The Australian stallion finding market has a new kid on the block and they are unswervingly dedicated to boosting the Victorian stallion ranks.
Darren Dance of Australian Thoroughbred Bloodstock, bloodstock agent Chris Blomeley and Cranbourne trainer Robbie Griffiths have snapped up three star colts at the Inglis Easter Yearling Sale – all meeting their strict criteria for stallion prospects.
Blomeley said they are now taking expressions of interest from like-minded breeders in Victoria.
"We're passionate about our own backyard and we want to give breeders an opportunity to keep their mares in Victoria," Blomeley said.
"These colts will be staying in Victoria should they graduate to stallion careers.
"Victoria is certainly on the up with some of its stallions but, for colonial speed, Victorian breeders often have to head up to the Hunter Valley based sires. We want to
"The majority of the 'Victorian Stallions Program' has been subscribed to but we are happy to talk to anyone else interested. This program is open to all Victorian breeders and racehorse owners dedicated to improving the local industry."
The colts purchased
were:
·Lot 354 – Snitzel x Slice of Paradise purchased for $1 million. He is a sibling to highly successful sire Beneteau and comes from the family of star filly Alinghi
·Lot 320 – Snitzel x Royal Glow purchased for $580,000. This colt is from a renowned Contract Racing black-type family. He is a sibling to two black-type winners including Danehill Stakes winner Kinglike
·Lot 277 – Choisir x Party Dress purchased for $180,000. This chestnut colt got under the radar of prominent buyers. He is from a prolific speedy mare and dam line.
Speaking after snapping up the Snitzel x Royal Glow colt on Day 2 of the sale, Darren Dance was excited about the impressive colt.
"We had to wait all day on Wednesday for the horse but our patience has been rewarded," Dance said.
"The colt is really well bred and is a lovely walking individual. We just loved the way he walked out when we looked at him.
"He'll go to Robbie to be trained and hopefully he'll be an early goer. He looks like a tough sort of horse."
Robbie Griffiths, who has recently moved into world-class, new stable facilities at Cranbourne said the Program was very exciting.
"It gives us in Victoria the chance to do what we want to do in preparing good colts for good races and hopefully producing top class stallions.
"The new stables have given us the opportunity to give these colts the best chance in racing to succeed at the highest level. Our first couple of months at these new facilities have already produced amazing results for the team and our owners.
"The three colts that will come into the stables tick all of the boxes. We were very strict with our criteria.
"Every colt has two year old criteria, they are all by proven stallions, they have proven nicks and crosses and they've got the physique and pedigree page to say that they should run early."
Anyone interested in knowing more about the Victorian Stallions Program should contact Darren on 0417 616 666 or Chris on 0449 091 529.
