The Victorian Breeding industry continues to go from strength to strength, thanks to the heart of the Victorian breeding and racing industry – the breeders.
Tonight is a celebration of the success achieved by horses and humans on the racetrack during the past season. It is also an opportunity to reward our hard-working participants who have been the backbone of the industry for a long period of time, as well as those who are the future of Victorian breeding.
Yulong’s Written Tycoon continues to stamp himself as the best stallion in Victoria thanks to three-year-old filly Coolangatta. This filly earnt the 2020/21 Australian champion stallion almost $1.3 million this season with wins in the Group 1 Moir Stakes in the spring of last year, and Group 1 Lightning Stakes down the Flemington straight in the autumn. Overall, Written Tycoon produced four stakes winners for the season and more than 160 individual winners.
Sioux Nation shuttled to Swettenham Stud in 2019 and from a very limited foal crop of 39, we have already seen six winners from just 10 racetrack runners. A Group 1-winning three-year-old himself, we do expect to see the Sioux Nation progeny continue to improve in the upcoming season, as what we are seeing from his runners now is just raw ability.
Godolphin’s Victorian-bred Zapateo, who is out of multiple stakes-producing broodmare Jerezana, was a model of consistency across the racing season. Winning four stakes races and recording two Group 1 placings, she has solidified herself as a future broodmare with the Godolphin team.
Victoria’s young stock showed that they have a bright future ahead of them with three-year-old Fashion Legend proving too strong in the Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate, followed by a win in the rich Magic Millions 3YO Guineas, while two-year-old filly Exploring continues to showcase her name with three city wins under her belt from just six starts, including the Group 2 Blue Diamond Prelude.
Rosemont showcased why they are a not only one of Victoria’s premier thoroughbred breeders, but one of Australia’s best by producing multiple Group performed horses including Fashion Legend, exciting two-year-old Legacies and Group 1 place getters Pounding and North Star Lass.
The VOBIS program once again saw high quality horses hit the track and race for riches in Victoria. She Dances, bred by Des Pope, dominated the season by winning the VOBIS Gold Carat and VOBIS Gold Dash, earning connections over $50,000 in VOBIS bonuses across the season.
The powerhouse that is Ciaron Maher and David Eustace showcased their talented stock in VOBIS eligible races, targeting the rich bonuses on offer. Godolphin showed their hand and were proven to be the owners and nominators of the year, striking in many of the season’s two-year-old races with the likes of Remedies, Exploring and Amur.
The Rising Star is awarded to someone who is part of the Victorian breeding industry’s future, and that has been awarded to Burnewang Farm’s Emma Todd.
Emma commenced with Burnewang in March of 2011 and has been an integral part of an operation that has seen Group 1 success born and raised on the farm including Goodwood winner Lombardo. Her expertise spans various areas, including equine herpes, caterpillars and equine abortion, infectious diseases, strangles, photosensitivity and natural remedies for tricky reproductive mares.
Mike Becker receives the Service to the Industry award in recognition of his dedication and service to the Victorian breeding industry. With a long history of working in bloodstock, Mike’s Victorian tenure began in 1992, founding The Independent Stallion Station, standing up to 11 stallions and running up to 700 mares on the farm. His contributions extended to running Emirates Park Victoria Farm and establishing what is now Stockwell Thoroughbreds. His impact on the Victorian breeding industry is immeasurable, and his efforts have undoubtedly contributed to the state's current success.
Dorrington Farm’s Robert Crabtree has said a few words about Mike:
“Mike’s passion for our industry is only surpassed by a work ethic that hasn’t changed in the 40 years that I have known him, a real-hands on man. He cares for his horses like we all do and then finds an extra thought or action, to contribute and that sets him apart. Mike Becker is the thoroughbred industry.”
Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria President James O’Brien said that without the impact of tonight’s winners and all Victorian breeding industry participants, Victoria would not see the growing success year in, year out.
“Tonight is all about celebrating the incredible success of Victorian breeding industry. I congratulate all the winners for their outstanding achievements. I can’t help but feel excited about what lies ahead in Victoria’s breeding future and the upcoming season,” O’Brien said.
Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria is proud to announce tonight’s Victorian Breeding Award winners:
