On a crisp winter's evening last Sunday, the team at Yulong Investments welcomed what is believed to be this Victorian breeding season's first thoroughbred foal.
The gorgeous bay Snitzel filly is out of the unraced but well-bred mare Descent (Street Cry). Both mum and baby are doing very well.
Descent is one of Yulong's 154 Australian-based mares. They also have 14 based in Ireland and 12 in New Zealand. This new filly is Decent's second foal and she also has a weanling colt and will be served by Yulong's foundation sire, Group One winning miler Grunt, this season.
"We are very happy with the support Grunt is receiving and he will cover a good book of mares this upcoming season," said Yulong's Chief Operating Officer Sam Fairgray.
As well as a busy breeding barn, Yulong are enjoying recent success on the racetrack. The homebred Green Rules won on debut at Bendigo on Sunday, with another 8 two-year-old winners on the books. The consistent filly Maozi has only finished outside the top 3 once from her 7 starts, while the Patrick Payne-trained Killarney Kid notched up win number 17 in the Kevin Lafferty Hurdle at Warrnambool earlier this month.
"We've recently had three stakes winning two-year-old fillies," said Sam. "It's exciting for their broodmare prospects going forward."
Whilst Yulong are not hosting an official open day this season, they welcome visitors to the property to inspect Grunt and their impressive facilities. Please contact the property to make an appointment.
TBV's Executive Officer Charmein Bukovec is also excited by the arrival of the Yulong foal and the start of the foaling season.
"It was a lovely Monday morning surprise to see Yulong's announcement of the arrival of the season's first foal," said Charmein.
"The breeding season is truly upon us and I wish all of our breeders the best of luck with the coming season and can't wait to see all the foals as they arrive."
With the foaling season upon us, TBV will also be again holding the annual Foal Gallery and Photo Competition.
Open to all TBV Members, you're encouraged to show off Victoria's newest members of the thoroughbred industry. The winning photo will be selected based on originality and all-round cuteness. Photos can be submitted from the 12th of August.
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