B2B Thoroughbreds is a progressive thoroughbred nursery on the Southern Highlands of NSW where owner Ricky Surace has developed a quality band of broodmares and put together a great team of people headed by Operations Manager Kelly Stevenson and Yearling Manager Darren McKay.
The fruits of their labour will be seen at the 2022 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale where B2B Thoroughbreds will present a draft of eight yearlings, click here to see them.
Kelly Stevenson has worked in the breeding industry for seven years, starting at Cambridge NZ and then moving to Australia with her role at B2B covering the organization of everything from the breeding season to sales.
“We quickly learnt that she was experienced in all facets of not only the horse industry, but farming as well and her leadership skills were very apparent,” said Ricky Surace.
“We knew immediately that she was the right person to for the job and she has also successfully managed the construction undertaken on the farm, whilst also overseeing our foal growth and development.”
Presenting well grown athletic yearlings for sale that can go on and become successful racehorses is the end game and Kelly Stevenson is well pleased with the B2B draft headed for Victoria.
“Buyers inspecting our draft this year will see a noticeable difference in comparison to our yearlings from last year, when our facilities were not complete and we have also implemented a nutritional regime on farm on focusing on horse integrity and growth,” Stevenson said.
“With the help of Stephen Lamb and Greg Murphy from Horse Power we have noticed a remarkable improvement in n the health of our stock.
“We said we would come back in big way in 2022 and I believe we have now done this.”
The Premier draft features eight yearlings by exciting sires including two by Victoria’s outstanding sire Toronado (IRE) and the female pedigrees are top class.
“My vision was to create a dynamic and progressive team that can grow with the brand and come together to achieve optimum results for B2B both in the ring and on the track,” Stevenson said.
“With Ricky we have developed a criteria as to how we select and mate our mares to give us the optimum chance of producing a higher rate of black type runner.”
Preparing yearlings for sale is a pivotal process in the success of any stud and B2B Thoroughbreds have enlisted the skills of Yearling Manager, Darren McKay, who has spent 10 years working in this field for a variety of leading farms.
“B2B was very lucky to have Darren join our dynamic team,” Stevenson revealed.
“We were looking for an experienced young Yearling Manager who could grow with the farm and he will be presenting his first draft for us at Inglis Premier and even more exciting for us is that it is our first draft that is born and raised at B2B.”
Below are some of the draft highlights with quotes from Darren McKay.
Lot 401 Colt Lot 401 Merchant Navy x Brugal Reward, Reward for Effort
Second foal from Group III winner Brugal Reward and her first foal, another colt by Merchant Navy called Standing Order that won a barrier trial last week for Peter and Paul Snowden.
“He is a gorgeous colt with a lot of strength a powerful hind quarter. He has a lot of natural muscle and is a forward thinking and impulsive mover.”
Lot 403 Colt Toronado (IRE) x Butterboom, by Myboycharlie (IRE)
Second foal of a metro winning half-sister to Group I winner and $1.4million earner Foxplay.
“He is a great moving, strong powerful colt, well balanced, with good bone and is an attractive chrome chestnut colour. He is sure to be stand out amongst our draft and his presence won’t go unnoticed.”
Lot 479 Colt Starspangledbanner x Doubtfilly, by Not a Single Doubt
Half-brother to four winners from stakes-winner Doubtfilly, who was fourth in Group I ATC Golden Slipper.
“This colt is another stand out in our draft, he is a ball of muscle and looks like he will be an early runner. He is very well balanced with strong forearms, a deep girth and lovely rein, looks very precocious. Every horse this mare has produced so far is a winner.”
Lot 51 Filly Toronado (IRE) x Lipstick Lover, by I Am Invincible
Second foal of a stakes-placed half-sister to Group I winner and Group I sire Ilovethiscity and is bred on similar Toronado x Invincible Spirit cross to Group I winner and $3.7million earner Masked Crusader.
“She is a stunning filly. Has good size and length, an attractive head, looks an early style of runner for Toronado, who is doing a great job. An everyday athlete.”
All yearlings will be available for inspection at Barn G next week.
