The Australian Studbook have today released updated statistics on the busiest sires in Australia in 2020 and despite the prevailing doom and gloom that cast a pall over last spring due to the worldwide pandemic and ensuing economic uncertainty, some 28 stallions still covered books of 150 or more mares, which was two more than in 2019.
The majority of service fees were reduced last spring as a result of those factors with most pundits tipping a challenging year to follow in 2021 for the bloodstock market, however that prediction could not be further from the truth.
Yearling sales have been tracking to record highs and prizemoney throughout the Australian racing industry is also on an upswing, so for those who invested last year on quality stallions, the future is undoubtedly bright.
Six stallions covered 200 plus mares with Coolmore’s So You Think heading the list on 261 mares at a fee of $38,500 ahead of Newgate Farm’s Capitalist at a fee of $44,000.
Swettenham Stud’s Toronado (IRE) was next on 210 mares at a fee of $27,500 making him the busiest sire in Victoria, while Coolmore’s Everest hero Yes Yes Yes was the most popular first season sire with 205 mares at a fee of $38,500.
Coolmore’s Pride of Dubai ($38,500) and Newgate based Deep Field ($55,000) rounded out the Top Six covering 202 and 200 mares respectively.
Basking in the glow of siring exciting Group I winner Rothfire, Lyndhurst Stud’s 14YO stallion Rothesay enjoyed a resurgence in popularity and was the busiest Queensland based sire covering 177 mares at a fee of $4,950.
