have retained the TCS name in honor of Carter-Smith.
Apart from an extensive client base, the Hedwards have inherited Carter-Smith’s valuable the freeze-branding hardware, much of it painstakingly design by himself.
12th year of manufacturing. The Irongate Australia Evolution III standard walker has a walkway width of 1900mm, the new SLIM LINE Irongate Australia walker has a walkway width of 1200mm—with all the same benefits as the Evolution III.
We only use the best, upto-date electronic systems for our Evolution III walkers using the most robust motors and gearboxes on the market.
Irongate Australia walkers use 100 per cent hot-dipped galvanised steel to withstand all weather conditions.
Our walking surface mats are made from high-quality Australian-made rubber, and they offer superior UV stability with a non-slip surface.
clients in Australian and abroad.
Irongate prides itself on excellence and communication with our customers. With just over 600 walkers sold the longevity of our product speaks for itself.
Our popular Evolution III, by far our biggest seller, is now into its
The roof is a donut-shaped, and with the roof sheets stretching over 4700mm, is more than adequate to keep the weather off the horse, and there is plenty of room for fans and lighting to be fitted.
Irongate prides itself on excellence and communication with our customers.
The modern, pain-free, and economical way of identifying thoroughbreds.TCS Freezebranding: tcsfreezebranding@gmail.com
Vitamin K1 is a transient instantaneous product of photosynthesis in living green leaves and is destroyed in cut leaves of all plants by light. For example, when pasture is cut for making hay, the Vitamin K1 level falls very quickly and the higher the UV index (UVI) the more rapidly it disappears.
In the context of raising sound horses, limited access to fresh green foliage through drought, frost or availability may result in a Vitamin K deficiency which in turn can impact on bone strength.
Horses that are spelled on fresh pasture and then moved to a full-time box regime can show a reduction in bone density in as little as 10 days. To support bone density, Vitamin K1 & K2—Hygain’s Bonafide brand—is
required on a daily basis.
In sport horses, particularly heavier breeds such as Warmbloods, bone and joint issues can easily go undetected until the horse is under saddle at
When it comes to foaling, on-time human intervention—if needed— is crucial to ensure a successful outcome. This also applies to horses after surgery or when detecting colic.
Magic Breed has earned the trust of breeders, stud farms and broodmare owners as a crucial frontline tool to accurately alert foal-watchers when a mare is readying to foal down and when monitoring for colic or after surgery.
The Magic Breed Plus system is a popular tool amongst veterinary surgeons for this very reason, as they will be alerted when the mare lays downs, which would indicate that assistance is required.
Designed to minimise long hours of supervision around foaling time, the non-invasive transmitter attaches to the mare’s halter and detects when the mare lies down. The addition of an LCD display on the Magic Breed
Plus receiver provides a wealth of operator feedback. This includes signal strength and battery level, along with individual identification for up to eight transmitters.
The Magic Breed/Magic Breed Plus products were designed in Australia more than 40 years ago, have always been manufactured in Australia and continue to be produced at our base at the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
Magic Breed Plus’s operating system works on a 917MHz frequency, providing it with greatly improved immunity to interference and superior range—a range of 500 metres is no problem and in excess of one kilometre is even possible. Although this means that Magic Breed Plus won’t work with any of the 27MHz accessories of the original Magic Breed system, we guarantee that the performance is so good that an additional antenna won’t be necessary.
For information visit: magicbreedplus.com.au
aged three or four, or the horse has x-rays for a pre-purchase veterinary examination. In the thoroughbred industry, yearlings are often X-rayed well before they enter the sale ring to check
for bone related disorders such as OCD lesions. Any faults can be assessed and treated, often surgically.
A study was conducted on presale thoroughbred yearlings where X-rays were taken that were identified as requiring surgery. The yearlings were treated with 20g of Bonafide per day—between the X-ray dates— showed a marked improvement and, in all cases, eliminated the need for surgery.
Bonafide is a water soluble, bio-available form of Vitamin K 1 & K2. Bonafide is available as a powder, and it is also added to Hygain’s and Mitavite’s range of premium race feeds to support bone integrity.
For more information on Hygain call: (03) 5943 2255 website: www.hygain.com.au www.mitavite.com.au
Broodmare nutrition influences the development of the unborn foetus and, therefore, giving the broodmare the additional nutrients required for proper development of the foetal connective tissues and bones can be accomplished by providing a quality supplement.
Nutritional supplementation of the broodmare’s feed with Farrier’s Formula® Double Strength, especially in the last trimester, means that the foal is born with better bone structure, stronger joints, healthy hooves, and improved dental health.
Farrier’s Formula® Double Strength is a pelleted nutrient source that supplies vitamins, minerals, amino acids, fatty acids, and other nutrients important for pregnancy, lactation, and young horse growth.
Life Data Labs, makers of Farrier’s Formula®, is adamant that proper feeding during gestation and growth results in a healthier adult horse.
Genetics influence the physical characteristics of the horse. The foal inherits characteristics such as height, bone structure, joint conformation, and hoof quality. He It also inherits the way nutrients consumed are absorbed and utilised. Proper nutrition and management will enable the foal to develop into the best racehorse genetics can dictate.
A horse’s dental health is important for its ability to consume adequate nutrition. The early teeth created from connective tissue during foetal growth are the foundation for the horse’s dental health from weaning and throughout life. Unlike the teeth of most mammals, a horse’s teeth grow continuously from the roots. Therefore, in both young and adult horses the development of new tooth enamel and bone is dependent on early nutrition groundwork.
Supplementing the lactating broodmare with Farrier’s Formula® Double Strength will supply nutrients to the young foal through her milk. After weaning, continue to feed at the feeding level instructions for the foal’s predicted adult weight. Supplementation helps prevent growth problems often associated with poor-quality diets and will assist with general health and hoof quality in the adult horse.
MARE AND FOAL: Broodmare nutrition influences the development of the unborn foetus.
The great trainer Bart Cummings once said: “Three-quarters of the breeding is in the feeding”— and he was so right.
We can all agree that providing adequate sources of nutrition to our breeding stock can be one of the most daunting aspects of the season. A checklist that is complex in demands, with consequences that are too costly to face, makes for a difficult recipe to satisfy!
Providing a high-quality protein—that is, a source of protein that contains a higher proportion of essential amino acids than non-essential—is a critical priority on the list. Protein is required both by the young horse for promoting rapid
growth, and by the mare to meet reproductive and lactation demands.
Renowned vet Dr Percy Sykes said: “A deficiency of protein will do more to suppress optimum growth rate than almost any other single nutrient group.”
Ranvet 500 Plus Stud Formula is a high-quality protein supplement that provides a superior amino acid profile compared with its closest competitors. The inclusion of 500 Plus as a dietary supplement both before and after foaling allows for the promotion of enhanced milk production in the mare, as well as optimal growth and development rates in the foal. Ranvet’s 500 Plus
Stud Formula reflects the most current research, providing a horse’s diet with a reliable source of key minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, copper, and zinc, which can be beneficial in reducing the incidence of skeletal diseases. As a palatable pellet, 500 Plus can be easily mixed into current rations.
Whether you are preparing your breeding stock for joining, or your mare is entering her final trimester, it is not to late reflect on your feeding regime and its performance.
Submit your diet online at ranvet.com.au/nutritioncentre/diet-evaluation for a free and personalised report compiled by a member of our nutrition team.
www.ranvet.com.au
Kentucky Equine Research has strived to be the leader in equine nutrition for more than 30 years. This has culminated in the publishing of a prolific list of research and scientific papers. This research has been realised into product development for the equine industry.
We are pleased to announce that Equi-Jewel®, the only stabilised rice bran-derived topline conditioner—as backed by published research—is back in stores.
In a scientific study conducted by Kentucky Equine Research, researchers compared the effects of feeding Equi-Jewel with feeding corn oil. During strenuous exercise, horses fed Equi-Jewel had lower lactic acid levels than horses fed corn oil.
The inclusion of Equi-Jewel as a substitute for corn oil in rations also resulted in lower heart rates and subsequently the benefit of shorter recovery periods.
Equi-Jewel contains KER BMC™, a unique source of marine-derived calcium shown to be more highly digestible than other forms of calcium typically used in feeds. KER BMC has been shown to buffer stomach acid to bolster gastric health and reduce the incidence of ulcers, as well as moderating the pH of the hindgut to prevent acidosis.
Equi-Jewel also contains linoleic acid which has been
shown to reduce gastric acid secretion and increase output of protective prostaglandins, making Equi-Jewel an important component in the diet of horses at risk of gastric ulcers and hindgut disturbances.
LOW GLYCAEMIC INDEX
The glycaemic index (GI) of a feed is the measure of blood glucose levels after feeding. A low-GI feed produces lower spikes in blood glucose. This slower release of energy decreases the risk of disorders such as developmental orthopaedic disease, laminitis, digestive problems, and equine metabolic syndrome.
Equi-jewel has a glycaemic index rating of 50 with oats the benchmark of 100. To give you a comparison Equi-Jewel’s rating is an almost identical to grass hay.
For more information regarding Equi-Jewel, or any other Equine nutrition concern, contact Kentucky Equine Research’s FREE Nutrition Consultation Service on 1800 772 198 or email advice@ker.com
Victoria’s Cornwall Park Stud will stand Group 1-winning stallion Wyndspelle this spring.
Wyndspelle, a son of leading sire Ifrraaj (GB) (by Zafonic [USA])—the sire of outstanding young sires Wootton Bassett (FR) and Turn Me Loose (NZ)—has been standing at Grangewilliam Stud, Wanganui, New Zealand, since 2020.
The winner of the 2019 Group 1 Captain Cook Stakes (1600m, Trentham), Wyndspelle was also placed in six New Zealand Group 1 races and finished a cracking third in the Group 1 Cantala Stakes (1600m) at Flemington in 2017.
Wyndspelle was up and running early. He was second behind Heroic Valour in the Group 1 Diamond Stakes (1200m) at two, won the Group 2 Waikato Guineas (1600m) at three, and then trained on to win his Group 1 at six.
Importantly, he was known for not only his precociousness in that he was placed at Group 1 level as a two-year-old, but also the fact he continued to compete at the highest level on both sides of the Tasman.
Chris Stear, a spokesperson for the stallion’s owner, Jen Campin (Campin Bloodstock), said it was an obvious choice to send Wyndspelle to Cornwall Park Stud, at Toolern Vale.
“We had spoken with studs in Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria,” Stear said.
“We really wanted that location close to Melbourne and the Cornwall Park team (of Peter and Lisa Gordon) are so well respected in the industry by people that I have known for many years.
“Peter had mentioned that he had been looking at Wyndspelle (to stand), so there was a bit of mutual admiration there.”
Ex-Victorian Stear, a former committeeman of the Moonee Valley Racing Club, said he is buoyed by the growth of thoroughbred breeding in Victoria.
“I think that Victoria is going through a renaissance as far as stallions go with some of the country’s biggest studs calling Victoria home,” Stear said.
Wyndspelle’s oldest foals are two-year-olds in 2023-24, and they are showing all their
sire’s quality, soundness and toughness. Importantly, some of Australia’s and New Zealand’s leading trainers have them in their stables, including Ben and JD Hayes, Andrew Forsman and Greg Hickman.
His yearlings were well received at the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka yearling sales in January, with a colt from the Redoute’s Choice mare, Brambling, bringing $NZ65,000 to the bid of New Zealand trainer Lisa Latta. Wyndspelle will headline seven stallions on the Cornwall Park stallion roster. Cornwall Park offers a variety of well-performed stallions suitable for all breeders.
His yearlings were well received at the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka yearling sales in January.QUALITY OFFSPRING: The Wyndspelle-Brambling colt who sold at 2023 NZB Karaka Select Yearling Sale for $NZ65,000 is replica of his sire.
