2019 Magic Millions Magazine

MAGIC MILLIONS GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE AND CARNIVAL 4-15 JANUARY 2019

THE RECORD BREAKERS | THE BREED SHAPERS | THE LIFE CHANGERS

SURFERS PARADISE | CURTIS FALLS , GOLD COAST

BEAUTIFUL O N E D AY, PERFECT THE NEXT

FIND YOUR PERFECT NEXT AT QUEENSLAND.COM

ACE HIGH

DARK DREAM

Victoria Derby Gr.1

Queensland Derby Gr.1

LEVENDI

Australia Derby Gr.1

LEICESTER

South Australia Derby Gr.1

AUSTRALIAN-BREDS

CONQUER ALL THE CLASSICS In the 2017/18 racing season, Australian-breds won every Group 1 Derby and Oaks contested in Australia.

Six out of these eight horses were sold

THE LAND OF

OPPORTUNITY Aushorse.com.au

PINOT

VRC Oaks Gr.1

188747-Aushorse-Classics-MagicMillionsPreview.indd 1

UNFORGOTTEN ATC Oaks Gr.1

at public auction in Australia.

AUSTRALIAN BREEDERS SELL THEIR BEST.

SOPRESSA

Australasian Oaks Gr.1

YOUNGSTAR

Queensland Oaks Gr.1

10/31/18 3:38 PM

(HINCHINBROOK - KAAPTIVE EMPRESS)

Gr.1 winning 2yo.

Caulfield Guineas winning 3yo.

(EXCEED AND EXCEL - RIVER DOVE)

Group winning 2yo.

By a Newmarket Hcp winner - From an Oakleigh P. winner.

INSPECT THEIR FIRST YE ARLINGS AT THE GOLD COAST VINERY.COM.AU

02 6543 8333

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PUBLISHER Andrew Reichard ADVERTISING: Andrew Reichard Mobile: 0415 464 904 andrew@bluebloods.com.au Warren Wruck 0414 385 216 warren@bluebloods.com.au EDITORIAL Susan Archer Nathan Exelby Renée Geelen Jessica Owers Tara Madgwick Matt Stewart Nathan Exelby Michael Cox Greg Tobin Alice Lukey-Smith Kirra Smith Kristen Manning Glen Latham Michael Vincent Warren Wruck Andrew Reichard

PHOTOGRAPHERS Magic Millions Photographers: Bronwen Healy Darren Tindale Bruno Cannatelli Dave Goudie Luke Marsden Michael McInally Sarah Ebbett Sharon Chapman Mark Lee Lisa Grimm Grant Peters Bluebloods Photographers: Sarah Badenhorst Tanya D’Herville Photography Baylin Davies Joan Faras Steve Hart Maggie Li www.maggieli.com.au Gerogie Lomax Katrina Partridge Bec Williamson Photography Bruno Cannatelli Mark Gatt Jeanne Cordier BLUEBLOODS would like to thank all the participating vendors who provided their own photos.

2019

REGULARS

12

6

MM welcome

Calendar of Events

Katie Page-Harvey, Gerry Harvey and Barry Bowditch welcome you to the Magic Millions Carnival, Sales and Raceday.

Your guide to an action packed week of events on the Gold Coast.

7

Government welcome Minister of Tourism - The Hon. Kate Jones MP. Mayor, City of Gold Coast, Tom Tate.

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Val Hayward PRODUCTION MANAGER Margaret Reichard PRODUCTION David Reichard Oliver Jacobsen Alicia Anderson

Unit 1 & 2, 238 George Street, Windsor NSW 2756 • PO Box 286, Richmond NSW 2753 • Phone: (02) 4587 8110 • Fax: (02) 4587 8145 • Email: accounts@bluebloods.com.au Established 1982 by Brian Russell as The Australian Bloodhorse Review website: www.bluebloods.com.au PUBLISHED BY BADRANAD PTY LTD - ABN 98 002 825 069 Printed by Pegasus Print, Blacktown, NSW. Typeset by Bluebloods.

While every care is taken in the compilation of this magazine, neither BlueBloods nor any of its agents will be held liable for any errors or omissions contained herein or their consequences either in original material or in any material (including advertisements) supplied.

MAGIC MILLIONS Head Office 28 Ascot Court, Bundall, QLD 4217 • PO Box 5246, Gold Coast Mail Centre, QLD 9726 • Phone: +61 (0) 7 5504 1200 . Fax: +61 (0) 7 5531 7082 • Email: info@magicmillions.com.au • Website: www.magicmillions.com.au

~4~

PICTURE GALLERIES

76

112

Barrier Draw

Raceday Socials

42

56

Sale Day Faces

Polo Scene

88

116

Launch Party

100

Raceday Winners

Fashions on the Field

FEATURES

18

The Holy Spirit When Spirit Of Boom retired to Queensland’s Darling Downs, few were expecting him to barnstorm the sire table as he has.

26

The Darling of The Star With big investment came big changes for one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic destinations.

38

8 Ways to a Million A glamorous festival in January showcasing the very best of Queensland to the world, Magic Millions has become an ‘event’, but at its heart is still a horse sale and as such there are many ways in which to win a million.

50

The Sport of Queens The upcoming biopic, Ride Like A Girl, will cast light on a swathe of strong female characters, not least the film’s executive producer, Melbourne businesswoman and racing identity Susie Montague.

60

From Field to Farm Racehorses have long fascinated sports people. Famous cricketers, tennis players and footballers – of any code – have always popped up on racetracks and as part-owners of horses.

66

Powerful Contrasts Few places in the world serve up cruisy coastal digs alongside hidden hinterland gems and swanky city establishments.

On the Gold Coast, each neighbourhood knocks up a flavour entirely of its own.

70

Element Hill Typhoon Tracy may sadly no longer be with us, but her feats were the catalyst for the Hutchins family’s Element Hill becoming a serious player in Australia’s bloodstock market

80

6 Gold Coast Bars It may surprise you to learn the Gold Coast is home to an array of bespoke bars, many of which have swung open their doors in the last year and all of which offer a very distinct vibe, muchloved by locals.

84

From Little Things Big Things Grow How a trip away for four childhood mates led them to a horse of a lifetime ... and started a racing experience that hasn’t ended yet.

92

The Right Guy

When Winx went throught the sale ring in 2013 there were no cheers, no drum roll… after all, 60 other yearlings would sell for more money at the Gold Coast

106

Festival of British Eventing In the heart of one of the most picturesque regions of England, the Cotswolds, lies Gatcombe Park, home to HRH The Princess Royal. For the past 35 years in August, the middle of the British summer, Gatcombe Park has been host to the Festival of British Eventing.

118

Bleach* Bleach* is the Gold Coast Festival, taking place annually across the City in April. The program is one of Australia’s leading and most exciting site-specific, contemporary arts programs.

124

2019 Sales Dates

128

2019 MMGC Vendors

~5~

WELCOME On behalf of the team at Magic Millions, we proudly welcome you to the 2019 The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival.

This is our showcase event, where we have the opportunity to welcome you to the glorious Gold Coast to experience a perfect Queensland summer and outstanding thoroughbred action – on the polo field, in the sale ring and on the racetrack.

The love of the horse is what makes this Carnival so special. Wherever you may be around the world, if you love horses you must be on the Gold Coast this January. We invite you to join us and share in the equine excitement that is the 2019 The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival.

The central event that shapes our magnificent twelve day Carnival is the Gold Coast Yearling Sale. On behalf of breeders throughout Australia and New Zealand, we are privileged to present to you a catalogue of over 1,100 yearlings of exceptional quality.

Similar to any proud parent, we are honoured that the Gold Coast Yearling Sale catalogued and sold the world’s best racehorse in Winx.

29 consecutive wins, 22 at Group One level and an historic four Cox Plate victories in succession, Winx’s unmatched racetrack record is forever life changing for her breeder, owners, trainer and jockey.

Now we are also proud to boast even further bragging rights about our flagship sale. The Gold Coast Yearling Sale has officially sold the two highest prizemoney earners in Australian racing history in Winx – and in Redzel, a multiple Group One winning sprinter and dual winner of The Everest.

Magic Millions is irrefutably the place to purchase your next breedshaping stallion. For proof look no further than the catalogue for the 2019 edition of the sale which features the progeny of countless past star Magic Millions yearling sale graduates. Snitzel, Sebring, Written Tycoon, Zoustar, Vancouver, Star Witness, Pierro, Dissident, Not a Single Doubt, Rubick, Shooting to Win, Sizzling, Spirit of Boom, Savabeel and Unencumbered were all sold on the Gold Coast.

KATIE PAGE-HARVEY, GERRY HARVEY

Prior to the sales ring action, The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival commences with the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo on Sunday 6 January. This will be the third year the polo event has been a feature on the Carnival calendar. We are immensely excited to have world leading polo players including Nacho Figueras as well as the Patron of Magic Millions Racing Women, Zara Phillips MBE and her husband Mike Tindall, as part of the day.

The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday to be held on Saturday 12 January features an exhilarating program of nine races and $10 million in prizemoney. Now cemented as one of the top ten annual racemeetings in the world, this Raceday will showcase leading horses, trainers and jockeys highlighted by the running of the $2 million The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic in conjunction with the $500,000 Racing Women’s Bonus, and the $2 million Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas.

Along with our brilliant new naming rights partner in The Star Gold Coast, Magic Millions could not present this Carnival without the ongoing and valued support of our principal partners. We gratefully acknowledge the support of both Tourism and Events Queensland and Racing Queensland.

BARRY BOWDITCH

Magic Millions also sincerely acknowledges the support of partners Pacific Fair, BetEasy, Harrolds, Woodford Reserve, Moët & Chandon, Singapore Airlines, Seven West Media, and Sky Thoroughbred Central.

On behalf of the Magic Millions team, it is our pleasure to invite you to join us in January for the next life changing edition of The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival.

6 / WELCOME MMGC 19_ Mayor Welcome .indd 6

22/11/18 2:00 pm

Message from the Minister for Tourism Industry Development THE HON KATE JONES MP It’s my pleasure to welcome you to the Gold Coast for The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival.

The Carnival has grown greatly in recent years – now offering a range of events for racegoers both on and off the track. The Gold Coast is the ideal setting for ten action-packed days of world-class thoroughbred racing, thoroughbred yearling sales, a polo match and a series of social events across the Carnival.

The Queensland Government is proud to support the 2019 The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival through Tourism and Events Queensland’s Major Events Program, which support events that drive visitation and support local jobs.

Congratulations to all those involved in organising the event and I encourage visitors to take the time to explore the Gold Coast.

Message from The Mayor TOM TATE - MAYOR GOLD COAST No other nation on Earth stops in its tracks for a horse race. It is this passion for the sport of kings that has made the Magic Millions Carnival such a vital fixture of our national sporting calendar.

Not only is the Carnival an entertainment feast for horse lovers and racing enthusiasts – not to mention quite a few fashionistas!

– but it is a hugely valuable stimulus to one of Australia’s major economic sectors.

Government research puts the total value of the horse industry at $8 billion a year, with well over 100,000 racehorse owners heavily invested in the sector. Many of these enthusiasts and shrewd business people will, as usual, be making their way to Gold Coast early in 2019 for all the excitement, glamour and adrenaline of the next Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

Bloodlines are already being assessed in minute detail but gut instinct will always play a part when it comes to bidding for a potential slice of glory. Bidders will be hoping to secure the next World Turf Champion, like Winx, who was purchased from this same sale ring in 2013 for $230,000. Her owners have now celebrated 29 consecutive stakes wins. Who’d like to share that sort of success?

But Winx is far from unique as Magic Millions was also the sale source of The Everest winner, Redzel. Bear in mind The Everest is the richest turf race in the world and Redzel was purchased from this same sale in 2014 for $120,000. In fact, Winx and Redzel are the two greatest prizemoney earners in Australian history, with their current earnings around $20 million and $15 million respectively.

And it is not just domestic enthusiasts wanting to own the future champions parading at the Yearling Sale; they will face plenty of competition from international bidders as Australian horses are now exported to around 22 countries.

So, back a winner and get to Gold Coast any way you can to be part of what is truly an historic Yearling Sale. Be close to the best in the world.

Be at Gold Coast. I’d love to say Hello!

2019 / 7

MMGC 19_ Mayor Welcome .indd 7

22/11/18 2:00 pm

WOODFORD RESERVE WHISKEY, 45.2 % ALC. BY VOL., THE WOODFORD RESERVE DISTILLERY, VERSAILLES, K Y. WOODFORD RESERVE IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK. ©2018 BROWN-FORMAN. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

DAR17136 BluebloodsMagicMillionsPreview FP ExOKerm 21NOV18.qxp 20/11/2018 13:33 Page 1

EXOSPHERE Lonhro’s power-packed Champion sprinter

KERMADEC Teofilo’s top class WFA miler

First yearlings selling soon. Choose your weapon... darley.com.au

Darley

Just bought the next Winx?

Then it’s time to thinx about insurance.

VISIT US IN THE SALES DAY OFFICE, TICK ‘YES’ TO INSURANCE ON PURCHASE OR CALL SARA RYMAN ON 0417 277 464.

magicmillionsinsurance.com (02) 8913 1650 Magic Millions Insurance Brokers Pty Ltd A Subsidiary Company of HQ Insurance Pty Ltd | ASF Licence 235666 | ABN 12 107 459 290 | AFS Licence 305391

PHENOMENAL! An historic first crop trifecta in the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes.

51 YEARLINGS on offer by sire sensation ZOUSTAR at the Magic Millions Gold Coast | 9–15 January 2019

02 6549 9999 | WIDDEN.COM

WS18091_ZoustarPhenomenal_Ad_Bluebloods_245x330pt_FA_R.indd 1

16/11/18 2:22 pm

CALENDAR O 2019 THE STAR GOLD COAST MAGIC MILLIONS CARNIVAL

20 19 JANUARY

4

th -

8

th

Gold Coast Yearling Sale Inspections About: We welcome you to the Magic Millions Sales Complex to inspect the catalogued lots in the 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Inspection days are free to attend and the public is more than welcome to come along to the Bundall complex for a firsthand look into the world of thoroughbred sales and racing.

Where: Magic Millions Sales Complex, 28 Ascot Court, Bundall, Gold Coast Time: From 8am daily Tickets: This is a free event, open to the public

4

th

BMD Northcliffe SLSC Sportsman’s Luncheon

About: This fun and entertaining afternoon features a variety of special guests, plus a fresh seafood buffet and beverage package.

Where: BMD Northcliffe SLSC, Surfers Paradise Time: From 11.30am Price: $160 per person Tickets: Phone Lee Vrolyks on 07 5539 8091 or email info@northcliffesurfclub.com.au

6

th

Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo

About: Kick off the new year in style at the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo on the Gold Coast! International polo superstar Nacho Figueras will headline the action, captaining team Veuve Clicquot against Zara Phillips MBE, who will lead team Harrolds.

General Admission: Pack a picnic basket* and rug, and enjoy the live concert and high action polo.

Woodford Reserve Enclosure: Meet Nacho Figueras, whilst sipping on a Woodford Reserve cocktail.

Pacific Fair Pavilion: A stylish cocktail experience, including a premium hospitality package and location.

Harrolds VIP Marquee (Minimum Table of 10): A premium, all-inclusive sit down experience. Mingle with the royals, polo players and celebrities.

SOLD OUT Premium (min 20 pax) Marquees: Contact info@magicmillionspolo.com.au to secure your spot.

Where: Doug Jennings Park, The Spit, Main Beach Time: From 11:30am Price: General Admission: Adults $35pp, Concession (18 years & under) $15pp, Children (15 years & under) FREE, Family Package (2 Adults & 2 Children 15 years & under) $50 Woodford Reserve Enclosure: $100pp Pacific Fair Pavilion: $220pp Tickets: Available via Ticketek or email info@magicmillionspolo.com.au

12 / CALENDAR OF EVENTS

*Conditions apply

OF EVENTS

8

Star Gold Coast Magic Millions th The Barrier Draw

7

th

About: The sun will rise over the 2019 The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival on Tuesday, 8 January when The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Barrier Draw takes centre stage on the Surfers Paradise foreshore from 6am. The foreshore will be a hive of activity with food and beverage options available to purchase from the breakfast market.

Women in Racing Inc. Luncheon

About: Women In Racing Inc. Australia is pleased to present Magic on the Coast. Enjoy a spectacular 3-course luncheon and beverage package at Horizons Restaurant, Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa. Where: Horizons Restaurant, Sheraton Mirage Resort & Spa, Main Beach Time: 12pm Price: Members $135pp, Non-Members $145pp Tickets: Phone Baslyn Beel on 0411 698 484 or Jennifer Bartels on 0438 741 242

At approximately 8am, all eyes will turn towards the ocean for the spectacle of several thoroughbreds with champion jockeys on board galloping down the pristine sands of Queensland’s most iconic beach, Surfers Paradise.

The connections of every runner in the $2 million The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic field will arrive in style before randomly choosing the barrier from which their horse will start on Raceday, Saturday 12th January.

The barrier draw for the $2 million Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas will be drawn shortly afterwards at approximately 9:45am.

Where: Surfers Paradise Foreshore, Surfers Paradise (opposite Trickett Street) Time: 6am – 10am Tickets: This is a free event, open to the public

2019 / 13

8

th Carbine Club Luncheon

About: The Carbine Club of Queensland will again host Queensland’s biggest Racing Lunch celebrating the 2019 The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival at The Star Gold Coast.

Master of Ceremonies Alan Thomas hosts special guests including history making 2015 Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne, superstar jockey James McDonald and his partner Ch7 racing presenter, Katelyn Mallyon.

Where: The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach Time: 11.45am Price: $190 per person includes a two-course meal, afternoon cheese platters and beverages Tickets: Phone 0415 887 788 or email carbineclubqld@gmail.com

8

th Magic Millions Launch Party

About: This exclusive event is the official opening for the 2019 The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival for buyers, sellers, racing identities and thoroughbred industry associates. Guests will gather in the stylish Magic Millions VIP Marquee on the Surfers Paradise Foreshore to celebrate the beginning of Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sales week.

Where: Surfers Paradise Foreshore, Surfers Paradise (opposite Trickett Street) Time: From 6:30pm Tickets: Strictly invitation only

CALENDAR OF EVENTS - 2019 THE STAR GOLD COAST MAGIC MILLIONS CARNIVAL 14 / CALENDAR OF EVENTS

10

th

9

th -

15

Get Social

th

Planning on attending any of our events? Check out the latest info on all the social channels and don’t forget to tag us in your photos and posts.

Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale

MAGICMILLIONS MAGICMILLIONSPOLO

About: We invite you to join us for the 2019 edition of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Magic Millions is Australia’s number one source of Stakes Winners and high-class performers on the racetrack including the two highest stakes earners in Australian History – the World’s No.1 Horse on Turf, the mighty Winx; and Redzel, two-time winner of the World’s richest race on turf, The Everest.

MAGICMILLIONS MAGICMILLIONSPOLO @MMSNIPPETS

The flagship Gold Coast Yearling Sale attracts both national and international buyers for the fun and excitement of the Carnival and the serious business of selecting a future champion racehorse. With premium yearlings from across Australasia on offer, the ring will come alive when the sales kick off from Wednesday 9th at 10am.

THEMAGICMILLIONS MAGICMILLIONS.COM.AU

Where: Magic Millions Sales Complex, 28 Ascot Court, Bundall, Gold Coast Time: 10am Wednesday 9th - Friday 11th 6pm Saturday 12th 11am Sunday 13th 11am Tuesday 15th Tickets: This is a free event, open to the public

MAGICMILLIONSPOLO.COM.AU

9

th

Magic Millions Sparkling Ladies & Gents Luncheon

About: This premier luncheon is infused with an atmosphere of glamour, style, high society and fashion featuring a stunning Marina Mirage designer showcase, international entertainment and over $5,000 in prizes for Best Dressed Magic Millions Lady, Best Headpiece and Best Dressed Gentleman.

The luncheon includes arrival cocktails and canapes, followed by a two-course lavish luncheon experience, bubbles, premium wines and world class entertainment.

Followed by an after party in C&V with DJ and happy hour drinks.

Where: Grand Ballroom, Marriott Resort, Surfers Paradise Time: 12pm-3pm Price: $165 per person, table of ten $1,550 or premium table of ten $1,750 Tickets: Available via Sticky Tickets or contact Karen Phillips on 07 5538 3644

2019 / 15

CALENDAR OF EVENTS - 2019 THE STAR GOLD COAST MAGIC MILLIONS CARNIVAL

10

th

Gold Coast Turf Club 2YO Calcutta Dinner

About: Join Racing.com Sports Presenter Elly Wicks for a fun and relaxed evening in the brand-new Gold Coast Turf Club betting auditorium. Be treated to a tasting of the ‘Five Kitchens’ and a 3-hour beverage package, while a team of racing identities provide insights into the feature runners of the race, followed by the exhilarating horse ‘sales’ conducted by the Magic Millions auctioneers.

Where: Gold Coast Turf Club, Betting Auditorium Time: From 6pm Price: GCTC Members $110pp or Non-Members $120pp Tickets: Available at www.gctc.com.au

11

th

Magic Millions Hats & High Tea Party

About: This exclusive soiree is a highlight of The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival and will be a sophisticated morning of elegance with a special touch of glamour and High Tea stunning temptations from multi-award winning Palazzo Versace chefs.

With limited tickets, this premier event will sell out quickly, so guests are invited to book early.

Where: Palazzo Versace, Main Beach Time: 10.30am - 12.30pm Price: $130 per person or table of ten $1,200 Tickets: Available via Sticky Tickets

16 / CALENDAR OF EVENTS

12

Star Gold Coast th The Magic Millions Raceday

About: The 2019 The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday is the showpiece of Queensland’s Summer Racing Carnival, featuring an exciting nine race program and $10m in prizemoney. Highlights include the $2 million The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic plus the Magic Millions Racing Women’s $500,000 Bonus, the $2 million Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas as well as Harrolds Fashions on the Field. This Raceday has cemented its reputation on the global racing scene as a must attend event for racing aficionados and fashionistas alike.

Where: Gold Coast Turf Club, Racecourse Dr, Bundall Time: From 9am Price: General admission $50 per person Tickets: Available at www.gctc.com.au

14

Millions Widden Stud th Magic Golf Day

About: One of the racing industry’s favourite pastimes is a relaxing game of golf and what better way is there to relax after a busy week of fast-paced auctions and racing. The Widden Stud Golf Day provides Magic Millions vendors and buyers, trainers, jockeys and industry associates the perfect opportunity to unwind for a day at the RACV Royal Pines Golf Course before heading their separate ways. The day is open for anyone to join with any singles placed into teams of four to play Ambrose style.

Where: RACV Royal Pines, Benowa Time: 11am – 6pm Price: 4 ball Ambrose $130 per person - includes green fees, electric cart, drink vouchers and a BBQ luncheon Tickets: Phone Laura on 02 6549 9999

2019 / 17

18 / THE HOLY SPIRIT MMGC 19_Spirit of Boom.indd 18

22/11/18 2:42 pm

It’s September over the Darling Downs, and the stony road to Eureka Stud is dusty. There’s been no rain, and either side of Cambooya Felton Road is bleached and thirsty. With only 28 days of rainfall since the year began, bringing just 204 millimetres, it’s beyond reasonable drought. And yet the trucks and floats clatter up the long plains to the Eureka gates, because this is home to Queensland’s top stallion.

The Holy Spirit When Spirit Of Boom retired to Queensland’s Darling Downs, few were expecting him to barnstorm the sire table as he has. In the face of big offers, his story has proved that, even in high-stakes horse breeding, there’s no place like home.

JESSICA OWERS

2019 / 19

MMGC 19_Spirit of Boom.indd 19

22/11/18 2:42 pm

At $55,000, Spirit Of Boom heads the state’s stallion ranks by service fee. It’s a record figure. The closest any Queensland stallion has commanded is Show A Heart, who was $33,000 a decade ago at Glenlogan Park. The fee is reflective of a first crop that hit the ground hard-running. Five individual stakes winners, 18 overall winners of 28 races from 52 runners. Earnings hovered at $1.94 million, second only to Zoustar. And for season 2017/18, Spirit Of Boom was the leading first-season sire by winners in Australia.

Scott McAlpine, studmaster, casts his eye across Eureka and wonders if his ship has come in. Affable, knockabout, in loose blue jeans and beaten bush hat, he is third generation on his land. The paddocks, yards and fences all around him are products of his father and grandfather, but even they, Colin and Andrew McAlpine, never stood a debut stallion like this.

“I’ve probably never worked as hard for another horse as I have for this one,” Scott says. “But then we’ve never had more horses here than we do today.” He recalls stallions of old, in particular Semipalatinsk, and the marketing strategies he has used in the past, saying things aren’t much different today. “I’m the little fella that lives in Queensland with this dual group one-winning horse who’s got a pretty plain pedigree, but he was a good racehorse, so why won’t he produce good racehorses?”

20 / THE HOLY SPIRIT MMGC 19_Spirit of Boom.indd 20

22/11/18 2:42 pm

HARRY AND SCOTT MCALPINE

The story of Spirit Of Boom might be as simple as a stallion come good. But it might also be the story of the McAlpine family. Tucked into the folds of the Darling Downs since 1935, Eureka Stud is one of Queensland’s oldest family breeding outfits, a farm that has ridden out war, drought, EI and more drought. Scott, wife Grania and their three sons Harry, Angus and Charlie make four generations on the land, and they are horse breeders, but they also say they are simple Queensland farmers having a go.

When Spirit Of Boom was foaled on Eureka in October 2007, he was stout McAlpine stock. His dam, Temple Spirit, was a Eureka mare by the old Eureka favourite Semipalatinsk, and her dam, Temple Top, was foundation stock also. Temple Spirit raced in moderate company for the McAlpines, trained by Tony Gollan, and she won eight of her 16 starts. When she retired, she was sent to resident stallion Piccolo, dropping her first foal, Temple Of Boom, in 2006.

Spirit Of Boom was her second the following year.

“I’VE PROBABLY NEVER WORKED AS HARD FOR ANOTHER HORSE AS I HAVE FOR THIS ONE,” SCOTT SAYS. “BUT THEN WE’VE NEVER HAD MORE HORSES HERE THAN WE DO TODAY.” Scott McAlpine

2019 / 21

MMGC 19_Spirit of Boom.indd 21

22/11/18 2:42 pm

TEMPLE WON THE MAGIC MILLIONS 2YO PRELUDE BY FOUR LENGTHS AT HIS FIRST RACE START, WHILE SPIRIT WON THE SAME RACE THE FOLLOWING YEAR BY SEVEN. BETWEEN 2010 AND 2014, THE BROTHERS RAN INTO A HALCYON ERA OF SPRINTERS...

BRIAN SIEMSEN

Both foals showed dramatic two-year-old speed.

Temple won the Magic Millions 2YO Prelude by four lengths at his first race start, while Spirit won the same race the following year by seven.

Between 2010 and 2014, the brothers ran into a halcyon era of sprinters... Black Caviar, Hay List, Buffering and Lankan Rupee. They remained tough, consistent and sound. In 2012, Temple landed the G1 Galaxy at Randwick, and in 2014 Spirit won the G1 William Reid at Moonee Valley, followed by the G1 Doomben 10,000 eight weeks later. From her first two foals, Eureka hen Temple Spirit had dual group one-winning sons.

“Tony asked me to come in to this horse that he’d seen in a paddock,” Brian says. “At that point I knew absolutely nothing about horses, but I was playing footy and I thought I could get some guys in from Sydney, so I took 35 per cent, and of course I ended up keeping 35 per cent of Temple outright.”

When the nuggety gelding won his first start, the $61,000 cheque paid for Brian’s 20 per cent of Spirit Of Boom. “Temple paid for himself in his first start, and I used my share of the money to buy into Spirit. You couldn’t script it.”

In business, Brian is a high roller. He’s imposing but pleasant, heads a company ranked eighth in Australia for innovation, and wheels, deals, travels.

Few things, however, make him stop and talk like the Boom brothers, and he admits that the horses are a Queensland story, just like he, Tony Gollan and the McAlpines. “Temple, Spirit... they’ve made a bunch of people,” he says. “When it came to Scotty buying back the horse for stud, it was perfect that he’d go back to Eureka.”

Both horses had been farm-bred carefully, trained by Tony Gollan, raced in the Eureka silks, and shared a small band of owners that included breeder, trainer and Sydney businessman Brian Siemsen. Bred and born on the Darling Downs himself, Brian was a trade builder who moved to Sydney to play for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, and it was happenstance that Gollan, then a football mate, asked him into the fold with Temple Of Boom.

22 / THE HOLY SPIRIT MMGC 19_Spirit of Boom.indd 22

22/11/18 2:42 pm

2019 s 23

MMGC 19_Spirit of Boom.indd 23

22/11/18 2:42 pm

There are no flies on Scott McAlpine. Before the William Reid in 2014, before Spirit had ever landed a group one, he made an offer to the syndicate to buy the horse out. It stood at $400,000, with a bonus inbuilt should the horse win. “I had it all in writing before the race,” he says. “The offer stood that day, but it would not stand after it, and I didn’t know what he might be as a stallion. At one stage we nearly gelded him, but I knew he could be a really good stallion for the Queensland market, which is built on early speed, so I sat down and worked out the figures before the William Reid, and of course that was the night he won his first group one.”

By the time Spirit Of Boom rattled up Cambooya Felton Road in retirement, he had added a second group one in Doomben. By all accounts, he was a respectable new kid on the Queensland breeding block – a proven two-yearold, a proven older horse, and a five-time black-type winner. He wasn’t a big horse at 15 and some hands, but he was well conformed, athletic and powerful. As he let down, he was so tractable he was more child’s pony than thoroughbred stallion.

Scott put a ticket of $11,000 on him. It was a reasonable fee, and in his debut season, Spirit Of Boom covered 154 mares for 121 live foals. The following season he covered 147 mares, and 146 and 191 in subsequent seasons. And then, in the spring of 2017, as the first crop turned into Jonker, Kinky Boom, Ef Troop, Boomsara, Outback Barbie and Heaven’s Deal, Scott’s phone began to ring. “It was almost overnight,” he recalls. “And it kept ringing.”

Much of the original syndicate stayed in Spirit Of Boom’s new career, including Brian. “In that first season, he didn’t go to a lot. The mares he got, none of them were anything special, and it’s fair to say he hasn’t gone to anything reasonable until this season. But look at what he’s done with that first crop, at what he’s doing with fair horses.

Look at Kinky Boom. Scotty loves that story. A $600 mare (Kinka Rhode), and by rights nothing on her page, and now she’s a listed winner.”

In the spring of 2017, enormous offers began to arrive for Eureka’s little stallion. They came from some of Australia’s best breeding empires, and Scott says they were relentless. For the first time in his life, he and his boys had to weigh up the value of their horse against more than $20 million. It was a figure they would likely never see again. Scott thought about it, but he didn’t think so hard about it that he really considered it. “They kept telling me the horse was for sale,” he says, “and I kept telling them he wasn’t. And it went on like that. People were telling me I was all the way up here in Queensland, that no one would come. But they’ve all come, and they’re still coming.”

“If Spirit Of Boom keeps going this way, he’ll be a farm maker for the McAlpines,” Brian says. “The Arrowfields and Coolmores, they already have five or six farm-makers, but for a country stud like Eureka to get the opportunity to not only breed, but stand, what could potentially be a farmmaking stallion, not Scott, Grania or the boys take it for granted. They know it’s special, and it’s genuine.”

The choice to keep Spirit Of Boom at Eureka, and turn down life-changing dollars, came with a few changes.

For season 2018-19, the horse would stand for $55,000, five times his original fee, and his numbers would cap at 200. Handling the traffic through the farm, along with the publicity and phone calls, is a family effort, but the McAlpines are tipping money back into Eureka, making hay while the sun shines. In October, the rains began to fall, easing the farm away from vicious and distorting drought, and Scott McAlpine can hardly believe his dreams have fallen on such fertile soil.

24 / THE HOLY SPIRIT MMGC 19_Spirit of Boom.indd 24

22/11/18 2:42 pm

IN THE SPRING OF 2017, ENORMOUS OFFERS BEGAN TO ARRIVE FOR EUREKA’S LITTLE STALLION. THEY CAME FROM SOME OF AUSTRALIA’S BEST BREEDING EMPIRES, AND SCOTT SAYS THEY WERE RELENTLESS. FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HIS LIFE, HE AND HIS BOYS HAD TO WEIGH UP THE VALUE OF THEIR HORSE AGAINST MORE THAN $20 MILLION. IT WAS A FIGURE THEY WOULD LIKELY NEVER SEE AGAIN.

2019 / 25

MMGC 19_Spirit of Boom.indd 25

22/11/18 2:42 pm

26 / THE DARLING OF THE STAR

THE DARLING of THE STAR

JESSICA OWERS

With big investment came big changes for one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic destinations.

2018 was the year The Star raised the stature game in southeast Queensland.

2019 / 27

If the Gold Coast is known for anything, it’s a fetching skyline that first rose out of the beaches in the 1960s. Fifty years later, the famous vista is still evolving, and one of its latest additions, opened in March 2018, is the curvy, elegant The Darling. Taking pride of place at the front of Broadbeach Island, on the grounds of The Star Gold Coast, this high-end suite hotel is the region’s newest standard in luxury accommodation.

The Darling is the second of its namesake for The Star Entertainment Group, following its Sydney counterpart, which boasts the same opulence. There are 56 suites hugging the smooth north-to-south curves of the hotel, offering sweeping views from Surfers Paradise to Coolangatta, and west to the lush tropical mountains of the hinterland. With gilded, glamorous, bespoke fittings throughout, and attention to the finest of details, The Darling’s target audience is certainly the business end of town – celebrity and both business and leisure travellers.

Geoff Hogg is the managing director of The Star’s Queensland operation. He says The Darling was designed with its clientele in mind.

“We often take our unique lifestyle for granted but people come to the Gold Coast from places where they don’t have 300 sunny days a year, or even fresh air,” he says. “For us, from a design point-of-view, it was important guests would stay here and gain a greater understanding and an appreciation of the Gold Coast.”

That meant spacious balconies in each of The Darling’s suites, and floor to ceiling glass that brought the views inside. “The Darling was designed to feel like an oasis, away from the buzz and excitement of an integrated resort,” Hogg says. “But likewise, if you want all that, it’s just down the lift.”

28 / THE DARLING OF THE STAR

“The Darling was designed to feel like an oasis�

2019 / 29

30 / THE DARLING OF THE STAR

With next-level lodgings came the need for a restaurant that takes dining to new heights, and positioned 19 floors above the glittering Gold Coast is Nineteen At The Star.

This crisp, sophisticated and modern rooftop restaurant is a collaboration between The Star and two of the city’s most local identities – CEO of Queensland’s largest outdoor event and festival company Billy Cross, who handles the bar on the northern end of Nineteen, and acclaimed restaurateur Simon Gloftis.

At 38, Gloftis is young and driven. He has helmed a number of Gold Coast success stories, including the brilliant The Fish House in Burleigh Heads, and Hellenika in Nobby Beach (recently expanded into Brisbane). He loves the food game, values good product, and is first a citizen of the Gold Coast. His association with Nineteen At The Star was a seamless meld from high-street restaurateur to high-end hotel.

“Jumping on board with The Star was one of those opportunities where I thought to myself, it’s time to decide what I really want to do,” Gloftis says. “In hospitality, to have The Star’s financial backing is immeasurable. Putting your own money into something these days is a killer, and you can see that on the streets. Restaurants are popping up all over the place, and then disappearing the next day.

Nineteen at The Star is something you don’t often get the opportunity to create, but The Star have put everything behind it because they saw huge potential in creating something completely unique for the Gold Coast.”

Nineteen at The Star’s kitchen bustles with excitement and theatrics as dishes are skilfully orchestrated, led by executive chef Kelvin Andrews. The dining room is awash with azure velvets and gold finishes. Plenty of glass for plenty of view. There is a private dining room upstairs, and the menu is elegant but simple – rock lobster bolognese, Murray cod and marbled Wagyu.

2019 / 31

“Kelvin has worked for me at other venues,” Gloftis says.

“He gets it. He understands my eccentricities. I’m produce driven, and I don’t care about sauces and smears on plates.

We do tricks, but they’re not novelties. They’ve got to be for a reason, and Kelvin gets that.”

Gloftis says his role at Nineteen at The Star is presence and overall direction. There is no doubt the restaurant has hung its hat on him, and smart and likeable as he is, he is also a deft businessman.

“I don’t profess to know everything, but I’ve been here a long time,” he says. “I can see trends come and go, and I try to steer away from them and do things that are going to be beneficial for the Gold Coast, but also things that are going to last. Matt Bekier (CEO of The Star Entertainment Group) has a really good understanding of what the Gold Coast needs. Sure, we needed the grassroots stuff to form the foundations of localised restaurants, but we also needed a bit of stature for the city, and The Star is doing that really well.”

SIMON GLOFTIS & BILLY CROSS AT NINETEEN AT THE STAR

32 / THE DARLING OF THE STAR

Within the next few years, The Star will invest an additional $2 billion raising the stature of the Gold Coast. There’s a new hotel and apartment tower on the way (the entry to Australia of the internationally acclaimed Dorsett hotel brand), and alongside the opening of The Darling, The Star Grand remains a 596-room staple of Gold Coast accommodation.

With a proud history dating back to 1985, The Star is bringing a whole new level of sophistication, service and style to showcase the very best of the Gold Coast.

2019 / 33

IAH Sales Pty. Ltd. 18 Healey Circuit, Huntingwood NSW 2148 Australia *

Freecall Australia: 1800 801 201

International Toll Free New Zealand: 0800 424 999* Email: info@iahp.com.au Website: www.iahp.com.au

*Charges may apply from some mobiles.

Livamol

®

Livamol

“Perfect Partners”

Nothing Matches It! Livamol Feed Optimiser pellets & Livamol Australasia’s leading coat conditioner with the Livamol grooming range

Free Advice Line 22271_Livamol Perfect Partners Ad FPC_Bluebloods.indd 1

You can FREE CALL from our website www.iahp.com.au by clicking on

FREE CALL 22/03/2016 5:43 PM

NOMINATIONS CLOSE TUESDAY 30 APRIL 2019

LOOK FOR THE SUPER VOBIS LOGO AND SHARE IN THE REWARDS!

With more than $24 million in prizemoney and bonuses on offer with VOBIS, there’s no better time to get involved.

Super VOBIS nominations close Tuesday, 30 April 2019.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO DOWNLOAD A NOMINATION FORM, VISIT RACINGVICTORIA.COM.AU/VOBIS

LOOKING TO WIN A RICH SALES BONUS RACE? Then

SPIRIT OF BOOM is your Sire

PRECOCIOUS POTENCY 19 x 2YO winners in his first crop 5 x Australian Stakes Winners The most in a first crop since Exceed and Excel in 2008

SALES RACE SPECIALIST MM Wyong 2YO Classic winner JONKER (by 4 lengths) MM 250k QTIS Jewel quinella BOOMSARA & PLUMARO Inglis 250k 2YO Premier winner KINKY BOOM MM $2 Million 2YO Classic 3 runners inc. OUTBACK BARBIE(3rd), EF TROOP(4th)

EUREKA STUD Scott McAlpine 0408 700 724 | Angus McAlpine 0417 745 347 | Harry McAlpine 0407 736 317 Eureka Stud, Cambooya, QLD 4358 | Email: harry@eurekastud.com.au | Web: www.eurekastud.com.au

‘Protecting your Equine Investments’

UP TO 14 YEARS

Exclusive

GUARANTEED

RENEWAL NO EXCLUSIONS

• Fall of Hammer Insurance • Premium Funding Available • Prompt Claims Settlement

• Life Saving Surgery Cover Now available up to a $15,000 limit and as part of our superior product, NO EXCESS is payable in the event of a claim.

HQ Insurance offers you the most comprehensive Bloodstock Insurance for your Thoroughbreds.

Call us today on (02) 8913 1640 or visit www.hqinsurance.com.au

HQ INSURANCE PTY LTD

ABN 46 091 731 225 | AFS Licence Number 235666

8

WAYS TO A MILLION TARA MADGWICK

A glamorous festival in January showcasing the very best of Queensland to the world, Magic Millions has become an ‘event’, but at its heart is still a horse sale and as such there are many ways in which to win a million.

We all know Australia’s Horse of the Year, Winx was bought here in 2013 for $230,000 and has won over $20million in prizemoney, but Winx aside there are many more stories of million dollar dreams coming true.

01

SHOP WITH CONFIDENCE – Sydney based bloodstock agent James Harron has been the leading buyer at Magic Millions for the past two years looking to build on the success he achieved with a Written Tycoon colt bought from the Gold Coast in 2015 for $165,000. That colt racing as Capitalist, won the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and the Golden Slipper to be crowned Champion 2YO and retired with earnings of $3.5 million.

Now standing at Newgate Farm at a fee of $55,000, his first yearlings will be a major Magic Millions drawcard in 2020.

38 / 8 WAYS TO MAKE A MILLION MMGC 19_8 ways to a million .indd 38

22/11/18 2:21 pm

02

03

SPREAD YOUR CHANCES – In 2013, Triple Crown Syndications purchased three yearlings at the Gold Coast, one for $60,000, one for $120,000 and one for $200,000. While all three ultimately won races for their owners, it was the one in the middle, the ‘Goldilocks purchase’ for not too little and not too much that turned out to be just right!

He is of course Redzel, who ploughed through the mud at Randwick in October when winning the $13million The Everest for the second year running and in so doing has taken his earnings to $15.3 million! The highest earning sprinter in the world, Redzel is a history maker and record breaker… and being a gelding will no doubt be kept in training for a third crack at The Everest in 2019

EARLY MATURING – Some horses are born to run fast and early. Speed comes naturally to them and a positive attitude makes them a pleasure to train. Tony McEvoy found a horse just like that at the 2017 Magic Millions Yearling Sale when Zoustar filly Sunlight was led out of her box from the Widden Stud draft.

Purchased for $300,000 by Aquis/McEvoy Mitchell Racing/Blue Sky Bstock, Sunlight returned 12 months later to win in Magic Millions Classic and has scarcely missed a beat since amassing prizemoney in excess of $3 million for her large group of owners.

2019 / 39

MMGC 19_8 ways to a million .indd 39

22/11/18 2:21 pm

04

LATER MATURING - Star Thoroughbreds have enjoyed spectacular juvenile success from Magic Millions purchases such as Golden Slipper winner Sebring and MM 2YO Classic winner Driefontein, but their current flagbearers and million dollar earners D’Argento and Invincibella have required a more patient approach. Both showed ability at two, but as older horses have really hit their straps.

Purchased for $135,000 and $185,000 respectively, D’Argento is competing in some of the best races in the country as a four year-old stallion, while five year-old Invincibella has never raced better and between them, this talented pair have racked up over $2.5 million in earnings.

05 BIG TRAINER – Gai Waterhouse is a name synonymous with Magic Millions success and now with training partner Adrian Bott, Australia’s first lady of racing is ready for a new era to follow on from her past MM 2YO Classic winners Assertive Lad, Excellerator, Dance Hero and Driefontein.

In recent times, $65,000 purchase Global Glamour has been the Magic Millions pin-up girl for the stable. She won $1.5 million for her all women owners with a pair of Group I victories in the Group I Flight Stakes and Thousand Guineas ensuring she is one of the most desirable broodmare prospects in the country now her racing days are done.

The Waterhouse/ Bott stable is already eyeing off the 2019 Magic Millions 2YO Classic with exciting prospect Unite and Conquer a brilliant debut winner of the Listed VRC Maribyrnong Trial Stakes at Flemington.

A modest $80,000 purchase by ill-fated sire Hinchinbrook, Unite and Conquer has the distinction of being the first stakeswinner to carry a triple cross of Danehill, proving you can never have too much of a good thing!

40 / 8 WAYS TO MAKE A MILLION MMGC 19_8 ways to a million .indd 40

22/11/18 2:21 pm

06

SPRINTER – There have been so many top class sprinters purchased from this sale, but there is one that has gone on to become Australia’s reigning Champion Sire, namely Snitzel. A $260,000 purchase in 2004 for his trainer Gerald Ryan, Snitzel was a high class racehorse, but as a sire has achieved greatness!

His earnings on the track of $1million pale in comparison to what he returns for shareholders these days at Arrowfield Stud where he stands at a fee of $220,000 (inc GST). Since 2012, Snitzel has covered on average well over 200 mares each season, so we’ll let you do the math on his lucrative stud fee returns.

07

STAYER – It’s a false concept to think Magic Millions is just about two year-olds… it’s not, it’s about athletes. Yearlings are selected firstly on type and a staying pedigree in this catalogue is going to be backed up by a strong individual. The two best staying colts in the country last season, Victoria Derby winner Levendi and Australian Derby winner Ace High were both purchased at the Gold Coast.

Ace High was bought for $130,000 by his trainer David Payne and Levendi bought by the Gelagotis brothers for $140,000. They filled the quinella in the $2million Australian Derby and between them have won over $3.8 million in prizemoney.

08

SMALL TRAINER – Forest Gump once said ‘Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get’… and it’s fairly safe to say astute Warwick Farm trainer Greg Hickman has been pretty pleased with his selection from the MM chocolate box in 2016.

Hickman is known for his ability to pick a good horse for a modest price and the $160,000 he spent on Pierro colt Pierata has turned into a multi-million dollar bonanza for the colt’s lucky group of owners.

A sensation over the Brisbane Summer Carnival last year, Pierata reeled off a stunning sequence of wins culminating in his MM 3YO Guineas victory, and since has gone on to win the Group 2 ATC Missile Stakes and Group 3 Sydney Stakes, and has won over $2.75 million in prizemoney.

An explosive sprinter with stallion prospect appeal, Pierata is still very much a horse on his way up.

2019 / 41

MMGC 19_8 ways to a million .indd 41

22/11/18 2:21 pm

Sara Cumani

Katie Page-Harvey & Nacho Figueras

Jason Tam & Gary Moore

Amer Abdulaziz, Justin Fung, Andrew Watts, David Lucas, Ciaron Maher, Tom Ludt & Zhang Yuesheng

Sam Williams, Brenton Avdulla, Michael, Clare & John Hawkes

Annie, Scott & Cathy Irwin

John Camilleri

Luke Murrell & Jamie Lovett

Peter O’Brien

42 / SALE DAY FACES

Andrew Williams

Andrew Noblet

Clarry Conners

Chris Hay

Jason Timperley

Jenny & David Moodie & Mathew Ellerton

Steve O’Connor, David Johnson, Brett Howard, Christine & Francis Cook

Tim Stakemire & Rick Connolly

Gary Portelli

Glen Carrick, Peter Carrick & Brad Spicer

Robert Price

Sheamus Mills & Anthony Roberts

Paul Perry & Steve Gillard

Kingsley Peach & Mike Moran

Basil Nolan Jnr

Sir Patrick Hogan

Glen Spratt, Peter Colley & Louis Le Metayer

Guy Mulcaster, Chris Waller & Liam Prior

Mick Talty

Neil Jenkinson

Tom Magnier & John O’Shea

Tom Ryan, Henry Field & Gavin Murphy

Teresa Poon & David Kobritz

Peter Orton

David Johnson

Ron Quinton

Howard Liang & Marie Yoshida

Scott Holcombe

Mike Fleming

Fudong Niu & Alex Teng

Peter Quirk & John Warren

Paul & Debbie Kepitis

Eric Lucas

Wayne & Jenny Reeves

Gerald Ryan

David Raphael

Darren Weir

John Moloney

2019 / 43

Barbara, Ren Ningning, Amy Feng, Patrick Tan & Jayven See

Charlie, Angus & Scott McAlpine

Joe & Kate O’Neill

Clem Murphy, Tom Magnier & Demi O’Byrne

Mike & Paul Moroney

Richard Freedman

Alex Kingston

Richard Laming & Jim Cassidy

Daney Xu & Fudong Niu

Michael Clements

John Kelly

Peter Horwitz

Olly Koolman & Peter Tighe

Graham & Linda Huddy

44 TITLE 44/ /STORY SALE DAY FACES

Leticia Dragon

Apollo Ng

James O’Brien

John Hutchins

Derek Field, David Redvers, Antony Thompson & David Littleproud MP

Colin & Jannene Madden

Olly Tait & Sam Hayes

Julian Hay

John Peatfield & John Sadler

John McKeever

Matthew Becker

Duncan Ramage & Caroline Searcy

Troy Corstens

Mark Pilkington

Gerry Harvey

David Payne & Wilf Mula

Charles & Benny Yung

Trent Busuttin & Trevor Luke

Kyan Yap & Cathy Yang

Henry Dwyer & David Brideoake

Dr Shalabh Sahu, Gai Waterhouse, Justin Fung, Nick Vass & Adrian Bott

Lisa Manning, Adam Brayshaw & Alison Sedgewick

Cameron Cooke

Steve Jostlear & Greg Eurell

Luca & Matt Cumani

Basil Nolan & Tom Reilly

Stirling Hinchliffe MP & Tony Gollan

Mick Price & Adam Brandwood

Bjorn Baker

Eric Buttler

Harry, Bill & Arthur Mitchell

2019 / 45

Wayne Hawkes

Peter Moody & Wylie Dalziel

Niall Power

Ceri Jostlear

Gary & Lloyd Kennewell

Duncan Grimley

Tim Nolan

Craig Handley & Dennis Loh

Michael Wallace

Jane Wiltz, Sarah & Jon Kelly, Gai Waterhouse, James Wiltz, Jamie McCalmont & Reg Inglis

Royston & Catriona Murphy

46 46 // STORY SALE DAY TITLE FACES

Wang Zhigang & Xu Zilong

James Bester & Rob McClure

Tom Kelly

Peter Snowden, Jackson Beirs & Paul Snowden

Andy Makiv, Vin Cox & Alastair Pulford

Steve Brown

Steve Morley

Justin Casse

Wez Hunter

Elaine Lawlor

Mike Thew

Shunsuke Yoshida

Shane Nichols

Brian Nutt

Ash Dowley

Danielle Cheng & Cheng Ting Kong

Roger Davis, Toby Liston, McCall Rounsefell & Peter Liston

Colin McKenna

Glen Burrows

Ricky Yiu

Adam Sangster, Jason Robinson & Adam Tims

Tony McEvoy & Rick Connolly

Belinda Bateman, Anna Ryan & Fergus Doyle

Dean & Adam Watt

David Azzopardi

Jeff, Zac & Jaden Lloyd

Julian Blaxland

Ron Gilbert

Donna & Toby Edmonds

Craig Anderson

Conor Phelan & Trevor Lobb

Jason Abrahams & Emma Walsh

Brad Widdup, Damion Flower & Ben Vassallo

Nick Columb & Hamish Esplin

Brent Stanley & Bruce Slade

Dominic Lui, Jason Lau, Chris Lau & Ian Sham

Peter Stewart & Bridget Woodford-Smith

Danny & Nina O’Brien

Stuart Ramsey & Stan Saric

Su-Ann Khaw, Dermot Farrington & Michael Kent

Max Whitby & Kevin Walls

George, Pippa & Mark Chittick & George Moore

2019 / 47

Chris, Dan & John Meagher

Bruce Neill

John Muir

Michael Kao, Nicky Wong, David Chester, Gary Moore & Johnson Chen

Neville Parnham

Patrick Webster & Michael Sissian

John Foote

John McArdle

Dimity Smith & Jamie Middleton

Ma Yongxiang, Oscar Yue Wenlei & Yvonne

Mathew Ellerton

Hubie de Burgh

Mark Donovan

Nick Hodges

Jan McCrostie & Simon Miller, Peter Liston & Barry McCrostie

Peter Ford & Shiranee & Robbie Griffiths

2018 GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE - TOP 10 BUYERS

Teo Ah Khing & Elliott Walden

JAMES HARRON BLOODSTOCK Bought: 10 Average: $724,000 Gross: $7,240,000

GAI WATERHOUSE / ADRIAN BOTT / BLUE SKY

REG INGLIS / JON KELLY / PAUL FRAMPTON

Bought: 26 Average: $250,192 Gross: $6,505,000

Bought: 6 Average: $905,833 Gross: $5,435,000

48 TITLE 48//STORY SALE DAY FACES

MCEVOY MITCHELL RACING Bought: 17 Average: $294,412 Gross: $5,005,000

CHINA HORSE CLUB / NEWGATE / WINSTAR Bought: 10 Average: $427,000 Gross: $4,270,000

Justin Bahen

ORBIS BLOODSTOCK Bought: 9 Average: $421,667 Gross: $3,795,000

Richard Kelly & Gary Towzell

Harry Herbert & Dane Robinson

Team Fernrigg

Tony Santic & Damon Gabbedy

Gai Waterhouse, John Singleton & Vanessa Merrin

John & Luke Henderson

Nicholas Wakim & Manny Gelagotis

Paul Willetts

Mark Newnham

Nick Olive

Hoss Heinrich & Graeme Rogerson

Chris & Michael Ward

Eric Gustavson, Ned Toffey & Garry Cuddy

Manny Gelagotis

Kevin Moloney

Craig Rounsefell

Calvin McEvoy

Kris Lees, Lucas Miller & Bruce Perry

Henry Plumptre & Denise Martin

Mick Malone

2019 / 49

Jason Walsh & James Cummings

GODOLPHIN Bought: 8 Average: $374,375 Gross: $2,995,500

CIARON MAHER BLOODSTOCK Bought: 11 Average: $250,000 Gross: $2,750,000

Guy Mulcaster

James, David & Will Hayes

MULCASTER BLOODSTOCK

LINDSAY PARK RACING

Bought: 12 Average: $216,250 Gross: $2,595,000

Bought: 10 Average: $218,500 Gross: $2,185,000

2019 / 49

THE SPORT OF JESSICA OWERS

The upcoming biopic, Ride Like A Girl, will cast light on a swathe of strong female characters, not least the film’s executive producer, Melbourne businesswoman and racing identity Susie Montague.

It was a day typical of Melbourne in late spring, more blue and burnished than anywhere else because it was Cup Day. Susie Montague was in the Members’, buzzing with the rest of Flemington racecourse as Michelle Payne blew past the winning post at 100/1.

It was 2015, before the acrid fumes from the Me Too movement, or the surge towards gender equality in sport. So when Payne told her critics to “get stuffed” that afternoon, Montague sat up.

“I remember the day vividly,” she says. “I had actually backed Michelle to win. I was standing right next to the mounting yard, and I remember hearing her comment, that they could all get stuffed, and I was intrigued. I wanted to know what was behind that.”

At her simplest, Susie Montague is one of the producers of the upcoming biopic Ride Like A Girl, the film that will next year showcase Payne’s life in lights. It has kept her busy, but she’s used to that. Montague is a filmmaker, and among her past projects is the Indy hit Pawno, which won the grand jury prize for best picture at the Cannes Cinema des Antipodes in 2016. Her investment in the Payne picture is different, however. It’s a subject that sits close to Montague every day. She is an owner, a hobby breeder, an identity in women’s racing.

50 / THE SPORT OF QUEENS

At home in South Yarra, she is breezy about her involvement, but when she speaks about the film, she is stunning in her concentration.

“I had known the life rights to Michelle’s story had been sold, and there was talk of a script,” she says. “But by the time I came in, I was feeling very protective of Michelle because the people involved were wonderful, but they had no idea about the racing industry. None at all.”

The people involved were globe-conquering actress Rachel Griffiths, who would direct, and Richard Keddie, who would produce. Both were Australian, both graduates of the same film school as Montague.

“There was a lot of interest around the movie,” she says.

“The Americans were looking it, and we knew that if it remained an Australian movie, it would be a really good film, one that everyone could be proud of. Part of me got involved to protect Michelle, and to build up her confidence about the film being made. She wasn’t reluctant, but she was shy. She was really shy about it.”

Montague is a soft light in the racing business, an industry that, admittedly, is cut from the cloth of hard men. Brunette, casually elegant, she is warm and well spoken, with an empathy despite obvious wealth, and a genuine interest in others. She describes herself as spiritual. She is a mother and grandmother, and has known deep, unforgiving loss. But it has shaped her, and she admits as much. In 2010, then Susie Delaney, she began a relationship with Ray Montague, whose family has remained Australia’s preeminent fruit growers since 1948. They married in 2015. They have orchards scattered across three states, and operations nationwide, and it’s an honest living that is both corporate and agriculture. Together, the couple are a symbiosis. Ray has lost two brothers and a son, Susie a husband. They understand each other, but are also in obvious rare love.

OF

QUEENS

“MY MUM WAS A SINGLE MUM, FIVE KIDS, AND SHE ALWAYS MADE SURE WE WERE JUST AS COMPETITIVE AS THE BOYS. MY DAD TOO. WE PLAYED SOCCER AND SOFTBALL, AND I GREW UP THINKING THIS WAS WHAT WOMEN DO. WOMEN CHALLENGE. BACKGROUND HAS AN IMPACT ON YOU, AND IT IMPACTED HOW I SAW WOMEN IN BUSINESS AND SPORT.” 2019 / 51

As the release date for Ride Like A Girl approaches, Montague considers the feminist conversations that are gripping the world right now. Incidental as it is, the film’s timing is impeccable. She admits that Payne’s Melbourne Cup victory was a very big deal, but its magnitude didn’t dawn on her immediately.

“I’m really fortunate because I grew up in a household that championed women,” she says. “My mum was a single mum, five kids, and she always made sure we were just as competitive as the boys. My dad too. We played soccer and softball, and I grew up thinking this was what women do. Women challenge. Background has an impact on you, and it impacted how I saw women in business and sport.”

The Montagues are owners in up to 30 horses, and Susie says she knew of Payne, but didn’t know her well. “She’d done trackwork for me, and maybe ridden for us once before, but I’d been watching her because I keep an eye on all women in sport. I like to quietly champion whatever they’re doing.”

She presumes that all women do the same, supporting and lifting each other, and was amazed at the mixed reception Payne’s now-famous comment received. “The women were mostly cheering, while most of the guys were like, what was that for? I just thought, how interesting.”

Montague is not a feminist, but she is at the centre of a swelling female presence in Australian horse racing. In 2015, she was one of almost 40 women around the world that dove head first into the Magic Millions Racing Women promotion, pointed at boosting female ownership in the sport. The concept was simple, and a world’s first – a syndicate of only women that would select, buy and compete a Magic Millions yearling. They called themselves ‘It’s All About The Girls’, and their first effort was Global Glamour, a slip of a filly at $65,000 who returned $1.5 million and two group ones.

THE HON KATE JONES MP, KATIE PAGE HARVEY, MICHELLE PAYNE, JANICE MCKENNA, RACHEL GRIFFITHS & SUSIE MONTAGUE

52 / THE SPORT OF QUEENS

2019 / 53

“There was a bit of luck in there,” Montague says.

“If someone had said to me, let’s get all these great women, and get them a great horse, and win a group one, I’d have said the odds were thin. But this has been so good for women, and it’s been good for racing. We’ve got a few in the syndicate who have never owned a horse, and their husbands have owned horses for years and never won a group one.

We tease the boys about that.”

When Montague talks about racing, it isn’t an infatuation with its deep dollars or social circles. She coolly suggests it might be in her blood, then laughs it off. “My grandfather was an SP bookie at the Albert Park Hotel.” She is excited by the mechanics of the industry, and buzzes at the sales, shortlisting 100 horses down to 40, 40 into 10, then coming home with only two. She could take more, but she keeps her feet on the ground.

“We have always said we’d like to stay owners rather than breeders,” she says.

“Breeding is another level. Ray is really good at breeding apples and fruit, and he’s very successful, but I joke with him that I’m not sure the principles are the same. We both love learning, and that’s why we started going to the sales, to learn.

54 / THE SPORT OF QUEENS

I THINK WITH GROWTH IN ANYTHING, YOU’VE GOT TO BE PREPARED TO LEARN, AND YOU’VE GOT TO BE THE FIRST PEOPLE TO SAY YOU DON’T KNOW ANYTHING.”

It’s a distinctly female attitude, but where feminism can be loud and uncouth, Montague manages it with grace. She loves a pretty dress, fine heels and a good collection of girls, and is honest-to-god excited to see women succeed at anything. She is an advancing female tide in Australian racing, and anyone who would change that would stir champagne.

15 MILLION REASONS TO RACE IN QUEENSLAND

This Summer Pierata

1ST QUEENSLAND SUMMER CROWN $1.9 MILLION IN PRIZEMONEY AND BONUSES

Sunlight

1ST MAGIC MILLIONS 2YO CLASSIC

Viddora

1ST MAGIC MILLIONS SNIPPETS

$15 MILLION QUEENSLAND SUMMER RACING CARNIVAL Australia’s richest summer racing carnival provides the perfect program to launch your two year old, three year old and sprint superstar into the stratosphere.

Download the complete Summer race program now at racingqueensland.com.au

NOV 17 - JAN 26

RQ_T_10934_MM_Preview Mag FPC_FA.indd 1

7/11/18 6:03 pm

Pol oa

ga

in

h stage on t e Gold Coas e r t t cen k o to

IFIC FAIR C PA

M

AG IC

56 / PACIFIC FAIR POLO

S

POLO N O MI L L I

2019 / 57

58 / PACIFIC FAIR POLO

n the Gold Coa

st

Polo a

ga i

nt oo

k

t cen

o tage s e r

2019 / 59

FROM FIELD

FARM

to the

MATT STEWART

60 / FROM FIELD TO THE FARM

RACEHORSES have long fascinated sports people. Famous cricketers, tennis players and footballers – of any code – have always popped up on racetracks and as part-owners of horses.

2019 / 61

62 / FROM STORYFIELD TITLE TO THE FARM

The only difference is the horse can’t tell you when it’s hurting. But the very best horse people can tell when they walk into the box if the horse is off its game or ready to go out there and get on with it.

The interest has been in the athlete and the social trappings that come with racing and cheering them; a release after long winter seasons of running, hitting, bumping and kicking.

Like a few of his sporting mates, Slater has been fascinated by these horse athletes; their speed, their strength, their courage, their conditioning.

Some sporting heroes, like Billy Slater, have been more interested than others, so much so that at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale in January, the legendary Melbourne Storm fullback will be leaping into the afterlife.

“There’s a huge amount of parallels between human athletes and racehorses,’’ he said. “How they train, how they eat, how they recover, all the training protocols. It’s amazing how close we used to prepare and train compared to how horses do it.

Recently-retired Slater isn’t merely one of the sale’s celebrity vendors but a very committed and nervous one.

“The only difference is the horse can’t tell you when it’s hurting. But the very best horse people can tell when they walk into the box is the horse is off its game or ready to go out there and get on with it.’’

Fledgling breeding enterprise Slater Thoroughbreds owns two broodmares and one of them, Inishowen, will be represented at the sale by a striking Wandjina colt.

Slater bought Inishowen in foal to Wandjina at the 2017 Magic Millions Broodmare Sale. He didn’t just like the mare – although he was taken by her pedigree, her race performances and even her pretty head – but the overall package.

“Wandjina himself was a cracking colt trained

by Gai Waterhouse and I liked pretty much everything about Inishowen,’’ he said. “She ticked pretty much all the boxes; she won twice at Flemington, she was by three times champion broodmare sire Encosta de Lago …’’

Slater has no idea what his colt will cost its new owner when the gavel comes down in January, or even how he will feel on the day. But he knows the Magic Millions sale represents the most important step yet in his transition from sportsman with a dash of racing pedigree to retired footballer trying to make it as a commercial breeder.

“I’m not sure how it will hit me on the day. I’d always been interested in watching yearling sales but it was always someone else’s horse, not your horse. I’m guessing I’ll be pretty nervous but I’m already really excited,’’ he said, describing the Wandjina colt as “a cracking bay with a distinctive white blaze and three white socks; a great head, just like his mum.’’

There was one very special horse person who knew how to read the body language of both her horses and her staff; a trainer who not just advanced Slater’s horse skills but taught him life important lessons.

Slater grew up in Innisfail in Queensland where rugby league and horses duelled for his affections. He was 12 when given a young horse with a bowed tendon to care for. He’d ride it in gymkhanas and “through sugarcane paddocks’’. Slater left school at 16 and went to work for Gai Waterhouse, that “very special person,’’ at Tulloch Lodge at Randwick.

Slater says he wasn’t a superstar teenage footballer – that came later – and was happy for rugby to take a back seat as Waterhouse took him under her wing.

“It was the greatest time of my life,’’ he said. “I’d played football all my life and it’s all I ever knew. It’s just what you did.

“Gai was amazing. And it was an amazing time in the stable. She had great two-year-olds like Assertive Lad and Phoenix Park. I strapped and rode Tempest Morn in all her trackwork and she won the Australasian Oaks.

2019 / 63

“Gai ran a tight ship but she leads by example. She never expects anyone to work harder than she does. She taught me to have a strong work ethic.’’

Rugby League again dominated Slater’s life through his twenties – although he’d always enjoyed a punt on the horses and a day at the track - before at age 35, the 300-gamer called it quits in August this year.

Even before that emotional day, Slater had been plotting his transition. Since retirement he has secured coaching roles with both the St Kilda Football Club and the Storm but it was over two years ago that Slater laid the first foundations of his breeding operation.

The year before he bought Inishowen in foal to Wandjina, Slater bought his first broodmare, Hamam, at the same sale.

The Al Maher mare’s first foal, by Shooting To Win, unfortunately died as a weanling. Her second, a chestnut colt by Written Tycoon, is now a yearling and will either be sold at auction later this sales season or kept by Slater Thoroughbreds.

The third, a foal by Street Boss, dropped recently and Hamam is now in foal to Cable Bay. For Inishowen, a Choisir colt came the season after the Wandjina colt and she is now in foal to Redoute’s Choice.

Slater’s new farm south east of Melbourne will be home to an increasing number of Slater Thoroughbreds horses but he is mindful of taking baby steps. That said, he wants to be competitive.

“It’s always been my nature. Whatever I’ve done I’ve been passionate to doing it the best I can,’’ he said.

“There’s no point being half-hearted.’’

The Wandjina colt will be sold under the banner of Victoria’s Woodside Park Stud, a great “mate” and ally of Slater’s. “They are great people to lean on,’’ he said.

Black Caviar’s breeder Rick Jamieson imported Cable Bay to Australia from England. Slater says he has learned something of the art of good matings from the revered Jamieson, “although with breeding you can never know enough.’’

Slater said he was thrilled that Hamam fitted Jamieson’s strict criteria for a mating with Cable Bay. “You can try and find the right mating for your mare and you can delve into as much information as you want,’’ he said. “But Rick’s got this amazing track record and it’s great to have a mare as a matched rating to his stallion.’’

Slater says the combination of the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and the late May, early June Broodmare Sale hadn’t been a specific target; “it just worked out that way,’’ he said.

“For me, it’s the best opportunity to select broodmares, with the added bonus of the yearling sale. There’s an incredible amount of lots, whether mares or yearlings, and you know they are quality animals,’’ he said.

Slater’s philosophy for his bloodstock business, which faces its first commercial test at the Gold Coast in January, is to simply give it his best shot.

“I’ve bought the best mares we can afford, found them the best possible stallions at our disposal, have them prepared by the best in the Woodside team and get them into the right sales,’’ he said.

64 / FROM STORYFIELD TITLE TO THE FARM

Gai ran a tight ship but she leads by example. She never expects anyone to work harder than she does. She taught me to have a strong work ethic.

2019 / 65

POWERFUL CONTRASTS FEW PLACES IN THE WORLD SERVE UP CRUISY COASTAL DIGS ALONGSIDE HIDDEN HINTERLAND GEMS AND SWANKY CITY ESTABLISHMENTS. ON THE GOLD COAST, EACH NEIGHBOURHOOD KNOCKS UP A FLAVOUR ENTIRELY OF ITS OWN.

HINTERLAND Just a stone’s throw away, the Springbrook and Lamington National Parks tucked away in the hinterland seem to be from a different world. Breathe in the infinite views that stretch across an ancient realm, wander World-Heritage listed rainforests, cool off beneath a magnificent waterfall and extend your stay with a soul-soothing sleepover.

66 / POWERFUL CONTRASTS MMGC19_GOLD COAST_4pgs.indd 62

22/11/18 3:19 pm

NORTH

CENTRAL For cosmopolitan coolness cruise north along the sand from Burleigh to Main Beach to discover an urban hood turning on more swag than meets the eye. Expect night bites, hatted restaurants, hidden and not-so-secret bars, shopping destinations and perfect beaches.

Jam-packed with joie de vivre, the north is known for charming in all matter of moments. Feast in sophisticated settings by yachtfilled marinas, settle in for a bit of deck-side wining and dining on the Broadwater, or dial up the pace and let the nostalgia kick-in at theme parks that rise from the sand.

THE SOUTH Revel in the relaxing vibes akin to the retro beach culture of days gone by, sip a pale ale with surfing legends, make friends with laid-back locals at beachside burger bars (where going barefoot is encouraged), and meander along the crystalline shoreline that stretches from Palm Beach (“Palmie”) down to Coolangatta (“Cooly”).

2019 / 67 MMGC19_GOLD COAST_4pgs.indd 63

22/11/18 3:19 pm

Brisbane Airport (30mins)

Yatala

DARWIN

Brisbane Airport (30mins)

Ormeau Yatala

Jacobs Well

South Stradbroke Island

Pimpama

Jacobs Well

Ormeau

PACIFIC HIGHWAY

Coomera

Paradise Point Runaway Bay Helensvale Coomera Sanctuary Cove

Oxenford

South Stradbroke Island

BRISBANE

GOLD COAST

CANBERRA

PERTH ADELAIDE

SYDNEY

MELBOURNE HOBART

Southport Broadwater

Runaway Bay Helensvale

Mt Tamborine

SYDNEY

MELBOURNE

Gold Coast Seaway Paradise Point The Spit Labrador

Arundel

Nerang Forest Reserve

DARWIN ADELAIDE

HOBART

Oxenford

Mt Tamborine

GOLD COAST

CANBERRA

PERTH

Sanctuary Cove

Pimpama

PACIFIC HIGHWAY

BRISBANE

Southport Southport Main Beach Broadwater Gold Coast Seaway

Ashmore Arundel Labrador

Nerang

Carrara PACIFIC HIGHWAY Nerang Forest Reserve Nerang

Bundall

Merrimac Ashmore

GOLD COAST HIGHWAY

Carrara

QUEENSLAND

Bundall

Reedy Creek

Mermaid Beach Surfers Paradise Miami

Broadbeach Burleigh Heads

Robina Merrimac

PACIFIC HIGHWAY

Surfers Paradise Southport Main Beach Broadbeach

The Spit

GOLD COAST HIGHWAY

Mermaid Beach

Palm Beach Currumbin Burleigh Heads

Miami

QUEENSLAND

Robina

Numinbah Forest Reserve

Reedy Creek

Wunburra Lookout

Gold Coast Airport

Springbrook Numinbah Natural Bridge Forest Reserve

Springbrook National Park

Wunburra Lookout Best of All Lookout Springbrook Natural Bridge

Currumbin Valley

Coolangatta Tweed Heads Palm Beach Kirra Currumbin

Gold Coast Airport

Currumbin Rock Pools

Currumbin Valley

Tugun

Tugun

Fingal Head

Coolangatta Tweed Heads Kirra

Mt Cougal

Springbrook National Park

1

Fingal Head Kingscliff

NEW SOUTH WALES

Best of All Lookout

Currumbin Rock Pools Mt Cougal

68 / POWERFUL CONTRASTS MMGC19_GOLD COAST_4pgs.indd 64

NEW SOUTH WALES

1

Kingscliff

Byron Bay 22/11/18 3:19 pm

Quick FACTS

DestinationGoldCoast.com/About GoldCoast.qld.gov.au/TheGoldCoast

2019 / 69 MMGC19_GOLD COAST_4pgs.indd 65

22/11/18 3:19 pm

ELEMENT HILL: A Risk Averse family affair

NATHAN EXELBY

TYPHOON Tracy may sadly no longer be with us, but her feats were the catalyst for the Hutchins family’s Element Hill becoming a serious player in Australia’s bloodstock market Typhoon Tracy, Australia’s Horse of the Year in 2009-10, was the result of John Hutchins and his wife Fu Mei’s first serious tilt in the bloodstock business.

“Magic Millions blew our expectations out of the water (in 2018). Not only him, but the other two horses that made $700,000 and $650,000. It was such a surreal sale for us.

The Peter Moody-trained mare retired as the winner of 11 races, six of them at Group 1 level, making it a dream entry at the pointy end of the market for the Hutchins.

“What we budgeted was about 20-30 per cent less than the aggregate we got.”

A decade down the track, it has become a real family affair, with son Josh overseeing Element Hill’s broodmare and yearling portfolio.

Element Hill had its biggest milestone to date at the 2018 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, selling a Fastnet Rock colt from their stakes winning Encosta De Lago mare Risk Aversion for $1million to Tom Magnier and John O’Shea.

“We had never come close to selling a million dollar horse. We always thought he was going to make a bit of money, but if you asked me if he was going to make that, I would have said no,” Josh says.

“I THOUGHT 600, 700, MAYBE $800,000.

“It was nerve wracking. Bidding stalled at $800,000 for a bit. I thought ‘this is great’ but being so close, I just wanted it to get there.

“When Tom Magnier went bang, $1M, I just had a big smile on my face and it was a great experience.

70 / ELEMENT HILL MMGC 19_Element Hill.indd 70

Element Hill sold 17 yearlings on the Coast last year for an aggregate of $5.175million, putting it sixth on the list of vendors by average (for 10 or more sold).

It was the coming of age for a farm that has only been fully operational since 2011.

The Element Hill property, which is next door to Glenlogan Park just outside Beaudesert in Queensland’s south-east corner, was purchased in 2009, against the recommendation of Hutchins’ long time bloodstock advisor Neil Jenkinson.

“Neil said I was a moron if I set up the farm, but said if we really want to and love it, go ahead, but I think you’re a moron,” John tells.

“It was always something I wanted to do.”

Fu Mei said it was a lifestyle decision.

“We used to have a farm in Scone (Turangga), but the farm was down there and for us to be able to enjoy, we want to visit the farm often,” she said.

“If we want to have a real lifestyle, in touch with all of these animals, we would like to do it day by day. And more convenient travelling.”

It’s now easy for John and Fu Mei to commute between the Gold Coast and Element Hill, under which banner the family has sold for the past four years.

Lot 239, Fastnet Rock - Risk Aversion

22/11/18 2:28 pm

T

2019 / 71

MMGC 19_Element Hill.indd 71

22/11/18 2:28 pm

“If you’re going to spend a lot of money and don’t know what you’re doing it’s the quickest way to go broke,” John says. “So you need a good honest agent and (Neil) had that reputation.

“WE WENT TO A FEW SALES AND THE PRICES WERE RIDICULOUS AT THAT PARTICULAR TIME. YOU COULDN’T BUY YOUNG MARES OR FILLIES. Typhoon Tracy Shrine

John Hutchins’ interest in racing dates back to his childhood.

“I came from a family where my mother’s brother was a trainer, he trained steeple chasers,” he said.

“And on my father’s side they were professional fishermen.

“On the holidays I would go to my cousins’ place and help in the stables.

“But we came from a situation where we could never race horses.”

After Hutchins enjoyed success in the business world, importing footwear into Australia, it opened the door for him to take a financial interest in the industry.

Originally, he was dabbling at the cheaper end of the spectrum, which he says Fu Mei wasn’t overly fond of.

“I like blue chips” Fu Mei confirmed.

Hutchins said he played at the lower end for a few years and virtually got out of the game before “Fu Mei said “if you’re going to have a go, have a go properly.”

“So we decided to have a crack and buy an older mare.

“Neil said at the time, he might be able to get the best possible one you could think of. It was Tracy’s Element. She had the pedigree and performance.

“They (Vinery) were going to have a dispersal sale but Neil said ‘I think for the right price you might be able to buy Tracy’s Element.’

“So backwards and forwards … and Neil said no mucking around here, give them the price they want and don’t argue otherwise they would put it in the dispersal sale.

“THEY CAME BACK WITH A FIGURE OF $1MILLION. THAT WAS A BIT OF A SHOCK AND A BIG FIGURE. “Fu Mei doesn’t like to pay full price and said we’ve got to bargain.

“Neil said there would be no bargaining.

So he did.

“The people at Vinery said that was the price and that’s it.

Hutchins sought the advice of Jenkinson, who orchestrated the deal to buy the mare that would deliver the Hutchins family the stuff only dreams are made of.

“It went backwards and forwards, they didn’t move and Fu Mei said ‘I must have a discount.’

72 / ELEMENT STORY TITLE HILL MMGC 19_Element Hill.indd 72

22/11/18 2:28 pm

“They came back and said they would give us a free service to Red Ransom.

“That was $60,000 at the time, so Fu Mei had a win and said ‘if you don’t ask, you don’t get.’

“That service gave us Typhoon Tracy.”

Fu Mei smiles knowingly at how the deal transpired.

“She was the freebie,” Fu Mei says of Typhoon Tracy.

Tracy’s Element was carrying Red Element when she was purchased and he was later sold for $1million to stand at Glenlogan Park Stud, so despite the big up-front fee, she proved an astute investment.

Around the same time, the Hutchins’ bought the Group 1 winners Bonanova and Danendri and Risk Aversion’s mum Subterfuge.

“We bought the older mares with the idea of breeding fillies and building up that way,” Hutchins said.

“We got four daughters from Danendri, three daughters from Bonanova and four out of Tracy’s Element.”

Typhoon Tracy made it seem all too easy.

Josh remembers going to Rosehill the day she won her first Group 1, the Coolmore Classic, and just expecting to win.

“I was only young at the time, very new to the horse game. It was quite surreal because you went there expecting to win Group 1s,” he said.

“Now I look back and I’m trying to win a maiden at Ipswich and I cheer!

“To have that going around, going to the races just expecting to win a Group 1 was just incredible.

“Now I know it’s hard to win any race, let alone a stakes or Group 1 race.”

Tragically, Typhoon Tracy died while giving birth to her first foal, a colt by Street Cry later named Last Typhoon, who won two races before retiring to stud.

John and Fu Mei were holidaying in Croatia when they received news of Typhoon Tracy’s death.

“IT WAS TOTALLY DEVASTATING TO LOSE HER,” JOHN SAID.

Josh, John & Fu Mei Hutchins

2019 / 73

MMGC 19_Element Hill.indd 73

22/11/18 2:28 pm

“Sir Patrick Hogan had told me some time earlier, the really great time with a mare is breeding from her and seeing her foals. We missed all of that, which was unfortunate.

“We are lucky enough to have three of her sisters.

“She was at Vinery and is buried at Vinery.”

Josh’s brothers work in the footwear side of the business, but Josh decided to make a career out of the horse side of the family business.

“It was never my intention of doing this, but it came to a stage where there was a sizeable investment in the horses,” he says.

“As soon as I finished high school I went and worked at Coolmore for eight months and then worked for Duncan Grimley at Glastonbury for six months.

“I learnt a lot off both farms. It was a great experience. I saw how it works at a big factory and then a smaller operation.

“I then went to Uni for three years studying commerce, majoring in finance and accounting and came straight here (to Element Hill).”

Element Hill has about 40 mares on the books at any given time and gets a rest during the breeding season, when the horses are transferred to another property in the Hunter while they are being covered.

“The horses themselves have the best of everything, whether they are here or in the Hunter,” Josh said.

This year the broodmare band has been bolstered with new purchases like Pasar Silbano (the dam of Zousain), My Amelia (dam of The Mission), Amelia’s Dream and Dizelle.

“From those mares we will obviously hope to get fillies and we will keep those,” Josh said.

Lot 239 Fastnet Rock - Risk Aversion

“OUR INVESTMENT IN MORE EXPENSIVE MARES WILL FALL AWAY AND WE WILL RELY ON THE DAUGHTERS OF THE GOOD MARES WE’VE GOT AND HOPE THEY CAN BE BLACK TYPE HORSES THEMSELVES.” Element Hill has a draft of 16 headed to the 2019 Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale, with progeny by stallions including Redoute’s Choice, Snitzel, I Am Invincible, Zoustar, More Than Ready and young stallions Exosphere and Pride Of Dubai.

Lot 239, Fastnet Rock - Risk Aversion

74 / ELEMENT STORY TITLE HILL MMGC 19_Element Hill.indd 74

22/11/18 2:28 pm

THE LUXURY OF CHOICE Enjoy the best collection of luxury, international and Australian brands - right in the heart of Broadbeach.

B A L LY B U LGA R I COACH C H R I S T I A N LO U B O U T I N FURLA GIVENCHY GUCCI H A R DY B R O T H E R S HARROLDS HERMES HUGO BOSS LO U I S V U I T T O N MAX MARA M I C H A E L KO R S P R A DA ROLEX S A LV A T O R E F E R R A G A M O TAG HEUER T I F FA N Y & C O. O P E N 7 D AY S ‘ T I L L A T E

BEAC

Magic Millions style from the spectacular

76 / BARRIER DRAW

ACH DAYS Barrier draw 2018

ectacular Gold Coast

2019 / 77

78 / STORY TITLE

Barrier draw 2018

BEACH DAYS

2019 / 79

6

GOLD COAST BARS

the locals don’t want you to find

It may surprise you to learn the Gold Coast is home to an array of bespoke bars, many of which have swung open their doors in the last year and all of which offer a very distinct vibe, much-loved by locals. From nautical to endless summer inspired spaces, the potential good times are endless and you are welcome.

In the interest of spreading the love (don’t tell the locals), and sharing the cocktails you simply must-sip, here are six of the very best bars we highly recommend you get amongst at the next available opportunity.

80 / 6 GOLD COAST BARS MMGC19 - 6 GC Bars.indd 80

22/11/18 3:06 pm

P

Younger sibling to The Cambus Wallace is Palm Beach’s The Scottish Prince, also named after a ship that ran aground and also home to a menu filled with next-level drinks and an underground-esque vibe that sees it filled with revelers every single eve. The team have once again invoked a below-the-deck theme with low lighting, abundant wooden accents and shipinspired artwork dotted throughout. Besides cocktails, live tunes and charcuterie boards are reason enough to spend the night.

alm

Bea c

1

TIPPLE TO TASTE: The SP team are well equipped in the art of blowing our cocktail-loving minds and this one is no exception. The Irish Heaving is made up of Connemara Peated, Jameson Stout Barrel, Apricot Brandy, Sweet Vermouth, chocolate and coffee and is that not the most outrageous combination of goodness you’ve ever heard?

Thought so.

h

THE SCOTTISH PRINCE

SOHO PLACE It was the Gold Coast’s first small bar welcoming swillers mid 2017 and today, Soho Place is one of the most loved drinking holes around.

Found in Broadbeach amongst a slew of next-level eateries, Soho is a drinks-only venue but food can be delivered from anywhere, including UberEATS, choose-your-own-adventure style.

2

adbe a ro

3

ch

B

adbe a ro

ch

B

TIPPLE TO TASTE: The Chocolate Peanut Butter Old Fashioned is the ultimate decadent delight. Reminiscent of Christmas treats, the team created a peanut butter syrup to match the Woodford Bourbon and it’s unlike anything you’ve sampled before, trust us.

ALOHA BAR & DINING Hidden down a Broadbeach alleyway, Aloha is the tiki bar of your tropical holiday-loving dreams. It’s filled with greenery, pops of colour and eclectic art and hey, maybe don’t take someone you actually like because most of your time will be spent gazing around at all the goodness and snapping pictures of the pretty drink in your hand. Unsurprisingly, their catch cry is ‘it’s always summer at Aloha’ and yes it is. Party shirts compulsory.

TIPPLE TO TASTE: The Lovebird, part of a brand new, yet-tobe-unveiled cocktail menu is a somewhat healthy spin on a cocktail that’ll rock your socks. It’s got Flor de Cana rum, Pisco, Four Pillars gin, Acai and Lemon Myrtle Kombucha so it’s practically guilt-free.

2019 / 81

MMGC19 - 6 GC Bars.indd 81

22/11/18 3:06 pm

THE ROOSEVELT LOUNGE A relative newbie on the Coast’s bespoke bar scene, The Roosevelt Lounge is five-star fancy and allows you to live your very best life, if only for a night. The space is all red velvet accents, gilded chandeliers and antique book-laden shelves above luxe leather lounges. It’s New York-style sophistication at its finest with a cocktail list to match.

adbe a ro

by Bea ob

5

ch

N

4

ch

B

TIPPLE TO TASTE: It’s Mulled Cider for the win. A warm, spice-infused taste sensation that will transport you to a chilly winters day in front of the crackling fire. Made with Young Henry’s Apple Cider and with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and fresh orange, it’s a must-sip.

THE CAMBUS WALLACE The little Nobby Beach space, famous the world over for their lowlit, guaranteed good time vibes and some of the very best cocktails around, is the Cambus Wallace. Decked out with ocean vessel-inspired memorabilia, the venue was named after a ship that ran aground off the coast of the, ahh, GOLD Coast many moons ago and yes, you’re welcome to give your very best sailor impression a go. There are live acoustic tunes and face-wide smiles aplenty, always.

TIPPLE TO TASTE: Part of a very unique and very delicious cocktail menu is the Pisco Matcha, made up of hemp seedinfused Pisco, Fernet Branca, Matcha syrup, citrus and whites.

It is quite obviously, perfectly balanced and delightfully sour. A tipple you may never forget.

82 / 6 STORY GOLDTITLE COAST BARS MMGC19 - 6 GC Bars.indd 82

22/11/18 3:07 pm

Bu

6

s ad

LOCKWOOD BAR

eigh He rl

Hidden down a little alleyway in Burleigh Heads is Lockwood Bar, a speakeasy-style space complete with draped velvet entryway and a selection of whiskeys that’ll certainly keep you on your toes. Exposed brick walls, wooden bench-style seating and the pièce de résistance, a baby piano, set the scene and yes, live music featuring said piano playing is one of life’s greatest pleasures. Perch at the bar and watch the master makers in action.

TIPPLE TO TASTE: The Chocolate Kentucky Blazer is actual fire made with orange and white chocolate liqueurs and Woodford Reserve Bourbon Whiskey. We don’t want to give too much away but prepare to be awestruck.

For more on what to see, where to eat and what to do on the Gold Coast visit www.destinationgoldcoast.com/blog Originally published on the #WeAreGoldCoast Blog – the official blog of Destination Gold Coast.

KIRRA SMITH

2019 / 83

MMGC19 - 6 GC Bars.indd 83

22/11/18 3:07 pm

FROM

LITTLE THINGS

BIG THINGS GROW How a trip away for four childhood mates led them to a horse of a lifetime ... and started a racing experience that hasn’t ended yet.

MICHAEL COX

84 / FROM LITTLE THINGS

2019 / 85

Dissident

Imagine the first horse you buy into wins a black type race at his very first start. It then takes a Group One at three and the Australian Horse of the Year award at four with multiple wins at top level, before being purchased as a stud prospect.

A lot of trainers would tell you that this type of dream scenario for a group of first-timers –while obviously amazing – can only end up in disappointment, after all, where do you go from there?

Well, for a group of high school mates from country Australia, buying a horse of a lifetime at their very first try has since been parlayed into more success and the rollercoaster of racehorse ownership has continued.

Brendan Goonan, Scott Clancy, Ryan McEvoy & Colby O’Brien Enjoying Zousain’s G2 Brisbane victory at the ‘local’

For the “Wheninrome” syndicate, made up of four friends from Wodonga, the best part of their success hasn’t been the financial returns – even though they have been substantial.

The biggest rewards have been mostly intangible, as the Wheninrome members stay connected through the common thread of racing.

That first magical foray into ownership for a group that includes a tradie, an accountant and a physiotherapist, was a horse called Dissident, a $210,000 purchase at the 2012 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale that went on to become 2014-15 Horse of the Year.

For owners Ryan McEvoy, Scott Clancy, Colby O’Brien and Brendan Goonan, buying into Dissident was just the start of a whirlwind experience that hasn’t finished yet.

“It was an amazing ride with Dissident, and one that we often look back on. There are some great memories there but it went very quickly,” said McEvoy, whose expertise as Stallions Nominations Manager at Widden Stud has provided the yearling selection guidance for the group.

86 / FROM LITTLE THINGS

“We leave the horse decisions to Ryan, we would not know what we are doing” jokes O’Brien, an accountant by day. “He picks the yearlings, and we simply say yes! We haven’t had any disagreements yet. The thing is, unlike an agent, Ryan invests his own money and targets only one horse a year so he places great importance on getting it right’” Dissident, who McEvoy watched develop at Widden, was certainly an inspired choice. The striking brown colt won five Group Ones in a glittering career and every time he went to the races the build up was intense for the Wheninrome syndicate.

“That’s the best part, the banter in the days leading up to the races is unbelievable...and hilarious” McEvoy said. “Actually, the banter goes on for months before a race.”

“That pre-race chat is all about planning the horses’ programs, the trips we might go on, all of that speculation and hoping it comes through,” O’Brien said. “And yeah, nearly every conversation we have now is about horse racing, which is an interesting turn.

We all went to the races before but we have developed a deep passion for racing since we started with Dissident.”

“Career-wise we all went our separate ways after high school, and although we stayed in touch and were great mates, you do lose touch a bit,” McEvoy said. “These experiences have kept us tight as far as friendship goes and that is the best part, to see the enjoyment the guys get out of it. We all have our day-to-day jobs, but when we catch up all we really talk about is racing and breeding. It really is quite cool.”

Dissident connections – G1 Memsie S “It’s the common link between us,” Clancy said. “We are always on the group chat, we nearly always have a horse running and if we don’t then there is another coming into work. We would have always been close but it keeps us talking and our lives intertwined. This has definitely kept us in touch and brought us back to where we were as schoolmates.”

For Clancy, a plumber, a day at the races provides quite a contrast as he changes from his work wear into raceday finery. “One day I was in the trenches digging a hole, and the next day I was in a suit rubbing shoulders with the likes of Peter Moody and some of the world’s best jockeys, just having a yarn with them,” he said.

Even the wives and girlfriends have developed their own keen interest in the sport.

Ryan McEvoy

“They might not have been too happy with us getting in a horse to start with but when we got a good one and then we started taking the trips away to the big Group Ones at Randwick and Caulfield, it changed a bit,” Clancy said. “They are claiming it was their idea now.

After Dissident we had some points in the bank, and we kept reinvesting.”

“We are having a great time and making the most of it.”

Re-invest they have, with great success.

Twelve months after purchasing Dissident at the Magic Millions, McEvoy & Moody purchased another Sebring colt. Named Ulmann, he has won over $600,000 and is a multiple stakes winner in Melbourne.

Now, they have two more exciting talents on the track.

The syndicate’s most recent purchase is Magic Millions graduate Sun City, a son of sire-of-the-moment Zoustar that showed off his potential with a second in the 2018 Listed Maribyrnong Trial Stakes, yet the group’s most exciting prospect is another superstar son of Zoustar.

Zousain, purchased at the 2017 Magic Millions Sale, is a sprinteron-the-rise and his stunning looks, temperament and on-track performances have many comparing him to his exciting sire.

Zousain, Lot 298, MMGC 2017

The Chris Waller-trained colt boasts Group One seconds to The Autumn Sun and then went close to emulating Zoustar when second in the Coolmore Stud Stakes.

The name Wheninrome and the idea to get into horse ownership sprang from a bucket list trip across America for the quartet that culminated in a weekend at the Breeders’ Cup in Kentucky.

“It was the catch-cry of the trip, When In Rome, and that decision to get into a horse together has led to this,” McEvoy said.

Despite the instant success, and those concerns that it can’t get any better, it seems like things might just be getting started, especially given the passion Wheninrome’s members bring to the sport.

“I think we all acknowledge that getting a horse like Dissident for a first horse was pretty long odds, so to enjoy the success we have since then is amazing,” McEvoy said. “We are having a great time and making the most of it.”

One of Australian racing’s great strengths is syndication, and the affordability of ownership for the average person, and Wheninrome has taken full advantage, buying smaller shares of high quality acquisitions with bigger spending groups like Qatar Bloodstock.

“I think our experience really highlights that you don’t necessarily need to be a big owner to enjoy success at the top level,” McEvoy said. “We target specific yearlings with a certain criteria and the beauty of the Australian ownership system is that we can form partnerships. We might buy a quarter or half of a nice colt and split that between us. In Australia, you can still enjoy the experience of racing a horse just like anyone else at any level.”

Zousain – G2 BRC Champagne Classic

2019 / 87

2018 LAUNCH PARTY

The Gold Coast coastline shaped a spectacular backdrop to the official launch of the 2018 Magic Millions Carnival

88 / LAUNCH PARTY

2019 / 89

2018 LAUNCH PARTY

90 / LAUNCH PARTY 90 / STORY TITLE

2019 / 91

THE

RIGHT

GREG TOBIN

Let’s face it, the view from the rear vision mirror is always a lot clearer than the road ahead. As that wise old punter, Socrates, once said, “hindsight is 20-20”.

92 / THE RIGHT GUY

GUY WINX

LOTS TO LIKE ABOUT

2019 / 93

There were no cheers, no drum roll … after all, 60 other yearlings would sell for more money at the Gold Coast in 2013.

For instance, at the 2013 Gold Coast Magic Millions Yearling Sale, 714 youngsters would be sold, of which 570 became winners.

Among the many success stories, quite a few won Group Ones and a whole lot more were successful at stakes level.

was trainer, Gerald Ryan who would instead buy an Encosta de Lago colt they named Rubick, who went on to win multiple Group races – one of those at two – and later be sold to stud for millions.

Yet only one of them was Winx. And, given we’re only ever likely to see one like her in our lifetimes, it’s a good one to hang your hat on.

Mulcaster is the first to admit that when it comes to buying yearlings, we can all admire the chassis, but none of us can lift the bonnet. That said, Mulcaster has a mighty successful ‘eye’.

But what made Lot 329 – the Street Cry filly from Vegas Showgirl – stand out from, say, the yearling in the ring immediately beforehand (sold to Hong Kong for $260,000) or the colt sold two lots after which was knocked down for $320,000?

Although it wasn’t a decisive factor, Mulcaster had seen Winx’s mum, Vegas Showgirl race to multiple stakes success at two in New Zealand, but had his first real good look at the Street Cry filly when visiting Coolmore before the sale.

Peter O’Brien, who was ground control for Coolmore Australia at the time, had an inkling that the filly might be something out of the box. Bred by his good mate, John Camilleri, O’Brien was there when the filly foaled and reckons she was up on her feet in 10 minutes. That really is “highly unusual” and we eagerly await the reconstruction in ‘Winx – the movie’.

“I inspect the vast majority of Gold Coast yearlings in the months leading into the sale and that’s whittled down to about 30% of the catalogue by the time you get to the actual sale,” Mulcaster explains. “After another round of inspections, the list moves down to some 70 or 80 yearlings and that’s when you then do your best to ‘value’ them, leaving you with a short list of around 25 to 30.

Fast forward the clock by 14 months and when the filly made it into the Gold Coast ring late on a Thursday afternoon, film records show that bidding kicked off at $40,000 before, all up, people raised the finger 19 times: the yearling eventually knocked down for $230,000.

“We ended up buying six at the sale.”

There were no cheers, no drum roll … after all, 60 other yearlings would sell for more money at the Gold Coast in 2013.

As for the number of actual underbidders? The true number is never likely to surface but suffice to say there are a lot more of them in January 2019 then there were in January 2013.

Rumour has it that one of the underbidders

94 / THE RIGHT GUY

The successful bidder though was Magic Bloodstock which had commissioned leading bloodstock agent, Guy Mulcaster, to buy them a filly “around the $200,000 mark”.

(Aside from Winx, another among the six was Amicus, who won a Group One Thousand Guineas over $800,000 and is part-owned by Winx’s part-owner, Debbie Kepitis. You might have seen her before … smallish woman. Glasses. Wears purple. Cheers a lot. Also known as the face of all that is fun about Australian racing).

Mulcaster gives us all hope though by suggesting there was no sudden epiphany about Winx. Nothing magical.

Well, not at yearling stage.

“She got through,” Mulcaster says simply.

“She had a lot about her that was right, but there was nothing that amazing.”

Nothing clearly that said buy me and I’ll win four Cox Plates!

Mulcaster works in closely with good friend and

fellow Kiwi, Chris Waller, whom we now like to claim as our own … along with Phar Lap, Russell Crowe – the Gladiator version – and Keith Urban.

So, with his insider knowledge, when did Mulcaster first realise that Winx was going to be well, um, Winx?

“She just kept improving every step of the way,” Mulcaster adds. “She was acceptable at two (winning two from two), showed a lot of good signs at three (winning the Furious and Phar Lap at Group Two level, along with seconds in the Flight and ATC Oaks), but then she went up to Queensland and, the rest as they say, is history.”

History alright! The ‘streak’ began on 16 May 2015 when she ran in the Group Three Sunshine Coast Guineas and was ridden by veteran jockey, Larry Cassidy.

Driving home that night, Cassidy rang his wife, telling her he had just piloted an equine Ferrari, adding “she might be the best horse I’ve ever ridden”. It’s probably worth noting that Cassidy had previously piloted a pretty good horse by the name of Sunline.

An inauspicious start perhaps as the Sunshine Coast Guineas generated little publicity, but Winx has practically been a headline maker ever since.

The Queensland Oaks would follow – the first of 22 Group One victories (yes, a world record) – and so would three Chipping Nortons, three George Mains, three George Ryders (what is it with George?), two Queen Elizabeths, two Turnbulls, a Doncaster, an Epsom, a Winx!, a Caulfield Stakes and, of course, four Cox Plates.

By the time of that fourth Cox Plate she had remained undefeated for almost 1300 days, had beaten 69 individual Group One winners and won $22,934,920 … the highest stakes tally in Australian history and the second greatest haul in world history.

Above: Bowman and Waller Right: Winx as a yearling Below: Winx Legendary Left: Guy Mulcaster

Speaking of the ‘world’, Winx was adjudged the best racehorse on the planet throughout 2018.

But statistics can be so clinical … they write the history to be sure, but are only really half the story. The other half?

Maybe it’s her sheer tenacity … particularly when, as it has on occasion, all appeared lost. Maybe it’s the ever cool and calm hoop, Hugh Bowman, who forms the now traditional ‘o’ with forefinger and thumb, or his wife Christine’s ‘I can see your tonsils’ joy as Winx crosses the line.

Maybe it’s Debbie K, who Normie Rowe surely had in mind when he sang Shakin’ All Over.

Maybe it’s Chris Waller who tears up every.single.time. Hey, get with the program guys – it’s OK for men to cry. Some of us cry because we don’t train Winx!

Maybe it’s the quiet dignity of her strapper Umut Odemislioglu who has taught her Turkish, just as surely as she has taught him Horse.

Or maybe it’s simply the kid perched on his dad’s shoulders, resplendent in Winx silks and waving a Winx flag? Maybe he’ll live to a 100 and never see her like again.

It does appear inconceivable that her four Cox Plates will ever be matched, but really, does it matter? Is she as good as Phar Lap. Kingston Town. Black Caviar? Who cares?

For after all, she is racing’s very essence. Its pulse.

Six years ago she was one of over 700 youngsters who went through the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale ring and now she’s the best racehorse in the world. Long may she reign.

2019 / 95

Did you just purchase your future champion?

Do you need transport to either; NSW, VIC or SA? Goldners can help, simply follow these steps: Step 1: Step 2:

Step 3: Step 4:

After your purchase, make your way to the Magic Millions office.

Advise the Magic Millions staff that you would like to allocate your ‘pass out’ to Goldners Horse Transport.

Come to our staff table at the sales and confirm the pass out with our staff member.

Go grab a drink and celebrate, Goldners Horse Transport will look after the rest….

It’s that easy…..and we’ve been doing it for over 75 years!!

Office 1300 655 090 Mobile / Jason 0427 220 296 Email: movements@goldners.com.au

BOAR DROOM

BEDROOM

THE NEW SINGAPOR E AIR LINES BUSINESS CL ASS EXPER IENCE THE DIFFER ENCE Space to work in new levels of privacy, with the divider up

Space to share in a forward-facing double bed, with the divider down

A380.singaporeair.com

Space for more with in-seat stowage for your cabin lug gage

330x245 13/03/18

NEW PRODUCT ALERT Low StarchGrower and Low Starch Broodmare

Combining the benefits of low starch and low NSC diets, these extruded feeds have the added advantage of Horsepower’s proven mineral and trace element premixes

180 0 681 117 Email: lowstarch@horsepower.com.au

www.horsepower.com.au GREG MURPHY

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER

0416 237 665

TONY NUTLEY QUEENSLAND

STEPHEN LAMB NSW

IAN SHAW

VICTORIA & TASMANIA

0412 559 590 0402 118 558 0428 622 043

BOBS (NSW)

BOBS_Bluebloods_FP AD.indd 1

VOBIS (VIC)

SABOIS (SA)

QTIS (QLD)

TROBIS (TAS)

7/11/18 11:14 am

$250,000 PACIFIC FAIR MAGIC MILLIONS MAIDEN PLATE (1200m)

PROBLEM SOLVER (54kg)

Hinchinbrook–Sweet Revenge 2nd Shesees Everything, 3rd Zoology Trainer: Gerald Ryan; Jockey: Robbie Fradd Margins: 0.2 length x 0.5 length Time: 1:08.87 (L600m 34.80) $160,000 Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Yarraman Park Stud Buyer: Gerald Ryan

$250,000 LEXUS MAGIC MILLIONS COUNTRY CUP (1200m)

ZAFINA (54kg)

Stratum–Zefta 2nd Suggan Buggan, 3rd He’s a Moral Margins: 0.2 length x 0.75 length Time: 1:09.40 (L600m: 35.06) Trainer: Matthew Dale; Jockey: Jason Collett $65,000 Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Baramul Stud Buyer: Gary Portelli Racing

100 / RACEDAY WINNERS

$1,000,000 RACING QUEENSLAND MAGIC MILLIONS QTIS OPEN (1300m)

I’M A RIPPA (54kg)

Love Conquers All–Derippa 2nd Secret Trail, 3rd She’s Miss Devine Trainer: Tony Gollan; Jockey: Stephen Baster Margins: 0.4 length x 1 length Time: 1:15.18 (L600m: 35.07) $55,000 Gold Coast March Yearling Sale Vendor: Banchory Thoroughbreds Buyer: Tony Gollan

$1,000,000 SKY THOROUGHBRED CENTRAL MAGIC MILLIONS TROPHY (2200m)

TUMULTUOUS (54kg)

Fastnet Rock–Boisterous Lady 2nd Sedanzer, 3rd Outraged Trainer: Chris Waller; Jockey: Brenton Avdulla Margins: 0.1 length x 0.2 lengths Time: 2:13.98 (L600m: 36.14) $350,000 Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Willow Park Stud Buyer: Chris Waller Racing

2019 / 101

$1,000,000 IT’S LIVE! IN QLD MAGIC MILLIONS FILLIES & MARES RL (1300m)

INVINCIBELLA (55.5kg)

I Am Invincible–Abscond 2nd Eckstein, 3rd My Country Trainer: Chris Waller; Jockey: Robbie Fradd Margins: 0.1 length x 1.75 lengths Time: 1:15.07 (L600m: 34.53) $185,000 Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Sledmere Stud Buyer: Star Thoroughbreds

$1,000,000 WOODFORD RESERVE MAGIC MILLIONS CUP RL (1400m)

CARE TO THINK (54kg)

So You Think–Slippery Madam 2nd Arbeitsam, 3rd Snippets Land Trainer: Matthew Dunn; Jockey: Jeff Lloyd Margins: 1.25 lengths x 2.5 lengths Time: 1:20.72 (L600m: 34.70) $16,000 Gold Coast National Yearling Sale Vendor: Ambergate Farm Buyer: Neil Jenkinson

102 / RACEDAY WINNERS

$2,000,000 GOLD COAST MAGIC MILLIONS 3YO GUINEAS RL (1400m) PIERATA (57kg) Pierro–November Flight 2nd Goodfella, 3rd Calculated Trainer: Gregory Hickman; Jockey: Corey Brown Margins: 1.5 lengths x 1.25 length; Time: 1:21.02 (L600m 35.07) $160,000 Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Kitchwin Hills; Buyer: Greg Hickman Racing

2019 / 103

$2,000,000 MAGIC MILLIONS 2YO CLASSIC RL (1200m) (PLUS $500,000 RACING WOMEN’S BONUS) SUNLIGHT (55kg) Zoustar–Solar Charged 2nd Fullazaboot, 3rd Outback Barbie Trainer: Tony McEvoy; Jockey: Luke Currie Margins: 2.0 lengths x 0.3 length; Time: 1:09.17 (L600m: 35.52) $300,000 Gold Coast Yearling Sale Vendor: Widden Stud: Buyer: Aquis Farm, McEvoy Mitchell Racing & Blue Sky Bloodstock

104 / RACEDAY WINNERS

$1,000,000 HARROLDS MAGIC MILLIONS SNIPPETS (1200m)

VIDDORA (59kg)

I Am Invincible–Snow Flight 2nd Snitzkraft, 3rd Egyptian Symbol Margins: 2.25 lengths x 0.1 length Time: 1:08.69 (L600m: 33.84) Trainer: Lloyd Kennewell; Jockey: Joe Bowditch $40,000 Gold Coast Adelaide Yearling Sale Vendor: Riva Ridge Stud; Buyer: Kennewell Racing

2019 / 105

Festival of

MAGIC MILLIONS

BRITISH EVENTING

106 / FROM FIELD TO THE FARM

ALICE LUKEY-SMITH

In the heart of one of the most picturesque regions of England, the Cotswolds, lies Gatcombe Park, home to HRH The Princess Royal.

For the past 35 years in August, the middle of the British summer, Gatcombe Park has been host to the Festival of British Eventing.

2019 / 107

Chris Burton, Katie Page-Harvey, HRH The Princess Royal

Zara Phillips MBE, Captain Mark Phillips & Peter Phillips

In the heart of one of the most picturesque regions of England, the Cotswolds, lies Gatcombe Park, home to HRH The Princess Royal. For the past 35 years in August, the middle of the British summer, Gatcombe Park has been host to the Festival of British Eventing.

The Festival attracts competitors from all over the world and incorporates the British Open, Intermediate and Novice Championships, as well as the Amateur Championship, The Corinthian Cup and for the first time in 2018, the RoR/NTF Retrained Racehorse Event Championship.

As a sport, Eventing is often considered one of the toughest equestrian disciplines, with a single horse and rider combination competing across the three disciplines of dressage, cross country and show jumping.

You’re probably wondering how any of this has any relevance to the forthcoming Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale and I can’t blame you, however, for the first time in 2018 the Festival of British Eventing was sponsored by Magic Millions.

of the weekend had to be a tour of the cross country course, with Captain Mark Phillips talking us through how he designs and builds the course each year and Zara explaining just how challenging the course is to ride. A gold medal winning Olympian and multiple Badminton Horse Trials-winning Champion, Captain Phillips offered an insight into just how physically demanding the sport of Eventing is and how a horse and rider rise to such a challenge during the ‘six’ minutes it takes to complete his course.

“Gatcombe Park is the most beautiful setting and it was amazing to be shown the course

by Mark Phillips and his daughter Zara,” said fellow guest Johnny McKeever.

“He has spent many years perfecting a really demanding cross country course that has brilliant viewing for the public who can see close up the skill and bravery of the competitors. Zara related to us how frightening it is to ride it!”

When we received the invitation to be guests of Magic Millions at this event earlier in the year, I was intrigued that an Australian sales company was sponsoring a quintessential British sporting event but didn’t think too much further about it.

Guests were invited down on the Friday afternoon and I don’t think anyone quite expected what a truly fantastic weekend they were to be a part of.

After welcome drinks we were all taken to Aston Farm, the home of Mike and Zara Tindall, where we enjoyed their hospitality along with Captain Mark Phillips and Peter and Autumn Phillips.

The following morning we arrived early at Gatcombe Park. Undoubtedly one of the highlights

108 / MM FESTIVAL OF BRITISH EVENTING

Above: Clint Donovan, Johnny & Susie McKeever, John Ferguson, Lucinda Hall & Katie Page-Harvey Left: Stu Boman & Alice Lukey-Smith

ver, rvey

“Racing and Eventing are very different disciplines but essentially it’s all about that same fundamental.

There’s an understated relationship between both disciplines too.”

I must admit that until I went to the weekend I had thought it was different for an Australian-based auction house to be sponsoring a very British sporting event. However, in reality, the equestrian world is a small one, with Australian Christopher Burton winning the CIC3* while Mark Todd flew the flag for New Zealand.

2018 Magic Millions British Open CIC3 Winner, Chris Burton

Between the show jumping in the main arena were a number of competitions and displays including the Shetland Grand National.

Among the young jockeys were a number of familiar names with Ryan Moore’s son Toby and the daughter of Shadwell’s retained rider Jim Crowley competing in this very popular spectacle.

“There was a huge array of familiar faces from the racing industry in attendance as competitors and spectators,” said McKeever.

“At the end of the day all equine sports are the same - it’s about the amazing empathy between horse and human - their competitive spirit and their trust in each other.

Mike Tindall & Peter Phillips

“Racing and Eventing are very different disciplines but essentially it’s all about that

Aston Farm

2019 / 109

“It was such a fun weekend,” said fellow guest Hannah Wall. “It was really great to see Magic Millions throw their support behind the event and it was so well organised by Katie, Barry and their team.”

same fundamental. There’s an understated relationship between both disciplines too.”

The British weather stood up and complemented the weekend which sadly had to come to an end. I think every guest will have come away with an insight of what goes into producing such an event from the volunteers who stand at each jump to the Philipps family.

“It was such a fun weekend,” said fellow guest Hannah Wall. “It was really great to see Magic Millions throw their support behind the event and it was so well organised by Katie, Barry and their team.

Zara and Mike have such a strong and important relationship with Magics and it was fantastic to see that on show in this part of the world.”

I think it’s fair to say that I wasn’t the only person who questioned why an Australian-based thoroughbred auction company would sponsor an event that has no direct link to the business.

But on reflection, it does. The people attending and participating in the event share a common bond with the racing world - a love of the horse, from the groom right through to the owner.

A surprising number of people from the racing world follow other equestrian disciplines and it was fantastic to see former racehorses now competing at this level.

But now with the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale only a matter of weeks away, the focus turns to the Gold Coast.

“I don’t want to sound like a massive suck up, but in my 30 odd years in the bloodstock game Susie and I have never been so amazingly looked after by any sales house as Magics,” added McKeever.

“The whole ethos of a massive welcome by Katie and Gerry and their team is unsurpassed anywhere in the world. They're outstanding. It’s why everyone wants to travel to the Gold Coast after Christmas!”

I hope that they are rewarded with their sponsorship of a truly fantastic event.

110 / MM FESTIVAL OF BRITISH EVENTING

~4~

SOCIAL Scene

112 / SOCIAL STORY TITLE SCENE

2019 / 113

114 / SOCIAL SCENE 114 / STORY TITLE

2019 / 115

FASHIONS ON THE FIELD

116 / FASHIONS ON THE FIELD

Bleach* is the Gold Coast Festival, taking place annually across the City in April. The program is one of Australia’s leading and most exciting site-specific, contempo ary arts programs.

Quintessentially Gold Coast, Bleach* celebrates the city’s most dynamic and adventurous artists, welcomes renowned Australian and International collaborators and engages a broad audience through a range of events.

Utilising the Gold Coast’s world famous natural landscape as unconventional venues, Bleach* aims to deliver incredible arts and cultural experiences that challenge expectations, change perceptions and provide a unique and authentic sense of place, inspiring both locals and visitors alike.

118 / BLEACH MMGC 19_ Bleach .indd 118

22/11/18 2:18 pm

Bleach* Bleach* has attracted more than half a million people since its inaugural year in 2012.

The program features work across all genres including dance, theatre, contemporary music, opera, installations, circus and major public events.

The festival returns from 17 – 28 April 2019 with two signature events as part of the program.

To learn more about Bleach* The Gold Coast Festival and the 2019 program visit bleachfestival.com.au

IMAGE CREDIT: THE NINTH WAVE, BY THE FARM AT BLEACH* FESTIVAL 2018, SCOTT BELZNER FOR NIKON AUSTRALIA

MMGC 19_ Bleach .indd 119

2019 / 119

22/11/18 2:18 pm

Verdi’s Requiem Bleach* and Griffith University, in partnership with HOTA, Home of the Arts, present Verdi’s Requiem by Opera Queensland, featuring the Queensland Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra.

Verdi’s Requiem provides the perfect score for a powerful moment in time, taking the Requiem as a symbol of new beginnings for the City and the Festival.

Our centrepiece production, this music is an invitation to gather and look within ourselves as the music invites us to reflect and have hope. This outdoor large-scale concert featuring over 150 performers, includes the world-famous Dies Irae with soaring melodies, musical drama and sheer passion.

Visit bleachfestival.com.au for tickets | HOTA Outdoor Stage | Saturday 27 April 2019

120 / BLEACH MMGC 19_ Bleach .indd 120

22/11/18 2:18 pm

Limbo Unhinged

By Strut and Fret

Push open the door and open your mind to a place where time is elastic, and transcendence is an illusion.

LIMBO UNHINGED delves deeper into the exhilarating party that is the award winning, international sensation limbo; this production is a further exploration of this brazenly crazed and wildly hypnotic world with your favourite limbo characters alongside a host of new, internationally-renowned performers.

The international cast features Coney Island’s sword swallower and vintage beauty, Heather Holliday (USA), contortionist and acrobat, Aurelien Oudot (FRA), gravity-defying Chinese Pole and beatboxing master Mikael Bres (FRA), dancing sensation Hilton Denis (AUS) and introducing aerial sensation Marco Motta (BRA), hand to hand experts, Charlotte O’Sullivan (CAN) and Nicolas Jelmoni (MCO), alongside the acrobatic expertise of Rémi Martin Lenz (GER).

Continuing all the sexiness, sizzle and edge of your seat spectacle of limbo, this scintillating new show will take you to an even grittier place.

Visit bleachfestival.com.au for tickets Spiegeletent | Broadbeach | Wednesday 17th April – Sunday 12 May 2019

2019 / 121

MMGC 19_ Bleach .indd 121

22/11/18 2:18 pm

RECRUITING

TALENT

BUILDING ON

EXPERIENCE

LEADING TO

SUCCESS

Applications 2019 Wednesday, 2 January to Monday, 11 February, 2019

Contact: ckavanagh@godolphinflyingstart.com mlarkin@godolphinflyingstart.com www.godolphinflyingstart.com

Includes the Graduate Certificate in Management (Thoroughbred Industry)

The benefits of THE SPEED GENE TEST

FOALS Make more informed plans from an early age on whether to sell or keep foals

Identify best breeding prospects for stallions & mares with objective scientific support for mating decisions

BREEDING

Empower performance today with Plusvital’s cutting-edge genetic tests and scientifically-based supplements:

brad.mccarthy@plusvital.com +61 499 028 185 plusvital.com Our AUS/NZ representative will be available to provide further information at the at the Magic Millions sale venue from 8th to 16th January 2019.

YEARLINGS Improve average yearling sales prices and clearance rates by producing more desirable horse types

Determine optimum race distance for Horses In Training with over 90% accuracy

HORSES IN TRAINING

2019 MAJOR SALE DATES

Gold Coast Yearling Sale 9-15 January 2019 Perth Yearling Sale 18-19 February 2019 Tasmanian Yearling Sale 25 February 2019 Adelaide Yearling Sale 12-14 March 2019 Gold Coast March Yearling Sale 18-19 March 2019 National Weanling Sale 23-24 May 2019

National Broodmare Sale 28-31 May 2019 National Yearling Sale 4-6 June 2019 National Racehorse Sale 6 June 2019 Perth Winter Sale 23 June 2019 Gold Coast 2YOs In Training Sale 8-9 October 2019 All dates subject to change, correct at time of print

124 / MAJOR SALE DATES & SPONSORS

For further information please contact MAGIC MILLIONS GOLD COAST HEAD OFFICE PO BOX 5246, GCMC QLD 9726 (28 Ascot Court, Bundall QLD 4217) P: +61 7 5504 1200 E: info@magicmllions.com.au Or visit www.magicmillions.com.au

Unique Equine Inspired Designs

www.exclusivelyequine.com.au info@exclusivelyequine.com.au

AMARINA FARM

2019 vendor

Craig and Sue Anderson’s Amarina Farm at Denman has earned an enviable reputation as vendor of well reared, well educated yearlings. Craig Anderson is one of the industry’s leading horsemen, with a work ethic to match his firm handshake.

They say a man is judged by the company he keeps and on this score you need look no further than the list of buyers of Amarina yearlings in recent years. They include such industry luminaries as Shadwell Estates, George Moore, Gai Waterhouse, Woppitt Bloodstock, DGR Thoroughbreds, Segenhoe Stud, Michael Otto, Godolphin Australia, Alan Bell and Neville Begg, good judges all.

These are just a few of the many industry participants who realise you can buy a good horse from Craig Anderson’s Amarina Farm.

Lot 85 - Bay Filly. Nicconi-Ruth’s Secret. Half-sister to the current star Zumbelina (8 wins, $500K) from the legendary “Leica” family. By one of Australia’s most consistent sires of fast horses such as the flying Nature Strip.

Lot 168 Bay Colt. Redoute’s Choice-Spirits Dance. Gr.2 Angus Armansaco Stakes winner Spirits Dance (by Statue of Liberty)’s second foal is a colt by Redoute’s Choice. A winner of five races up to 1400m, Spirits Dance is out of a winning half-sister to stakes placed Blazing Aura, dam of group winner Red Flair, and Hong Kong Derby Trial winner Hello Pretty.

128 / STORY TITLE

by Renée Geelen

AMARINA’S OFFERING FOR THE 2019 MAGIC MILLIONS GOLD COAST YEARLING SALE IS AN EXCEPTIONAL ONE WITH YEARLINGS BY THE MAJOR COMMERCIAL SIRES AND SOME RISING STARS. Lot 176 - Bay or Brown Filly. More Than Ready (USA)-Star of Giselle. A close relative to group winner Nayeli, this More Than Ready filly is the second live foal for Gr.2 Queen of the South winner Star of Giselle. An incredibly tough racemare, Star of Giselle (by Reset) won nine races, including four stakes races, and is a halfsister to Gr.2 winner (of seven races) Solicit. Star of Giselle is out of a Listed winning Danehill mare, who is a three-quarter sister to Kaphero, out of Gr.1 winner Kapchat.

Lot 194 - Bay Filly. Written Tycoon-Superlative. The first foal of a half-sister to stakes winners Big Chill, Hard Stride, and Utah Saints. By one of Australia’s best sires whose fillies are as good as his colts and include Luna Rossa, Tycoon Tara and Booker.

Lot 209 - Bay Filly. Rubick-Taylor’s Command. The fourth foal of a winning half-sister to Gr.2 winner So Pristine, and stakes winner Restored, as well as to the dam of NZ Bloodstock Filly of the Year in 2017/18 Dijon Blue. Taylor’s Command has one foal to race, Terminology, who is knocking on the door of a win, being multiple times city placed in 2018/19, and ran fourth in the Listed Wyong Magic Millions 2YO Classic last season. This is the imported family of Gr.1 winner and champion sire Theatrical.

Lot 242 - Brown Filly. Dissident-Trinity River. First foal of a winning Lonhro mare, whose dam is dual Gr.2 winning two-year-old Willow Creek. This is the family of Gr.1 winner River Dove, and her young group winning sire son Headwater.

Lot 326 - Chestnut Filly. More Than Ready (USA)-Aeronwy (IRE). A half-sister to Hong Kong winner Villa Fionn, this filly is out of an imported winning mare, who descends from the famous Fanfreluche family of Holy Roman Emperor, Encosta de Lago, Flying Spur, and I Am A Star. Aeronwy is a half-sister to stakes winner Soldera, dam of group winner Exhi.

Lot 371 - Bay Filly. Zoustar-Atotori. A full sister to recent winner Zoutori (fourth in the Listed MRC Gothic Stakes), this filly’s unraced dam is a half-sister to Gr.3 winner Castlethorpe. Atotori’s dam is a daughter of champion racemare Park Express (dam of five time Gr.1 winner New Approach, Gr. 3 winner Dazzling Park, and Listed winner Shinko Forest).

Lot 397 - Brown Filly. Snitzel-Belle de Couer. First foal of a city winning, group placed Show a Heart mare. This is the family of Karaka Million winner (and second in the Gr.1 Diamond Stakes) Fort Lincoln, Champion 2YO in NZ, Flying Babe, and Gr.2 winner Belle Femme.

Lot 464 - Brown or Black Colt. Brazen Beau-Classy Chloe. Third foal of Listed Durbridge Stakes winner Classy Chloe, who won seven races. Classy Chloe is a sister to nine race winner and group placed Classy Jack, from the family of Gr.2 winner Hey Pronto.

Lot 484 - Chestnut Filly. Written Tycoon-Crystal Ruby. Second foal of a winning full sister to Gr.1 Golden Slipper winner Crystal Lily, and a half-sister to stakes winners, Amaethon, Crystal Web, Crystal Wit (dam of Crystal Dreamer).

Lot 490 - Bay Colt. Medaglia d’Oro (USA)-Curtana. Curtana is a stakes winning full sister to triple Gr.1 winner Flamberge, and a half-sister to group winner Sunburnt Land, and Durendal, as well as stakes placed Joyeuse (dam of Gr.2 winner Sword of Light). Curtana ran second in the Gr.1 Coolmore Stud Stakes, and her first two foals are both winners.

Lot 548 - Bay Filly. Hinchinbrook-Elwaaryaa (GB). Second foal of winning mare who is a half-sister to Gr.2 winner Baqah (dam of Gr.1 winner Almanaar).

By one of Australia’s most consistent sires of stakes winners.

Lot 567 - Chestnut Filly. Kermadec (NZ)-Fantome Gris. Second foal of winning Sebring mare who is a daughter of Listed winner Paris Return. By outstanding Golden Slipper winner and leading sire who is having a banner season with stakes winners including Gr.1 winner Amphitrite.

Lot 610 - Bay Filly. Sebring-Gallica. Dual Gr.1 winner Gallica (by Redoute’s Choice) has begun her breeding career well with two winners from her first two live foals. Winner of the Thousand Guineas and South Australian Oaks, Gallica is out of a half-sister to stakes winners Masterful, Corviglia, and River Rhythm.

Lot 625 - Bay Colt. Zoustar-Golden Phoenix (USA). Second foal of stakes placed American mare, whose dam is a half-sister to stakes winner Miss Matched, and Becky In Pink. By young sire sensation Zoustar who recently supplied the incredible trifecta in Gr.1 Coolmore Stud S-1200m.

Lot 631 - Chestnut Filly. Exceed and Excel-Grand Strategy. This yearling filly is a half-sister to Gr.1 Galaxy Handicap winner Griante, and her unraced dam is a half-sister to Gr.1 WA Derby winner Grand Journey, and stakes winner Proliferate.

All of Grand Strategy’s foals to race have been winners.

Lot 700 - Bay Colt. Headwater-Johanski. Stakes placed Johanski is a city winner who is a half-sister to the dams of stakes winners Tudor, and Moshki. From the first crop of one of Australia’s most exciting young sire prospects. l

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

85

B.

F

Nicconi (AUS)

Ruth’s Secret (AUS)

168 B.

C

Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Spirits Dance (AUS)

176 B./Br. F

More Than Ready (USA)

Star of Giselle (AUS)

194 B.

F

Written Tycoon (AUS)

Superlative (AUS)

209 B.

F

Rubick (AUS)

Taylor’s Command (AUS)

242 Br.

F

Dissident (AUS)

Trinity River (AUS)

326 Ch.

F

More Than Ready (USA)

Aeronwy (IRE)

371 B.

F

Zoustar (AUS)

Atotori (AUS)

397 Br.

F

Snitzel (AUS)

Belle de Coeur (AUS)

464 Br./Blk. C

Brazen Beau (AUS)

Classy Chloe (AUS)

484 Ch.

F

Written Tycoon (AUS)

Crystal Ruby (AUS)

490 B.

C

Medaglia d’Oro (USA)

Curtana (AUS)

548 B.

F

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Elwaaryaa (GB)

567 Ch.

F

Kermadec (NZ)

Fantome Gris (AUS)

610 B.

F

Sebring (AUS)

Gallica (AUS) (As Agent)

625 B.

C

Zoustar (AUS)

Golden Phoenix (USA)

631 Ch.

F

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Grand Strategy (AUS)

700 B.

C

Headwater (AUS)

Johanski (AUS)

www.amarinafarm.com.au Craig Anderson: 0419 464 899 Denman, NSW

2019 / 129

AQUIS FARM

2019 vendor

Having cut his teeth at Darley before moving to Newgate Farm, Bott brings plenty of experience to Aquis. We spoke with him about moving to Murrurundi and his expectations for the upcoming Magic Millions January Sale.

by Glen Latham

What was the driving force behind moving to the Aquis team?

I think it’s fair to say that Aquis is making an impact within the industry and I’m excited to be part of our bright future as Bloodstock Manager. I’m delighted with the timing of the move as it dovetails into promoting our quality Magic Millions draft and to see the first yearling crop of our exciting sire Spill The Beans go to market.

You joined just in time to be part of a highly successful Melbourne Spring Carnival.

That must have been exciting?

Victoria Derby day was pretty special with four Gr.1 performers. We have an interest in Sunlight so to watch her defy the colts in the Coolmore Stakes was tremendous with Lean Mean Machine, an exciting stallion prospect we have an interest in, a close third. In the next race Fundmentalist did us proud finishing hard for third in the Empire Rose Stakes. Then Extra Brut’s Gr.1 Victoria Derby win was especially exciting given we bought into him leading up to the Classic and we got an extra kick knowing he was by our own stallion Domesday. Extra Brut has since proven his class at weight for age, finishing on for a narrow third in the MacKinnon Stakes all but running down an Irish Derby winner!

“He just has every attribute to be a success at stud...”

Aaron Bott - Bloodstock Manager describing Spill The Beans.

SPILL THE BEANS (Snitzel-Miss Dodwell by Falbrav)

130 / STORY TITLE

brav)

AQUIS FARM - CANUNGRA, QLD

NO STUD HAS MADE GREATER STRIDES IN THE INDUSTRY OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS THAN AQUIS FARM AND AS A FURTHER SIGN OF THEIR COMMITMENT TO DEVELOPING BOTH THE FINEST BLOODSTOCK AND PEOPLE, THEY RECENTLY APPOINTED AARON BOTT AS BLOODSTOCK MANAGER. We also recently bought into Brave Smash, as exciting a sprinter as there is around with his Manikato Stakes win showing the world what he is capable of.

And what do you think buyers can expect from your 2019 draft?

What buyers can expect, and what our draft represents is OPPORTUNITY. This is only our fourth draft offered at Magic Millions with the first draft in 2016 of six yearlings certainly setting the standard. Five of them sold, all have raced, and all have won! They included a last start Stakes winner in Spring Choice, American Genius who was Group 2 placed on debut at two and the city winners Bel Sonic and Swaffham Bulbeck.

Aquis’ 2017 Magic Millions Yearling graduates include Hold The Line, who is unbeaten in her two starts to-date, the Aquis-bred Smart Elissim who won his only start at two by five lengths and is a winner and Group Three placed in the Up And Coming Stakes this season at three, and Hinchrider who broke his maiden at two by a sensational seven lengths.

We await the results of the 2018 graduates which are headed by a $700,000 I Am Invincible half brother to Sepoy. Now named Navy Cross he’ll race out of the Gai Waterhouse Adrian Bott yard.

What do you like best about selling at the Gold Coast?

Selling at the Gold Coast is the complete package. It’s the first sale to kick off the new year - everyone is happy, excited and eager to buy. You can’t beat the Aussie summer on the Gold Coast and I like being able to bring the family along.

When you’re not working how do you like to spend your time?

With my family. Wife Kirsten and two boys Archie and Alfie.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

To be a good listener. Someone once said its no coincidence we were born with twice as many ears as we have mouths. l

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex

Sire

57

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Regal Flute (AUS)

If I’m looking for something special in your draft where should I start?

100 B./Br. C

Artie Schiller (USA)

Schiaparelli (AUS)

This year’s draft of 21 yearlings will again offer huge opportunities for prospective buyers. I believe our draft is headed by the Exceed And Excel colt out of Star Shiraz who is a very strong, precocious type and has the two-year-old pedigree to back it up. He is speed on speed and I believe he is the best mating of the mare so far.

103 Ch.

C

Star Witness (AUS)

Seamstress (AUS)

166 B.

F

No Nay Never (USA)

Speedwagon (AUS)

177 B.

C

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Star Shiraz (AUS)

222 Ch.

F

Choisir (AUS)

Thebe (AUS)

We have an exciting colt by the young Lonhro stallion Exosphere out of Arwen Ace from the family of recent Run To The Rose Gr.2 winner Lean Mean Machine. This mating is also very similar to that of Group 1 winner Pinot who is also by another son of Lonhro in Pierro and is also inbred to the mighty Zabeel.

264 B./Br. C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Varenna Miss (AUS)

281 B.

C

Rubick (AUS)

Watchful Eyes (IRE)

369 B.

C

Exosphere (AUS)

Arwen Ace (NZ)

459 B.

C

Smart Missile (AUS)

Cianara (AUS)

Another yearling that will be getting the people’s attention and will be high on their shopping list is the Press Statement filly out of Incredulous who is only the second foal with the first foal being Global Exchange who is already a winner and city placed from only three starts. She comes from the family of multiple Group 1 placed So Si Bon.

540 Br.

C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Eimhis (AUS)

622 B.

C

Smart Missile (AUS)

Golden Edict (USA)

671 B.

C

Artie Schiller (USA)

I’m Mary Too (AUS)

679 Br./Gr. F

Press Statement (AUS)

Incredulous (AUS)

692 B.

F

Written Tycoon (AUS)

It’s All for You (GER)

775 B.

F

Pride of Dubai (AUS)

Magical Mist (NZ)

875 B./Br. C

Street Boss (USA)

Omniscient (AUS)

897 B.

Toronado (IRE)

Al Nova (AUS)

926 B./Br. F

Smart Missile (AUS)

But Perfect (AUS)

1033 B.

C

Wandjina (AUS)

Mina (AUS)

1103 Br.

C

Spill the Beans (AUS)

Tiptoe (AUS)

Also, with the impressive start No Nay Never has made in Europe it will be hard to go past the filly out of Speedwagon, a multiple winner by Snitzel and a full sister to Schiffer who was third in a Magic Millions 2YO Classic.

You mentioned Spill The Beans earlier, what excites you about him?

He just has every attribute to be a success at stud. Beautifully put together he’s strong, but exquisitely proportioned and he delivered on the track. Unbeaten at two, he progressed to beat the older sprinters at three at Gr.2 level. He’s passed on his physique and temperament and we were delighted but not surprised at how the market liked his first crop as foals.

He’s also got the pedigree to back it up. The family keeps producing Stakes horses going back to the Golden Slipper winner Bounding Away up to as recently as MacKinnon Stakes day when Kenedna, Spill The Beans’ three-quarter sister, won the Gr.2 Matriarch Stakes.

Br.

C

Dam

C

www.aquisfarm.com Aaron Bott: 0409 550 112 aaronbott@aquisfarm.com

2019 / 131

BOLD DECISIONS MAKE BIG IMPACTS

132 / STORY TITLE

ARROWFIELD STUD 2019 vendor

In 1998, well before the rest of the world realised what Japanese breeders were achieving, Arrowfield sent the first of 31 mares to Japan’s breed-shaper Sunday Silence. A year later John Messara purchased 50 per cent of Teeley Assets’ sensational home-bred colt Redoute’s Choice.

It’s fair to say that local responses were mixed. Surely Arrowfield didn’t need a third son of Danehill, after Danzero & Flying Spur? And Sunday Silence might be great in Japan, but what influence could he ever exert on international breeding & racing?

Time has confirmed the prescience of both decisions. Three-time Champion Sire Redoute’s Choice is ranked among the world’s very best stallions, and a dominant sire of sires and broodmares.

Arrowfield hasn’t missed yet with a sire son of Redoute’s Choice and launches his Group-winning rock star son Scissor Kick in the Magic Millions marketplace with four colts and three fillies.

Paul Messara

ESTIJAAB

2019 / 133

THE FIRST-CROP YEARLINGS BY ARROWFIELD’S YOUNG SIRES REAL IMPACT AND SCISSOR KICK ARE LONG-TERM RESULTS OF A COUPLE OF DARING INVESTMENTS THE STUD MADE TWO DECADES AGO. Arrowfield General Manager Paul Messara knows Scissor Kick particularly well, as he also trained him for double Group 3 success and a memorable Golden Rose G1 second. He picks out Lot 553, the Esprit Hi colt as very much in the mould of his sire.

“He’s a lovely colt, with plenty of size and scope, and attractively marked like dad.”

The Sunday Silence project delivered 7 million-dollar yearlings and Group 1 winner Sunday Joy, dam of champion More Joyous. Sunday Silence’s pre-eminent son Deep Impact now heads a universally respected 21st Century Japanese breeding industry.

More importantly, Arrowfield’s long-standing relationships with the Yoshida family and Katsumi Yoshida’s Northern Farm have opened up opportunities for Australian breeders that were not dreamed of 20 years ago.

Real Impact put himself up as the first son of Deep Impact to stand in Australia with a superlative ATC George Ryder S. G1 victory in 2015, on top of his history-making Yasuda Kinen G1 success as a three-year-old. He has seven colts and 7 fillies in Arrowfield’s Magic Millions consignment.

Paul highlights the Real Impact-Timeless Choice colt, Lot 231, as “a strong, athletic type, with a great hindquarter and strong through the shoulder.”

SCISSOR KICK

Arrowfield’s 2019 MMGC draft includes full siblings to Golden Slipper winner Estijaab, South African Champion 2YO Colt Mustaaqeem and Group 1-winning mare Secret Agenda.

MUSTAAQEEM

134 / STORY TITLE

Lot 443, Real Impact’s daughter out of Cat by the Tale is also powerfully made, “a compact filly that looks like an early type.”

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

4

B.

C

Dundeel (NZ)

Passiflora (USA)

20

B.

C

Snitzel (AUS)

Politeness (AUS)

37

B./Br. C

Smart Missile (AUS)

Pyrography (AUS)

49

B.

C

Written Tycoon (AUS)

Rationality (AUS)

62

B.

F

Scissor Kick (AUS)

Remerged (AUS)

63

Ch.

F

Snitzel (AUS)

Response (AUS)

64

B.

F

Real Impact (JPN)

Ribe (AUS)

Seven colts and a filly represent six-time Group 1 winner Dundeel whose first 17 winners include 2YO Group winner Irukandji and Group-placed 3YO Dealmaker.

87

B.

F

Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Sacred Witness (AUS)

89

B.

F

Dundeel (NZ)

Salutations (AUS)

Lot 535, the Dual Star colt is “a forward type of Dundeel, he’s an August foal with plenty of substance.”

171 B.

C

Real Impact (JPN)

Sport Chic (AUS)

195 B.

C

Scissor Kick (AUS)

Sussuro (AUS)

231 B.

C

Real Impact (JPN)

Timeless Choice (AUS)

265 B.

F

Olympic Glory (IRE)

Varsity Blues (AUS)

266 B.

C

Lord Kanaloa (JPN)

Vasilissa (JPN)

276 B.

C

Dundeel (NZ)

Vocalise (AUS)

282 B.

C

Nicconi (AUS)

Watchme (AUS)

295 B.

C

Olympic Glory (IRE)

Wingstack (AUS)

303 B.

F

Not A Single Doubt (AUS) Zarakiysha (IRE)

325 B.

F

Sebring (AUS)

Adviso (USA)

331 B.

F

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Albanilla (GB)

337 B.

F

Real Impact (JPN)

Aliyana Tilde (AUS)

339 B.

C

Olympic Glory (IRE)

Allariza (IRE)

352 Br.

F

Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Angel of Mercy (AUS)

361 B.

F

Real Impact (JPN)

Any Other Day (AUS)

372 Ch.

F

Olympic Glory (IRE)

Aurora’s Star (AUS)

386 B.

C

Dundeel (NZ)

Battle Queen (AUS)

429 Gr.

C

Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Butters (USA)

443 Ch.

F

Real Impact (JPN)

Cat by the Tale (USA)

447 B.

F

Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Champagne Run (USA)

533 Ch.

F

Olympic Glory (IRE)

Downtown Manhattan (AUS)

535 B.

C

Dundeel (NZ)

Dual Star (AUS)

553 B.

C

Scissor Kick (AUS)

Esprit Hi (AUS)

626 Ch.

F

Olympic Glory (IRE)

Good Weekend (AUS)

635 B.

C

Deep Impact (JPN)

Grito (AUS)

658 B.

F

Not A Single Doubt (AUS) Hollow Bullet (AUS)

677 B.

C

Dundeel (NZ)

In the Clear (AUS)

681 B.

C

Snitzel (AUS)

Indarra (NZ)

712 Ch.

C

Spill the Beans (AUS)

Khameela (AUS)

758 B.

F

Real Impact (JPN)

Love is Fickle (AUS)

765 Ch.

C

Not A Single Doubt (AUS) Madame Andree (AUS)

A busy parade schedule is guaranteed for the 18 yearlings by multiple champion sires Snitzel and Redoute’s Choice, and leading sire Not A Single Doubt, as well as colts

by Deep Impact and Japan’s Champion First Season Sire of 2017, Lord Kanaloa.

Paul reports that Lot 63, the Snitzel-Response filly, is put together much like her full sister Champion 2YO Estijaab, and Lot 853, the Not A Single Doubt-Negotiate filly is “a fast sprinting type, like her sister Group 1 winner Secret Agenda.”

Buyers won’t miss Lot 839, the Redoute’s Choice-Mount Zero filly either. “She’s outstanding, the kind of high quality filly that Redoute’s Choice is famous for.”

With 18 winners from his first-crop European two-year-olds on the board, including French stakeswinner Watch Me, champion sprinter-miler Olympic Glory has four colts and four fillies in Arrowfield’s draft.

Lot 295, the colt out of Wingstack will appeal to buyers as “a racy and athletic Magic Millions type.”

Which particular yearling in recent years gave you the most pleasant surprise with the sale price and what did you put it down to afterwards?

Last year’s Lord Kanaloa-Adempiamo filly, bought for $800,000 by Paul Perry, was a big surprise to me at the time, because she’s by a young Japanese stallion that hasn’t shuttled to Australia. It’s a good indication of buyers’ respect for Japan’s racing and breeding, and the international quality of horses like Lord Kanaloa and Real Impact.

What are the main factors you take into account when planning matings?

Firstly, the physical qualities of each mare and stallion, then the type of horse the mare has thrown in the past and the pedigree match most likely to produce the best racing prospect. Only after that do we consider the likely commercial value of each mating.

Breeding a superior racehorse is always our number one goal.

Who is the biggest influence in your life?

My father.

What can buyers expect from your 2019 MMGC draft?

The best results of a sustained effort by every member of our team over the past three years to plan the right matings, provide the best possible care and handling for our mares and foals, rear our young horses to be racehorses and then offer them in the Magic Millions ring where we’ve sold Group 1 winners such as Sweet Idea, Secret Agenda, Invader, Sunday Joy, Fashions Afield & Nothin’ Leica Dane. l

SECRET AGENDA

778 B./Br. C

Scissor Kick (AUS)

Mai Gluck (GB)

780 B.

F

Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Malala (JPN)

785 B.

F

Not A Single Doubt (AUS) Mandistana (FR)

817 Ch.

C

Snitzel (AUS)

Miss Match (ARG)

829 Gr.

C

Real Impact (JPN)

Moonlight Hussey (AUS)

839 B.

F

Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Mount Zero (AUS)

850 B./Br. C

Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

National Colour (SAF)

853 B.

F

Not A Single Doubt (AUS) Negotiate (AUS)

863 Ch.

F

Snitzel (AUS)

Nocturnelle (AUS)

865 B.

C

Olympic Glory (IRE)

North Flower (AUS)

872 B.

F

Not A Single Doubt (AUS) Ofcourseican (AUS)

879 B.

C

Dundeel (NZ)

Opportunity (NZ)

892 B.

C

Wandjina (AUS)

Zippity Lass (AUS)

898 B.

F

Real Impact (JPN)

Al Samoud (AUS)

899 B.

C

Olympic Glory (IRE)

Alexandra Rose (SAF)

900 B.

F

Real Impact (JPN)

Alexandrova (AUS)

940 B.

F

Scissor Kick (AUS)

Class Success (AUS)

957 B.

C

Dundeel (NZ)

Elegant Attire (AUS)

965 B.

C

Panzer Division (AUS)

Fernande (AUS)

973 B.

C

Real Impact (JPN)

Flowerchild (AUS)

975 B./Br. C

Real Impact (JPN)

Forest City Girl (USA)

978 B.

C

Panzer Division (AUS)

Frenchs Forest (AUS)

985 B.

C

Real Impact (JPN)

Gold Mission (AUS)

1015 Ch.

C

Real Impact (JPN)

Kirovskaya (AUS)

1054 B.

F

Scissor Kick (AUS)

Phaedra (AUS)

1083 B.

C

Scissor Kick (AUS)

Serenade Lily (NZ)

www.arrowfield.com.au Paul Messara: 0438 248 258 Jon Freyer: 0408 583 888 Sally Gordon: 0421 080 021 Scone, NSW

2019 / 135

ASHLEIGH THOROUGHBREDS 2019 vendor Previously selling under the combined Southern Cross banner, Ashleigh Thoroughbreds have a solid record with their own farm producing Gr.1 graduates such as Coolmore Classic winner Danni Martine, VRC Oaks winner Bulla Borghese (dam of Bound for Earth), and One Thousand Guineas winner All Time High (dam of Zydeco).

Recent sales include Listed placed two year-old Wedgetail who ran third in the 2018 MRC Debutant Stakes, Listed, on debut. Ashleigh Thoroughbreds also sold stakes horses Quick Feet (the most expensive yearling filly by Northern Meteor, and a city winner who was multiple Gr.2 placed), and this season’s three year-old The Tenor (third in the 2018 Listed Brian Crowley Stakes).

136 / STORY TITLE

by RenĂŠe Geelen

ASHLEIGH THOROUGHBREDS, THE HUNTER VALLEY PROPERTY OF IVAN WOODFORDSMITH AND SENGA BISSETT, WILL BRING A DRAFT OF NINE YEARLINGS TO THE 2019 MAGIC MILLIONS GOLD COAST SALE. Ashleigh’s two fillies by Champion Two Year-Old sire More Than Ready are bound to attract attention. Twice leading sire of two year-olds in Australia, More Than Ready’s Gr.1 winners are evenly split between fillies and colts, with racemares such as More Joyous, Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner Rushing Fall, Samaready, Carry On Cutie, and Champion 2YO in South Africa Entisaar, all highlighting his ability to throw top two year-old fillies. The filly from winning mare Miss Venice is from the family of Gr.1 winner Atlantic Jewel and Commanding Jewel, while the filly from winning mare Kawanishi, is a daughter of Gr.2 winner Seika (also dam of Clothilde and Clown Master). Kawanishi’s first foal is already a dual winner.

Everyone wants an I Am Invincible, thanks to the deeds of Brazen Beau, Viddora, I Am A Star, Hellbent, Oohood, media sensation in New Zealand and Champion Two Year-Old in Singapore Super One, and Ashleigh Thoroughbreds has a colt out of Senta Helga, who is a winning full sister to Hong Kong Champion stayer Liberator.

Smart Missile’s colt is out of Dark Love, a winning half-sister to stakes winner Cohort, and stakes horses Dark Miss, and Red Amber. This is also the family of Gr.2 winner Churchill Dancer.

This season’s stakes placed three year-old The Tenor has a half-brother on offer in the Ashleigh draft, by proven sire Foxwedge. Both this yearling colt, and The Tenor, are out of winning General Nediym mare Bay Trixie, who is a half-sister to the dam of recent stakes winner From Within. Gr.1 winner Foxwedge has ten stakeswinners under his belt, including Gr.1 winners Foxplay, Volpe Veloce, and Urban Fox. A filly by first season sire Super One out of winning Flying Spur mare Flying First Class is an interesting proposition for buyers, as this is a tough New Zealand family that includes Gr.1 winners Brambles, Slight Chance, and many other stakes winners.

Super One (by I Am Invincible) was rated Champion Two Year-Old in Singapore in 2015 and won all four of his starts at that age including the Listed Aushorse Golden Horseshoe.

Full-brothers, Shooting To Win and Deep Field, both have first season two year-olds in 2018/19, and Ashleigh Thoroughbreds has a yearling by each of them in their Magic Millions Gold Coast draft. Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas winner Shooting To Win has already clocked up an early two year-old winner with Intrepidacious winning in the city. Ashleigh’s colt by Shooting To Win is from Killcare Beach, who is a full sister to Gr.3 winner Publishing, and a half-sister to stakes winner Miss Mooney Mooney. Killcare Beach is closely related to Better Than Ready, the current leading first season sire thanks to his two year-old winners The Odyssey and Betaima. This is the family of tough Gr.2 winning sprinter Illustrious Lad. Deep Field (by Northern Meteor) blitzed the fields in his two starts at three, then won a Gr.2 sprint at four as well as placing behind Champion Sprinter Lankan Rupee in the Gr.1 Lightning Stakes.

Ashleigh’s Deep Field filly is out of winning mare Love the Rock, who is a half-sister to the Gr.1 placed dam of group winner Rhythm to Spare.

Rounding out the draft is a colt by freshman sire Headwater from winning Lonhro mare Amarachi, who is from the family of Magic Albert. Headwater is superbly bred, being by Exceed and Excel from Gr.1 Oakleigh Plate winner River Dove.

A Gr.2 winner as a two year-old, Headwater’s yearling should appeal to buyers looking for a precocious type.

Ivan and Senga are renowned in the industry for their all round horsemanship and attention to detail. Ashleigh Stud’s 2019 Magic Millions draft is one that all serious buyers will be inspecting with interest. l

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire

Dam

BOOK 1 113 B.

C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Senta Helga (AUS)

344 B.

C

Headwater (AUS)

Amarachi (AUS)

387 Ch.

C

Foxwedge (AUS)

Bay Trixie (AUS)

503 B.

C

Smart Missile (AUS)

Dark Love (AUS)

584 B.

F

Super One (AUS)

Flying First Class (AUS)

709 B./Br. F

More Than Ready (USA) Kawanishi (AUS)

715 Ch.

C

Shooting to Win (AUS)

Killcare Beach (AUS)

760 Ch.

F

Deep Field (AUS)

Love the Rock (NZ)

822 Ch.

F

More Than Ready (USA) Miss Venice (AUS)

www.ashleighthoroughbreds.com.au Cressfield Rd, Scone NSW 2337 sengaB@bigpond.com Phone: 0410 588 200

2019 / 137

ATTUNGA STUD

2019 vendor

Brian is still searching for the right farm to replace Attunga, and told Bluebloods that he is yet to find anything quite suitable. Having the right piece of land is part of the reason Attunga has a long list of top quality graduates. Already, Attunga’s 2018 Gold Coast draft has a stakes graduate with two-year-old Sun City (by Zoustar) who ran second on debut in the VRC Maribyrnong Trial Stakes (Listed). Other Magic Millions graduates for Attunga in the past couple of seasons include Gr.2 winner Son of Maher, Gr.3 winner Ellicazoom, Listed winners Rubira, Qafila, Champ Elect, and stakes placed Princess Pierro.

by RenĂŠe Geelen

ELLICAZOOM Attunga graduate Ellicazoom, the recent Spring Carnival Cockram S Gr3 winner of almost $500K has been a fine advertisement for the farm.

138 / STORY TITLE

TARGET IN SIGHT Target In Sight winning the $1m Magic Millions Sprint in 2017. His half-sister by prolific Gr1 sire Choisir in Attunga’s 2019 MMGC draft, is not to be missed.

HAVING SOLD THE ORIGINAL ATTUNGA PROPERTY TO YARRAMAN PARK, PROPRIETOR BRIAN NUTT IS CURRENTLY PREPARING HIS 2019 MAGIC MILLIONS GOLD COAST DRAFT FROM THE LINCOLN FARM PROPERTY. What can buyers expect from your 2019 MMGC draft?

The draft is a small one compared to previous years but consists of a quality offering, probably headed by the Written Tycoon filly from winning mare Pinova (Fastnet Rock). Pinova is a daughter of group winner Golden Delicious, making her a half-sister to Star Turn. Her first foal is a winner in Singapore, so she has begun her stud career in strong fashion.

Both Deep Field and Wandjina have already shown they are highly promising stallions and we have two by Deep Field and one by Wandjina. The Deep Field colt from Magical Belle is a half-brother to Listed winner Enchanted Dream, and stakes placed Mystic Maid; while the other the Deep Field colt is the second foal of stakes placed Freezethemillions. The Wandjina colt is out of Fantasy Lady, a winner who has left four winners of eight races.

Kermadec was a fantastic racehorse and his first yearlings should be highly sought after in 2019. The filly out of Previous (Commands) is a filly with great scope and like her sire, we will probably see the best from her as a late two year old and three year old. She is particularly athletic and moves well. This is the first foal for Previous, who is a daughter of stakes winner Yesterday, from the Donna Cara, Maizcay, Fitting, Catbird family.

Ever popular stallion, Choisir also has a nice filly represented. Out of city winning mare Xaaranthe, this filly is a half-sister to million dollar earner, and Gr.3 winner Target in Sight. Herself a half-sister to stakes winner Stringmaster, Xaaranthe is out of a Zabeel full sister to Gr.1 winner Our Unicorn.

Winning imported American mare Prevalent has a Hinchinbrook colt, her second foal, and Prevalent is a half-sister to French stakes winner Stern Opinion, and Dr Arbatach, the incredibly tough stakes winner of thirty races (yes, 30 – including five as a two year-old).

Which particular yearling in recent years gave you the most pleasant surprise with the sale price and what did you put it down to afterwards?

We had great satisfaction in selling a yearling by Not A Single Doubt from Scenes last year for $750,000. The filly was bred by the Atwell family from Darling View Thoroughbreds in WA, who have been great supporters of Attunga Stud over recent years. The same vendors are represented with the Magical Belle yearling in the current draft.

What are the main factors you take into account when planning matings?

Matings? The most difficult part of the process! The proven stallions are often out of reach of the smaller breeder, so we have to try and find the “stallion on the up”.

The physical match is important, and we also look for proven nicks, and duplications of dominant females in the pedigree. We do use some first season sires that have been highly rated on the track, that should also be commercial amongst buyers, not forgetting the physical match up in the first instance. Over mating is something to be avoided, but at the end of the day it is all a process that involves a fair bit of luck as well as good judgement.

What’s your hidden talent?

My hidden talents are a distant memory, however I do make a mean margarita.

If you could spend a day in someone else’s shoes, whose would they be and why?

I would like to spend a day in Winx’s shoes when winning her 4th Cox Plate and look at all those silly people going “Nutt”s.

What’s the first career you dreamed of having as a kid?

As a kid, I loved sport and to be a professional sportsman would have been amazing, but back then, the money wasn’t viable. l

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

15

Ch./F

Written Tycoon (AUS)

Pinova (AUS)

25

B./C

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Prevalent (USA)

26

Br. or Blk./F

Kermadec (NZ)

Previous (AUS)

298 Ch./F

Choisir (AUS)

Xaaranthe (AUS)

566 B. or Br./C

Wandjina (AUS)

Fantasy Lady (AUS)

601 Ch./C

Deep Field (AUS)

Freezethemillions (AUS)

774 B. or Br./C

Deep Field (AUS)

Magical Belle (AUS)

Brian Nutt: 0418 264 012 attungastud@bigpond.com Scone, NSW

2019 / 139

TRUST IN

BHIMA THOROUGHBREDS 2019 vendor The Magic Millions sale started the season well in 2018 when a colt, now named Rome, went through the ring as Lot 647 with the hammer dropping at $1,050,000. The sale also saw Bhima sell its highest priced filly of the season when a filly now named Ajaayeb was purchased

by Emirates Park for $875,000.

“It was a very successful sale, we took a strong draft that fits what buyers are looking for and we were rewarded,” said Mike Fleming.

“Magic Millions is a great sale for good sorts by first season sires and more precocious types.

That said, the sale record is pretty good with Oaks and Derby winners in recent times, and there is so much depth to the market you can get away with taking a bigger range of types than in the past. It’s early in the year though, so more forward, mature types will be better received.”

On the track in 2017/18, Bhima graduates were excelling. Super Too continued adding to her speedy performances, breaking 1000m records at Moonee Valley & Randwick. Tough sprinter Kaepernick finally earned a well-deserved Group victory in the Group 3 Southern Cross. Heavens Above, already a Group 1 winner, added a Group 1 placing to her record in the 2018 Queen of the Turf. While Sircconi put another Group win to his name when taking out the Group 3 Moonga Stakes this spring.

I Am A Star

Mike Fleming

140 / STORY TITLE

WE BELIEVE TRUST IN THE BHIMA BRAND IS IMPORTANT. THIS YEAR, WE WILL BE FOCUSING ON WAYS TO MAKE THE BUYING PROCESS MORE STRAIGHTFORWARD AND TRANSPARENT. However, the top Bhima graduate continues to be the aptly named I Am A Star, who took home the Group 2 Stocks Stakes in 2017 and 2018 in addition to her G1 Myer Stakes victory. She was forced to miss the second half of last season but has come back into elite form with three straight group wins including her second Group 2 Stocks Stakes, the Group 2 Let’s Elope Stakes and Listed Ladies Day Vase.

Yet, as enjoyable as it is to look back at previous successes, Bhima has its focus firmly on the future.

“Bhima is dedicated to growing our brand as an independent consignor and we already have a great track record of selling top racehorses,” said Fleming.

“This year, we will be focusing on ways to make the buying process more straightforward and transparent. We believe trust in the Bhima brand is important, and the way to grow trust is to continue selling top horses, produced by excellent breeders, through a sales process that values integrity above all else.”

“This filly has a great outlook on life, she has a very laid back attitude that most good horses have,” Fleming said.

“She is a mature, forward filly with great presence and great action from a proven international family. With the success lately of progeny out of U.S.-bred mares, it won’t be hard for people to look at her twice.”

With a proven track record of selling top racehorses and commitment to a transparent sales process, trust in the Bhima brand will hit a new score with buyers and breeders alike. l

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

34

B.

C

Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Purely Spectacular (NZ)

52

Br.

C

Sebring (AUS)

Rebound (AUS)

56

B.

C

Savabeel (AUS)

Refreshing (AUS)

59

B.

F

Scissor Kick (AUS)

Regally Blonde (AUS)

61

Br.

F

So You Think (NZ)

Rekindled Glory (AUS)

“The Purely Spectacular colt is bred by Jonathan Munz’s GSA Bloodstock,” said Fleming. “He has an excellent attitude and handles everything we throw at him.

He is a forward, good looking horse and looks the type that will be ready to go when the first 2-year-old races start next season.”

148 Ch. C

Snitzel (AUS)

Snow Spell (GB)

226 B.

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Thirty Rock (AUS)

243 Ch. F

Snitzel (AUS)

Tripled (AUS)

267 B.

F

Showcasing (GB)

Venus Bay (NZ)

Another offering is a colt that has already made headlines as a weanling sales topper.

283 Br.

C

Savabeel (AUS)

Wave Rider (AUS)

Purchased in partnership with Kia Ora, the Fastnet Rock colt out of Benalmadena was a $300,000 purchase at the Great Southern Sale, and has only improved with age.

314 B.

C

Exosphere (AUS)

Absolute Faith (AUS)

329 B. or Br./C

Scissor Kick (AUS)

Ailuros (NZ)

389 B.

F

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Be Inspired (AUS)

“This colt has enormous presence and carries himself well,” said Fleming. “By one of the best proven sires in Australia, he is a strong medium-sized son of Fastnet Rock with a great head.

400 B.

C

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Benalmadena (FR)

418 B.

C

Brazen Beau (AUS)

Breccia (NZ)

481 Br.

C

So You Think (NZ)

Crillon (NZ)

“When I first saw him as a weanling I thought he was a real throw back to Danehill.

He looks like he’ll be an early horse with natural strength and muscle.”

495 B.

F

Deep Field (AUS)

Dance Card (AUS)

506 Gr.

F

Scissor Kick (AUS)

De Groove (AUS)

Not to be outdone by the colts, Bhima also has what looks like an exciting group of fillies, with the Hinchinbrook filly from Be Inspired a standout.

541 B.

F

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

El Laoob (USA)

542 B.

F

Savabeel (AUS)

El Sagrado (GB)

Bred and owned by James Chapman’s Jamieson Park in New Zealand, Fleming has declared the filly will turn heads every time she leaves the stall.

549 Br.

F

Brazen Beau (AUS)

Emanday (AUS))

702 B.

C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Judged (AUS)

“She is a very forward mature filly, by a sire that sadly is no longer with us. She is a quality filly and has good size and strength. If her presence doesn’t catch your attention, watching her move should. She’s simply a good filly, very uncomplicated.

These are usually the ones that make good racehorses,” he said.

704 B.

F

All Too Hard (AUS)

Juliet’s Princess (USA)

With that in mind, Bhima is sending another top-notch group of yearlings to the Gold Coast in January.

One of those offerings is a Redoute’s Choice colt who lives up to his dam’s name – Purely Spectacular. Fleming thinks the colt will appeal to buyers looking for an early type.

The final early prep standout is the Fastnet Rock daughter of El Laoob. A stakes winner herself, the American-bred El Laoob is the dam of two stakes winners.

The mare has also been a hit in the sales ring already with her 2006 Group 3 winning daughter Pachattack selling for US$1.2 million.

Adding to this filly’s appeal is also that she comes from the proven Raffles Racing breeding program.

C

783 Br. or Blk./C Pierro (AUS)

Mama’s Choice (AUS)

874 B.

Omana (AUS)

F

Snitzel (AUS)

www.bhima.com.au • 02 6545 1000 Mike Fleming: 0448 254 365 mike@bhima.com.au Kate Fleming: 0409 311 794 kate@bhima.com.au Scone, NSW

2019 / 141

BOWNESS STUD 2019 vendor

Buyers heading to the 2019 Magic Millions at the Gold Coast can expected the usual high quality that Bowness Stud prides itself on with John North very happy with a “well presented draft of athletic yearlings from a stud which produces horses of the highest calibre every season.” Bowness has foaled, raised and consigned such recent notables as Magic Millions Guineas winner Torio’s Quest, Trapeze Artist, Youngstar, Chapada and I Like It Easy.”

by Kristen Manning

John was happy to discuss the well related draft with us...

Lot 44 - bay colt by Dissident from Rafaela’s Aim (by Bernardini): bred on a 6mx6f cross of the terrific mare Gay Missile, he is out of a half-sister to the stakes winner Monsili from a strong international family whose members include the US superstar Zenyatta.

“A lovely strong, athletic colt from a great family.”

Lot 151 - bay/brown colt by Pride of Dubai from Soiree Girl (by Rory’s Jester): dam’s six to race are all winners including the Group Two and two times Listed winner Alpha Miss.

Soiree Girl is a sister to the Listed winner Rory’s Classic (dam of speedy Listed winner All Classic) and half-sister to the Group Three galloper Party Boy. “A big strong athletic type with plenty of bone and natural muscle.”

142 / STORY TITLE

ALPHA MISS - Winning on the 10th October 2015 MRC Schillaci P. Gr2 Alpha Miss was one of the best fillies of her generation, her $500K plus prizemoney included Gr2 and listed wins and a Gr2 second to Winx in the Furion S. Her half brother by the crack first season sire Pride Of Dubai is in the Bowness 2019 MMGC draft.

BUYERS HEADING TO THE 2019 MAGIC MILLIONS AT THE GOLD COAST CAN EXPECTED THE USUAL HIGH QUALITY THAT BOWNESS STUD PRIDES ITSELF ON WITH JOHN NORTH VERY HAPPY WITH A “WELL PRESENTED DRAFT OF ATHLETIC YEARLINGS FROM A STUD WHICH PRODUCES HORSES OF THE HIGHEST CALIBRE EVERY SEASON.”

Lot 673 - chestnut filly by Sizzling from Idriess (by Anabaa): dam’s first three to race have all shown talent; the Hong Kong based sprinter Zero Hedge, the city placed Black Diamond Girl and the seven times winner No Luck Needed. Grandam is the fast Gr.3 mare Card Queen, dam of the Magic Millions heroine Karuta Queen, in turn dam of this year’s stakes winner Eawase. “A nice, forward running sort of filly from a proven Magic Millions family.”

North also took the time to answer a few of our racing and outside of racing questions...

Lot 680 - chestnut filly by More Than Ready from Indalama (by Commands): halfsister to the stakes placed Roeinda out of a winning daughter of the stakes placed Marscay mare Salimar from the family of big race winners Defier, La Baraka, Triscay and Alizee. “She is a big, strong, forward and very mature filly.”

Your biggest giveaway that proved to be a topliner later?

Lot 701 - bay colt by Pierro from Journey (by Jeune): son of a Belmont OaksListed, 2000m winning granddaughter of the WA Oaks-Gr.1, 2400m winner Hasty Departure, dam of Group Two galloper Royale Exit and ancestress of stakes winners Verossi, Lim’s Objective, Brorama Star and Zero Drama. “He was the first Pierro born that year and is built very much in the mould of his sire, a very attractive colt.”

“Deiheros was another; we got just $6500 for him, a home-bred son of Bon Hoffa who won the Adelaide Magic Millions and the Magic Millions Guineas at the Gold Coast, amassing just short of $800,000.”

Lot 1023 - bay/brown colt by Super One from Madam Lush (by Danehill Dancer): grandsire I Am Invincible and dam are both descendants of the acclaimed matriarch Chelandry and his dam is a multiple city winner who has already produced the metropolitan winners Written Eleison and El Sid. Immediate family of the Group One gallopers Imposera, Imprimatur and Wahid. “Looks to be an easy goer, correct in conformation with a great temperament.”

Lot 1026 - chestnut filly by Star Witness from Maid Of Lonhro (by Lonhro): out of a half-sister to the tough dual stakes winner River’s Lane (14 wins) from the family of Group Three winners Meryl and Cosmic Strike. “A strong, forward filly bred on the same Star Witness/Made Of Gold cross as Star Turn.”

Lot 1051 - bay colt by Sizzling from Pediment (by Lonhro): son of a placed halfsister to the prolific gallopers Balustrade (16 wins) and Mezzanine (ten wins) from the family of dual stakes winner Reshuffles. “A nicely put together athletic type.”

Lot 1055 - bay colt by Love Conquers All from Plain Magic (by Magic Albert): son of a durable stakes winner whose first to race is the recent winner Magic Fox. Boasting crosses of Showdown, Salieri, Speak John and Damascus, he hails from the family of Group One sprinter Notoire. “A very nice, attractive colt from a good running family.”

Lot 1058 - bay colt by Outreach from Porte Triage (by Redoute’s Choice): halfbrother to the three times winner Port Triano out of a winning 3/4 sister to the stakes winner Cassis from a prolific international family that has produced the Prix de l’Arc Triomphe-Gr.1, 2400m winners Carnegie and Detroit as well as the great Zabeel and this season’s Group One winner Viddora. “A nice, neat, running two year-old Magic Millions type.”

Lot 1107 - bay/brown colt by Star Witness from Turfsurfer (by Street Cry): dam’s three to race are all winners and she is a half-sister to the Listed winner My Halo Broke from the family of the durable stakes winner Morphy. “A big, strong, bold colt who is correct and precocious.”

If you had a personal Magic Millions highlight reel what would be on it?

“Bowness has been the birth place and consigner of such classy Magic Millions horses as Torio’s Quest (Queensland Guineas-Gr.2, 1600m and the Magic Millions Guineas, 1400m) and Think Bleue (Alexandra Stakes-Gr.3, 1600m).”

“Torio’s Quest was sold for only $15,000 at the Adelaide Magic Millions and went on to win five races and over $900,000. He was a nice yearling whose sire Oratorio just wasn’t the flavour of the month at the time.

What was your first job?

“A stockman in the northern rivers of NSW.” What’s your hidden talent?

“No hidden talents, what you see is what you get, a basic all-rounder!”

What’s the first career you dreamed of having as a kid?

“I wanted to be a stockbroker like my father or possibly a vet; my grades weren’t good enough to study to be a vet and my maths in the days before calculators wasn’t much good either!” l

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

44

Dissident (AUS)

Rafaela’s Aim (AUS)

151 B./Br. C

B.

C

Pride of Dubai (AUS)

Soiree Girl (AUS)

673 Ch.

F

Sizzling (AUS)

Idriess (AUS)

680 Ch.

F

More Than Ready (USA) Indalama (AUS)

701 B.

C

Pierro (AUS)

Journey (AUS)

1023 B./Br. C

Super One (AUS)

Madam Lush (AUS)

1026 Ch.

F

Star Witness (AUS)

Maid of Lonhro (AUS)

1051 B.

C

Sizzling (AUS)

Pediment (AUS)

1055 B.

C

Love Conquers All (AUS) Plain Magic (AUS)

1058 B.

C

Outreach (AUS)

Porte Triage (AUS)

Star Witness (AUS)

Turfsurfer (AUS)

1107 B./Br. C

www.bownessstud.com.au John North: 0428 846 270 john@bownessstud.com.au Murringo via Young, NSW

2019 / 143

COOLMORE STUD 2019 vendor

Bluebloods spoke to Stud Manager Jim Carey about the draft.

What can buyers expect from your 2019 MMGC draft?

The raising of top-class racehorses is of fundamental importance in the context of Coolmore Australia’s operations, and as always, buyers can expect an impeccably presented draft at the Magic Millions in 2019. Great horses start with good land and a dedicated team of staff and at Coolmore we are blessed with both. Attention to detail is of the utmost importance and our horse and agricultural teams work tirelessly to ensure that each horse is given every opportunity to realise its potential on the racetrack.

The people responsible for looking after the horses at Coolmore are passionate about nurturing high-class racehorses in their formative years and we have had an incredible run of success with graduates of the farm in recent years. Since 1996, there have been 56 G1-winning graduates of the farm at the time of writing, including the likes of Winx and Vancouver (who were offered in Coolmore’s 2013 and 2014 respective Magic Millions drafts), while there have been 7 G1 winning graduates from the farm in 2018 alone.

Winx and Vancouver aside, what are some of the other recent highlights for graduates of your farm?

The accomplishments of Coolmore graduates are a source of great pride for everyone on the farm. As I speak, there have been 246 individual Stakes winning graduates of Coolmore Australia since 1996. In 2015, 2016 and 2017 respectively, there were 25, 26 and 26 individual stakes winning graduates and we are heading towards achieving this sort of number again in 2018. This kind of consistency does not happen by accident and no stone is left unturned in the pursuit of developing elite racehorses. In terms of graduates of the farm, some of the G1 highlights of 2018 include Unforgotten, Comin’ Through, Oohood, Avantage and South African horse of the year Oh Susanna. What is even more exciting is that with the likes of Thinkin’ Big, Fundamentalist, Sikorsky and Anaheed coming through, the run of success for Coolmore graduates is showing no sign of slowing down.

Stud Manager - Jim Carey

144 / STORY TITLE

2019 draft

What are some specific yearlings in your draft that we should be keeping an eye on?

At this early stage of their preparation it is hard to pick out specific yearlings in the draft, however we are represented by a broad cross-section of leading proven sires and the best up-and-coming sire prospects. As always, Fastnet Rock is sure to be popular, given that he continues to be the most potent source of G1 winners in Australasia. He is a great sire and has enjoyed another stellar run through the deeds of Merchant Navy, Shoals, Unforgotten, Comin’ Through, Avantage and Catchy. We are also very excited by the progression of Pierro, and believe he could be a champion sire in waiting. He has already proven himself as an extraordinarily versatile sire with the likes of Pierata, Levendi, Pinot and Tulip all coming from his first crop. In terms of the new sires coming through, Rubick has had a great start with his first runners and we offer a number of very sharp looking colts in our draft. He certainly has the trainers talking and his progeny look like the natural two year-old runners, which the market so desires.

Your draft includes first crop yearlings by Vancouver and Pride Of Dubai, both of whom are young sires with great credentials. What is your opinion of their progeny?

Vancouver is one of only four colts in history to go through his G1 Golden Slipper winning two year-old campaign unbeaten. Golden Slipper winners have an unparalleled level of success at stud in Australia with 20 going on to sire G1 winners and Vancouver won it in very quick time despite being drawn barrier sixteen. His race record is matched by an outstanding pedigree, being the only son of world-class sire Medaglia d’Oro to win a G1 at less than 1400m and he possesses an enviable mix of international class and colonial speed. We are very excited by his progeny as they have inherited his immense quality and athleticism. They are sure to be hugely popular at the very sale in which he himself was offered, through the Coolmore draft. In the case of Pride Of Dubai, he is the most accomplished two-year-old by champion sire Street Cry, from a potent stallion producing pedigree. His elite race performance as a juvenile is coupled with a pedigree that includes two of Europe’s best two year-old sires, in Invincible Spirit and Kodiac. As such, it is very encouraging that the Pride Of Dubais have the look of natural two year-old runners. They are extremely mature horses that look very precocious and we expect them to be well sought after.

No Nay Never has had a very impressive start with his first crop two-year-olds in Europe.

How do you think he will be received by the Australian buyers with his first southern hemisphere crop?

No Nay Never has made an incredible start to his stud career with his first two-year-olds in the Northern Hemisphere, and is the sire of some of Europe’s most talented juvenile performers in 2018, including G1 Middle Park Stakes winner Ten Sovereigns. He is a very important sire for Coolmore and we hope he can fill the shoes of the late, great, Scat Daddy.

He has always been popular with Australian breeders due to his own powerful physique, which is something that he is throwing into his progeny. Typically, the No Nay Nevers are ready made two year-old types, which we have already witnessed with his first Northern Hemisphere crop. As very fast-looking individuals with great size, strength and scope, they look ideally suited to Australian conditions. l

Lot Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

2 B./Br. F 7 Br./C 31 B./C 55 Ch./F 69 B./C 88 B./C 93 Br./C 116 B./F 142 Gr./C 158 B./F 186 B./F 197 B./F 198 B./Gr. C 208 B./C 234 B./F 238 B./F 256 B./F 273 B./C 301 B./C 310 Br./C 333 B./F 358 B./C 367 B./C 379 B./C 402 Br./C 413 B./Br. C 421 B./C 430 B./C 440 B./C 455 B./C 458 B./C 476 B./Br. C 498 Ch./C 509 B./F 513 B./C 574 B./F 598 B./C 608 Ch./F 628 B./F 638 Ch./F 646 Ch./F 693 Ch./F 694 B./F 697 Ch./F 710 B./F 736 B./Br. C 744 B./F 749 B./F 802 B./F 824 B./Br. C 841 B./F 843 B./F 878 B./F 997 B./Br. F 1008 Br./F 1027 B./C 1111 Ch./F

Vancouver (AUS) Rubick (AUS) Vancouver (AUS) Sebring (AUS) Pierro (AUS) Pierro (AUS) Pride of Dubai (AUS) Vancouver (AUS) Tapit (USA) Pride of Dubai (AUS) Not a Single Doubt (AUS) I Am Invincible (AUS) Pierro (AUS) Fastnet Rock (AUS) No Nay Never (USA) Vancouver (AUS) Starspangledbanner (AUS) Sebring (AUS) Hinchinbrook (AUS) Valentia (AUS) No Nay Never (USA) Zoustar (AUS) No Nay Never (USA) Fastnet Rock (AUS) Vancouver (AUS) Vancouver (AUS) Rubick (AUS) Dissident (AUS) Zoustar (AUS) Vancouver (AUS) No Nay Never (USA) Pride of Dubai (AUS) Pride of Dubai (AUS) Fastnet Rock (AUS) Rubick (AUS) No Nay Never (USA) Fastnet Rock (AUS) Starspangledbanner (AUS) Vancouver (AUS) Written Tycoon (AUS) More Than Ready (USA) Pride of Dubai (AUS) Vancouver (AUS) Written Tycoon (AUS) Fastnet Rock (AUS) Pierro (AUS) No Nay Never (USA) Fastnet Rock (AUS) Medaglia d’Oro (USA) Lonhro (AUS) Pride of Dubai (AUS) Snitzel (AUS) Sizzling (AUS) Pride of Dubai (AUS) Pride of Dubai (AUS) No Nay Never (USA) All Too Hard (AUS)

Paris Who (AUS) Peahen (GB) Private (AUS) Redwood Dancer (USA) Rocha (AUS) Sailing By (AUS) Sarah Vee (AUS) Sevruga (AUS) Smokey’s Love (USA) Sorority Girl (NZ) Sucker Punch (AUS) Sweet Sanette (SAF) Swift Lady (NZ) Tavarnelle (AUS) Tipsy Moment (AUS) Took (USA) Unsaintly (AUS) Vintage Rock (AUS) Za Moulin Rouge (AUS) A Country Girl (AUS) Alborada (AUS) Annulment (AUS) Aqua d’Amore (AUS) Ballet Suite (AUS) Berrimilla (AUS) Born to Rock (AUS) Bring The Girl (AUS) Byatt (AUS) Canyonville (NZ) Chinamora (AUS) Chrisalice (GR) Count Your Fingers (AUS) Danehill Smile (AUS) Delta Girl (NZ) Derelique (AUS) Festival Princess (IRE) Freckle Face (AUS) Gabbidon (AUS) Graceful Anna (AUS) Gypsy Chimes (USA) Heavens Touch (AUS) Jamil (AUS) Jazz Song (AUS) Jestemma (AUS) Keep on Singing (USA) Larrocha (AUS) Like a Song (IRE) Livealifeoflove (USA) Miracles of Life (AUS) Mist (IRE) Mrs Kipling (IRE) Mumbai Rock (AUS) Opalize (AUS) Ibtisama (AUS) Jibina (AUS) Majesty (AUS) Victory Tycoon (AUS)

www.coolmore.com 02 6576 4200, Jerrys Plains, NSW • Michael Kirwan: 0411 171 069 michael@coolmore.com.au • Jim Carey: 0423 362 677 jcarey@coolmore.com.au • Colm Santry: 0412 344 566 colm@coolmore.com.au • Paddy Oman: 0408 456 964 paddy@coolmore.com.au • Tom Moore: 0432 050 940 tmoore@coolmore.com.au • Gordon Calder (NZ): +64 21 841 612 gordon@calderbloodstock.co.nz

2019 / 145

CORUMBENE STUD 2019 vendor In the Thoroughbred breeding industry the word longevity is rarely used positively unless accompanied by its counterpart, success. Such a truism can be said of George Altomonte’s Corumbene Stud at Dunedoo. With the 40th anniversary of the stud’s inception on the horizon, George and his team can look back with pride at the quality of horses to have come off the farm, and look forward with positive expectation that amongst the crops to follow will be many horses of the same ilk.

Most studs dream of breeding a Golden Slipper winner. Corumbene has bred two and raced another that was placed third, a remarkable achievement given the farm focusses on quality over quantity. Corumbene bred Sebring and sold him out of the Magic Millions Gold Coast ring back in 2007 and then won the Slipper in 2013 with their homebred filly Overreach. A Corumbene - Magic Millions purchase in Hasna had previously been placed in the Slipper before winning the AJC Sires’ Produce and the Champagne Stakes. Corumbene also bred and sold the Blue Diamond Stakes winner True Jewels while they bred and raced the Gr.1 The Metropolitan winner Heart Ruler.

146 / STORY TITLE

by Glen Latham

“IT’S WITH THAT “PEDIGREE OF SUCCESS” BEHIND THEM THAT THE CORUMBENE TEAM WILL AGAIN HEAD TO THE GOLD COAST WITH AN OUTSTANDING DRAFT.” Stud Manager Toby Frazer, having now been at Corumbene for nineteen years, thinks their 2019 Magic Millions draft is of comparable quality to any previously sent to market. “We’ve nine Book One lots, and fourteen overall and they are all types I’d like to take home myself.”

Pushed to offer his pick of the bunch he plumped for the Exceed And Excel colt out of the Gr.2 Light Fingers Stakes winner Bennetta as his favourite. “The mare was top class and you can see a lot of his sire in this colt. Also, his Snitzel half-brother was passed in last year so we’ve retained him to race. Now named Bottega he has done everything right so far and we have high hopes for him.”

Speaking of the draft lots by established sires Toby said “We’ve a pair of fillies

by More Than Ready that will be popular and are both typical of their sire. The filly out of the winning Flying Spur mare Wings Of Success is a lovely moving girl, very leggy while the one out of Icedginger is a half-sister to our Listed Fireball Stakes winner Samantha, from the family of True Jewels and also a very nice type.

We’ve another filly by Not A Single Doubt out of a Charge Forward mare in Avanzar.

The sire just keeps on delivering and everybody wants to get to Charge Forward as a broodmare sire after producing two Golden Slipper winners in a row in She Will Reign and Estijaab. Add to that this filly is a flashy chestnut with the blonde mane and tail of some of Not A Single Doubt’s good ones, like Miracles Of Life, MM winner Karuta Queen and Mighty Boss, and she looks a complete package.”

Corumbene have also supported a number of young stallions the fruits of which will be on display at Bundall led by a pair of yearlings from the second crop of Champion Miler Dissident. “We’ve a big opinion of Dissident as a stallion and I think he’s a certainty to be a success. His colt out of the High Chaparral mare Annalee is a lovely type from a family that produced the Stakes performers Miss With Attitude and Oui Si Attitude. His filly out of Mossarama comes with the pedigree to match her good looks being out of a half-sister to Staging, the dam of the Gr.1 winners Duporth and Excites and the Gr.2 winner Tickets.

The stud will also offer lots by other second season sires in Rubick and Brazen Beau.

“The Rubicks have proven to be early comers and I’d expect that to be the case for our pair. We have a filly in Book One out of Alessia, a Charge Forward half-sister to Bennetta, which we expect to be popular while the colt in Book Two is a nice type being out of Olive Com, a winner from the family of the great Northerly.

The Brazen Beau colt is not an overly big horse, very much in the mould of his sire, but from a family that produces winners, his dam Little Miss Bourke having won four times herself.”

With good reason Corumbene also strongly supported Outreach, the highly talented full brother to Overeach who carried the Altomonte silks just the once when second

to subsequent Golden Slipper winner Vancouver in the Listed Canonbury Stakes.

“He was just unlucky to break down in that first run otherwise we might be talking about him as the top of his crop and a hot prospect as a First-Season Sire. There’s no reason to doubt he won’t prove to be a success at stud; he showed in that lone run he was amongst the best of his year, he’s a full brother to a Champion and his close relation Reward For Effort has a handful of Stakes winners to his credit. As a stallion he has thrown lovely types, comparable with some of the better stallions on the market and we are delighted with all three fillies we will offer.”

The current drought has affected studs across the country but Toby feels Corumbene were able to mitigate its bite somewhat through growing their own crops. “It has been tough for everyone, but we’ve been able to grow our own good quality oats and lucerne and that has allowed us to weather, pardon the pun, the drought very successfully. In the long run it might prove advantageous for our offerings.” l

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

294 Br.

F

More Than Ready (USA) Wings of Success (AUS)

335 B.

F

Rubick (AUS)

Alessia (AUS)

356 Br.

C

Dissident (AUS)

Annalee (AUS)

373 Ch. F

Not a Single Doubt (AUS) Avanzar (AUS)

401 Br.

C

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Bennetta (AUS)

505 Br.

F

So You Think (NZ)

Daytime (AUS)

672 B./Br. F

More Than Ready (USA) Icedginger (AUS)

747 Br.

Brazen Beau (AUS)

Little Miss Bourke (AUS)

837 B./Br. F

C

Dissident (AUS)

Mossarama (AUS)

890 B.

Outreach (AUS)

Zarifa (AUS)

920 Ch. C

Shooting to Win (AUS)

Black Misty (AUS)

976 B.

F

Outreach (AUS)

French Script (NZ)

1019 B.

F

Outreach (AUS)

Liamena (AUS)

1047 B.

C

Rubick (AUS)

Olive Com (AUS)

F

www.corumbenestud.com.au Toby Frazer (stud manager): 0428 115 528 Dunedoo, NSW

2019 / 147

CRESSFIELD

2019 vendor

Promising Listed winner Granny Red Shoes sold from Cressfield’s 2017 draft for $280,000. Other recent Magic Millions graduates from the farm include Gr.3 winners Egyptian Symbol, and Missrock. It is also worth mentioning that Cressfield is where the Gr.1 winning sprinter Clearly Innocent was bred and retained as a homebred in the farm’s ownership going on to win over $1.5 million, and became a wonderful advertisement for the Scone nursery.

148 / STORY TITLE

by Renée Geelen

CRESSFIELD’S REPUTATION AS OWNER OF ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S FINEST BROODMARE BANDS IS AGAIN REFLECTED IN THEIR 2019 MAGIC MILLIONS GOLD COAST DRAFT.

What are you reading currently?

As I write this it is the middle of the breeding season. Being eight months pregnant with a two year-old toddling about the place, I am mostly reading the back of my eyelids any chance I get. However, Kelly Skillecorn at Gilgai and Robyn Whishaw from Armidale both recommended “Shantaram” by Gregory David Roberts to me which I finished a couple of months ago and thoroughly enjoyed.

Currently, I am churning my way through something called “The Cows”, which contrary to the reviews is neither particularly clever or funny…

With a draft of ten yearlings on offer at Magic Millions Gold Coast 2019, Cressfield once again offer yearlings from their superior broodmare band. Bluebloods spoke to Cressfield’s Liesl Baumann about the draft.

What can buyers expect from your 2019 MMGC draft?

Variety - both in terms of sires represented and in the types of yearlings, all of whom are well-grown, mature horses suitable for this early sale. I expect there to be a number of two year-old runners amongst them. One of the highlights is the first foal of Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Real Surreal. This filly by Snitzel has a speedy family, with her dam also being a half-sister to Gr.3 winner Benny’s Buttons.

The Real Surreal filly is squat and strong and looks to have all the sprinting attributes that her parentage would proffer. Gr.1 winning sprinting mare Mid Summer Music is represented by an athletic filly by Not A Single Doubt. Like so many of the good ones by the sire, this flaxen maned filly is eye catching but not overly big. In contrast, we have two yearlings in the draft by Deep Field. The colt out of Dove Lake, a threequarter sister to Headwater, is a big striding strapping colt, while the filly out of Gr.3 winner Isibaeva has a masculine like depth to her. The Hinchinbrook colt out of Dezign, is a half brother to Gr.3 placed The Chairman and is sure impress with his great hip and excellent attitude. A half-sister to Listed winner, Granny Red Shoes, is a lovely looking balanced individual. She is by emerging sire, All Too Hard, from two year-old stakes winner Shoboard.

If You Could spend a day in someone else’s shoes, whose would it be and why?

My husband’s. Imagine how terrific it would be to be totally blind to house mess!

No, in all honesty I think that a glimpse from your partner’s perspective would be an incredible gift to the relationship. One day might not quite be long enough though.

Who was the biggest influence in your life?

It’s a dull answer for which I will not apologise but it would have to be my parents.

How can it not be? On the flip side of that, my year twelve English teacher said to me once, “Liesl, if one is not truly conscious, one will repeat the patterns of heredity”, and I have never forgotten it. While we are all products of our upbringing, a good dose of self-awareness can be life changing. l

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire

Dam

51

B./F

Snitzel (AUS)

Real Surreal (AUS)

130

B./Br. F

All Too Hard (AUS)

Shoboard (AUS)

519

B./C

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Dezign (AUS)

531

B./C

Deep Field (AUS)

Dove Lake (AUS)

609

Ch./F

Headwater (AUS)

Galapagos Girl (AUS)

Which particular yearling in recent years gave you the most pleasant surprise with the sale price and what did you put it down to afterwards?

691

B./F

Deep Field (AUS)

Isibaeva (AUS) (As Agent)

796

Ch./F

Not a Single Doubt (AUS) Mid Summer Music (AUS)

At the 2018 yearling sale we sold a gorgeous Deep Field filly out of Shoboard for $650,000 to China Horse Club and Allan Bell Racing. The filly has been named Just Field. When you consider this was a $20,000 service fee, a first season sire, and the mare had only had a Listed placegetter at that stage, then it’s a huge result. Granny Red Shoes is now a Listed winner, adding to the residual value of this filly. She was a glorious type and a personal favourite from a foal. She had the most beautiful swinging, push from her hocks action when she walked and was very difficult to fault.

It shows that a standout type, and good buyer competition is a magic combination.

919

B./C

All Too Hard (AUS)

Black ‘n’ Tough (AUS)

1052 B./F

Husson (ARG)

Personification (AUS)

1053 Br./C

Foxwedge (AUS)

Pfeiffer (USA)

www.cressfield.com.au 02 6545 0500 Parkville, NSW

2019 / 149

EDINBURGH PARK 2019 vendor

Edinburgh Park had a select draft of four yearlings at the Gold Coast last January, selling all four up to $260,000 for a gross of $730,000. The draft has grown significantly in 12 months, with no less than 16 yearlings catalogued for January. Smith explained that Edinburgh Park had gone on a course of selecting and buying younger mares in recent years.

“This just meant culling of a few of the mares that weren’t quite what we wanted and we’re just getting to the numbers now we intended,” he said. “These are nice young mares with the right stallions. We will continue to do that. We are always evolving.”

Edinburgh Park had another fruitful spring carnival, with graduates Tamasa and Zizzis winning on some of Australian racing’s biggest days. “It’s just proof that the farm is consistently producing good quality animals,” Smith says. “With bigger numbers, we’re producing more of them.”

Another Edinburgh Park graduate is Better Than Ready, the one-time Randwick course record breaker who is now making a name for himself at stud, having had his first winner at Doomben in October for his former trainer Kelly Schweida.

150 / STORY TITLE

by Nathan Exelby

IAN SMITH’S EDINBURGH PARK BRINGS WHAT IT FIRMLY BELIEVES IS ITS STRONGEST EVER DRAFT OF HORSES TO THE 2019 MAGIC MILLIONS AFTER A RECENT REPLENISHMENT OF YOUNGER MARES ON THE FARM COMES TO FRUITION. Smith has no doubt there will be more star graduates among the horses he is taking to the Gold Coast in 2019. “This is the best draft we’ve put together on paper and on types,” he said. “There’s depth of quality and quantity as well.

We’ve really got everything for everybody.”

Within the draft, there are progeny of Champion Sires Snitzel, Fastnet Rock and Lonhro, proven stallions Written Tycoon, Medaglia D’Oro, Star Witness and Pierro and exciting young sires Vancouver, Deep Field, Pride Of Dubai and Super One.

What can buyers expect from your 2019 MMGC draft?

Depth, class and we are renowned for producing good quality, running animals.

There will be some serious racehorses of the future among them.

Your biggest giveaway that proved to be a topliner later?

Silent Witness made $55,000 and went on to win $10million.

How has technology and IT affected and influenced your business?

The family of Mica’s Pride and globetrotting multimillion dollar earner Criterion features heavily in the Edinburgh Park draft. “It’s one of the nicest families in the stud book,” Smith said.

We’re starting to evolve and develop into the electronic media and getting out our updates and highlights of our progeny through Twitter and Facebook.

These include a Snitzel colt from Alice’s Smart (“This is the nicest Snitzel Alice’s Smart has thrown”) and two Fastnet Rock colts. “Both are outstanding types, typical Fastnet Rocks, quality animals,” Smith said.

Relaxing and enjoying my family.

The General Nediym mare Fortune Of War continues to produce promising types and Edinburgh Park have a Snitzel full-brother to the stakes placed Spoils and promising Darren Weir trained three year-old Interram. “This colt as a physical type is one of the nicest Snitzels we’ve ever brought to sale,” Smith said.

The Pride Of Dubai colt from the stakes winning juvenile Calcatta is described as a “cracking early running two year-old,” while the draft also includes a Deep Field filly from Quicksilver Lass, a half-sister to Rosehill Guineas winner D’Argento.

Golden Slipper winner Vancouver is represented by a colt from Candela, who is a daughter of the Group 1 winner Recurring. “He’s an early running two year-old type and an exciting individual. He will tick everyone’s boxes who are looking for an early running two year-old,” Smith said. “There’ a lot of speed there and he’s an exciting yearling.

When you’re not working how do you like to spend your time?

What was the worst job you’ve ever had?

You tackle every job to the best of your ability and sometimes you don’t have to like it, you just do it because you have to.

What do you give a damn about?

I give a damn about my family, my friends and the people involved in our business, whether they be breeding partners, staff, or buyers of our stock. l

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

43

F

Deep Field (AUS)

Quicksilver Lass (AUS)

102 B.

C

Pierro (AUS)

Seagrove (AUS)

143 B.

C

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Smokin’ Alice (USA)

181 Br.

F

Vancouver (AUS)

Sticky Fingers (AUS)

246 B.

F

Medaglia d’Oro (USA)

Turnstiles (NZ)

Star Witness continues to produce star quality gallopers and Edinburgh Park is pleased to have two of his progeny in the Gold Coast sale. “We have a beautiful looking colt from the good young race mare Face Forward and a filly from Flying Single, who is a half-sister to Not A Single Doubt.

336 Ch. C

Snitzel (AUS)

Alice’s Smart (USA)

353 Br.

F

Super One (AUS)

Angora (AUS)

390 Br.

F

Lonhro (AUS)

Becerra (AUS)

“She has already thrown multiple winners, the filly is a nice type and anyone would want a piece of that family.”

435 Br.

C

Pride of Dubai (AUS)

Calcatta (AUS)

439 Br.

C

Vancouver (AUS)

Candela (AUS)

562 B.

C

Star Witness (AUS)

Face Forward (AUS)

585 Ch. F

Star Witness (AUS)

Flying Single (AUS)

597 B.

C

Snitzel (AUS)

Fortune of War (AUS)

740 B.

F

Super One (AUS)

Lekhani (IRE)

812 Ch. F

Written Tycoon (AUS)

Miss Independent (AUS)

867 B.

Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Nothin But a Dream (USA)

The Mica’s Pride/Criterion theme continues with the Vancouver filly from Sticky Fingers. “We also have a gorgeous Lonhro filly out of stakes winning mare Becerra.

There’s a lot happening in this family. There’s been a lot of success through Danehill with Lonhro,” Smith said. “This is a young mare, with a lot of upside.”

Edinburgh Park’s Pierro colt is the first foal of the Redoute’s Choice mare Seagrove and is said to be a “big, strong athletic colt.” “Pierro didn’t have a huge crop that year and this fellow will be one of the very few Pierro colts on the market in 2019 from a young mare with a good pedigree. I expect him to be very popular. He has a lot of presence about him.”

Written Tycoon has taken all before him in the past two years and the filly from Miss Independent is poised to add to that success. “She was a lovely race mare and she’s found a horse in Written Tycoon that matches her physicality and her page,” Smith said.

“Super One will be a very popular first season stallion,” Smith predicted. “We have two fillies by him which are both outstanding types.”

Gr.

C

www.edinburghpark.com.au Ian Smith: 0419 637 892 Wingham, NSW

2019 / 151

EUREKA STUD 2019 vendor

“So far Spirit Of Boom has been represented by six 2YO stakes winners and five of them were sold by Eureka,” said Harry McAlpine, proud of the achievements of the likes of Kinky Boom, Outback Barbie, EF Troop, Champagne Boom and Heaven’s Deal.

“Spirit Of Boom just keeps throwing good looking foals, which has seen many breeders keep supporting him during his unproven years.”

by Michael Vincent and Kristen Manning

“He was such a tough horse, racing for a long time, often overcoming trouble.

His progeny seem to have the same attributes and the future looks good!”

Including the immediate future with Eureka presenting an impressive Magic Millions draft...

Lot 3 - bay colt by Spirit Of Boom from Passara (by Tsuimai): brother to the twice Group placed two Boomsara. “He is a gun whose brother is currently gearing up for the Queenland summer series for three-year-olds which culminates in the Magic Millions 3Y0,” Harry McAlpline said.

Lot 19 - brown colt by Spirit Of Boom from Plumage (by Red Dazzler): brother to the metropolitan winner Plumaro out of a multiple city winner. “He is the spitting image of Spirit Of Boom; we have nick-named him Spirit Of Boom 2.0!”

Lot 33 - chestnut filly by Written Tycoon from Pure Purrfection (by General Nediym): half-sister to the Listed winner Outback Barbie. “She is a lovely, balanced, athletic filly.”

Lot 58 - chestnut colt by Headwater from Regal Tier (by Royal Academy): dam is a winning half-sister to the durable dual stakes winner Tierqualo.

Lot 133 - bay/brown colt by Spirit Of Boom from Silky Tiger (by Hold That Tiger): dam’s first four foals are all winners including the stakes placed Brave Flying Hawk.

152 / STORY TITLE

Photo: Sharon Lee Chapman

man

WHAT A GREAT 12 MONTHS IT HAS BEEN FOR EUREKA STUD, HOME TO ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S MOST EXCITING YOUNG STALLIONS, THE HOME-BRED AND RACED SPIRIT OF BOOM. Lot 233 - bay filly by I Am Invincible from Tinto (by Red Dazzler): first foal for a Queensland Oaks-Gr.1, 2400m winner who was also bred at Eureka.

“She was born two weeks premature but is the most forward of the whole draft, she is a real powerhouse.”

Lot 236 - bay colt by Brazen Beau from Tiyatro (by Encosta de Lago): half-brother to the stakes winner Tiyatrolani out of a city winner from the family of Duporth and Excites.

Lot 245 - bay filly by Spirit Of Boom from Truly Brave (by Brave Warrior): half-sister to Tinto and five other winners out of a metropolitan winner.

Lot 312 - bay colt by Spirit Of Boom from About Ready (by More Than Ready): son of a dual stakes winning half-sister to the dam of the high class Singapore galloper World Delight.

Lot 492 - brown colt by Spirit Of Boom from Daddys Little Girl (by General Nediym): his stakes placed dual city winning dam from the family of Starline, Beechcraft and Econsul produced recent winner El Demonio.

Lot 507 - brown colt by Spirit Of Boom from Deb’s Choice (by Snippetson): “a big strong” brother to the stakes placed Spirit’s Choice out of a two times winning half-sister to the stakes winners Fabiarna and Yabigorse.

Lot 514 - bay filly by Foxwedge form Derippa (by Seidnazar): half-sister to the Group Three sprinter I’m A Rippa out of a city placed two times winner.

Lot 613 - bay filly by Nicconi from Gentle Spirit (by Break The Vault): dam is a daughter of prized Eureka mare Temple Spirit, stakes placed dam of Spirit Of Boom and Temple Of Boom.

Lot 627 - bay filly by Spirit Of Boom from Goodlookin Gambler (by Johannesburg): half-sister to the city winner Redsson out of a winning half-sister to the Group One miler Scenic Peak. “A fast athletic type whose sister Perudo is showing some very good ability for Tony Gollan.”

Lot 656 - brown filly by Spirit Of Boom from Hold For Ransom (by Oratorio): halfsister to recent winner Too Hot To Hold out of a winning half-sister to the stakes winners Benny’s Buttons and Magic Millions 2YO Classic Winner Real Surreal.

Lot 735 - bay filly by Spirit Of Boom from Lantern Court (by Chester House): halfsister to the city winners Birds Of Tokyo and Witness In Court and sister to the three times winner Legal Ties.

Eureka’s Book Two draft is inclusive of a Mossman half-sister to the Group Three winner Yakeen, a Wandjina colt out of the stakes placed Cicarelli, a Spirit Of Boom brother to the promising Secret Spirit, a Rubick filly out of the stakes placed Sarisara and a Rubick filly out of a half-sister to the Group Two winner Express Air. Bluebloods had a chat with Harry’s brother Angus in the lead up to the sale...

What are the main factors you take into account when planning matings?

“First and foremost is type. What sort of stallion does a mare need? Based on the mare herself or her progeny to date. We breed to sell and so need good commercial appeal as well. We also look at how broodmare sires match up with certain sire lines and we take note of the weanling sales for new sires.”

What are your top go to spots after a sales day?

“After a long day’s work we usually go to the Magic Millions bar for a quiet shandy or two.”

What was your first job?

“I left school and started working at Eureka. At 18 I went to the National Stud in England where I completed my diploma before stints at Willingham House, Coolmore (Ireland) and Windsor Park (NZ). I returned home to Eureka just in time for Spirit of Boom’s first season at stud.”

What is your hidden talent?

“I don’t think I have one. All of my talents (or lack thereof) are on display for all to see!”

Who was the biggest influence in your life?

“My dad Scott. I have always aspired to be like him. He is a good bloke and a great horseman and one day I’d like to be just like him.” l

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

3

B.

C

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

Passara (AUS)

19

Br.

C

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

Plumage (AUS)

33

Ch.

F

Written Tycoon (AUS)

Pure Purrfection (AUS)

58

Ch.

C

Headwater (AUS)

Regal Tier (AUS)

133 B./Br. C

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

Silky Tiger (AUS)

233 B.

F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Tinto (AUS)

236 B.

C

Brazen Beau (AUS)

Tiyatro (AUS)

245 B.

F

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

Truly Brave (AUS)

312 B.

C

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

About Ready (AUS)

492 Br.

C

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

Daddys Little Girl (AUS)

507 Br.

C

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

Deb’s Choice (AUS)

514 B.

F

Foxwedge (AUS)

Derippa (AUS)

613 B.

F

Nicconi (AUS)

Gentle Spirit (AUS)

627 B.

F

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

Goodlookin Gambler (AUS)

656 Br.

F

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

Hold for Ransom (AUS)

735 B.

F

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

Lantern Court (USA)

896 B.

F

Mossman (AUS)

Adelaide (AUS)

937 Br.

C

Wandjina (AUS)

Cicarelli (AUS)

1048 Br.

C

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

Ossie’s Secret (AUS)

1077 B.

F

Rubick (AUS)

Sarisara (AUS)

1101 Ch.

F

Rubick (AUS)

Tarffeite (AUS)

www.eurekastud.com.au Scott McAlpine 0408 700 724 Cambooya, QLD

2019 / 153

FERNRIGG FARM 2019 vendor

A year on from presenting her first Magic Millions draft (purchased by the likes of Darren Weir, John Thompson and the Hawkes family), Fernrigg Farm’s Rae-Louise Farmer is looking forward to again rising to the challenge with an impressive selection of 12 well related youngsters.

by Kristen Manning

“We feel we have a boutique draft of precocious yearlings to meet the market. Last year we were thrilled to achieve a 100% clearance rate and the feedback was extremely positive. It was very satisfying to hear that they were so well educated and broke in quickly without any issue. This year our draft is even stronger with better pedigrees and stronger physical specimens.”

Lot 460 - bay/brown colt by Zoustar from Cinderellas Secret (by Danzero): his city placed dam’s first to race is the two times metropolitan winner Pegapus. Grandam is the Group One mare She’s A Meanie, dam of triple Group winning stallion Love Conquers All and the Listed winner She’s Meaner, dam of this year’s dual Group Two winner Lean Mean Machine. “An athletic colt who is very light on his feet. He is one that has certainly thrived from his preparation which is always great to see.”

Lot 324 - br/gr.c by Zoustar from Adorabubble (by Ferocity): first foal for a multiple city winner. Grandam is a half-sister to the Listed winning VRC Derby-Gr.1 runner up Sir Midas from the same branch of the prolific La Troienne family as Hula Chief, Herculian Prince, Racing To Win, Love Dance and Hula Drum. Boasts crosses of the terrific mares Natalma, Best In Show and Lalun. “A very precocious colt with an unbelievable action. He is a gorgeous dark colour with a very handsome head.”

Lot 483 - bay filly by Epaulette from Crimson Lady (by Volksraad): dam is a two times Group placed half-sister to the New Zealand Group One winner The Party Stand from a prolific black type family whose members include the Group One winners Mr Murphy, Kenvain and Charming City. “A strong imposing filly with a very professional attitude. We are proud to say she was the first foal to be born for Fernrigg Farm and will be the first ever yearling to carry our brand through the sales ring!”

Lot 445 - bay colt by Star Witness from Centafaith (by Keep The Faith): half-brother to the Listed winning Thousand Guineas-Gr.1 runner-up Fundamentalist out of a two times winning daughter of the Listed winner Centaleigh. “A strong, good moving colt with a serious motor! He has a fantastic attitude and relishes his work each day.”

Lot 496 - bay colt by I Am Invincible from Dance With Her (by Al Maher): son of a dual stakes winning half-sister to the Group Two galloper Son Of Maher. Grandam is the two times Listed winner Dance Hit whose Group One winning grandam Peg’s Gift is also the second dam of the two times Group One winner Sound Action. “A beautifully balanced, athletic colt. He has fantastic scope, good length of rein and stands over plenty of ground.”

154 / STORY TITLE

A YEAR ON FROM PRESENTING HER FIRST MAGIC MILLIONS DRAFT, FERNRIGG FARM’S RAE-LOUISE FARMER IS LOOKING FORWARD TO AGAIN RISING TO THE CHALLENGE WITH AN IMPRESSIVE SELECTION OF 12 WELL RELATED YOUNGSTERS...

Lot 545 - bay colt by Vancouver from Ella Supero (by Exceed And Excel): member of the Sadler’s Wells sire line and hails from the same female line as that great stallion. Dam is a placed 3/4 sister to the New Zealand Derby-Gr.1 winner Redoute’s Dancer and to the dam of the dual Group One winner Yankee Rose, born and bred on the property formally known as Wexford Farm. Family has also produced big race winners in Japan (Biko Pegasus), England (Tout Seul) and Ireland (Allangrange). “A compact, early looking colt with great bone and a faultless attitude. He has thrown back to his dam’s side and is a total powerhouse.”

Lot 637 - bay filly by Dundeel from Gullible (by Shamardal): out of a triple city winning half-sister to the five times Group winner Rain Affair. Her city winning grandam I Believe is a half-sister to the stakes winner Walk Alone from the family of stakes winners Nan Tien, Crying Storm, Rainbean, Been There, Deltona, Centaine and Wicked Smile. Carries a 3fx4m cross of Zabeel. “She is a very fluent moving filly with plenty scope and strength.”

Lot 881 - chestnut filly by Pride of Dubai from Orchestrator (by Bernstein): dam is an imported Group Three placed three times winner whose dam is a half-sister to the dual Group winner Beau’s Town and to the dam of the four times Listed winner Afleet Willy. This filly’s five times stakes winning third dam Delice is the grandam of Group One mare Diplomat Lady. “An attractive filly who is well grown and very nicely put together. She has a beautifully balanced stride and a great attitude.”

Lot 884 - brown colt by Exosphere from Ouija (by Viscount): bred on a 4mx5f cross of Eight Carat, he is a 3/4 brother to the city winner Witches out of a metropolitan placed four times winning half-sister to the Group Two winners Renaissance and Sessions who are both by Exosphere’s sire Lonhro. His stakes winning grandam Seances is a half-sister to the Group One winner Unworldly.

“An attractive colt with all the moves. He has a great hindquarter, deep girth and a very balanced action.”

Lot 927 - br/blk filly by No Nay Never from Call Me Cute (by Astronomer Royal): boasts an interesting pedigree being bred on a 7mx5f cross of her own fifth dam South Ocean, dam of Storm Bird. Dam is a half-sister to the stakes winners Born To Rock and Prettyhappyaboutit from a strong international family whose members include the big race winners Green Tune, Pas de Response, Northernette and Storm Trooper. “An attractive black filly with good length and a strong hip.”

Lot 1064 - bay filly by Sepoy from Radiator (by Mossman): daughter of a city placed three times winner whose dual stakes winning grandam Sister Canny is a sister to the Group One gallopers Canny Lad and Canny Lass. Her third dam Jesmond Lass is also the third dam of Sepoy, allowing for a 4fx4f cross of Jesmond Lass noting that Sepoy has sired the Group Three winner Marcel From Madrid and four stakes placed winners line-bred to her. “A strong, scopey, big striding filly.”

What’s the first concert you attended?

Ermmmm I believe it was Westlife. I have always been a sucker for the Irish!

What energises you and brings you excitement?

Being around such amazing animals energises me. I love waking up each morning and heading off on the feed run. Everyday you learn something new about a mare, foal or yearling that you never realised before. They each have their own individual personalities and quirks and I feel very fortunate to be involved in an industry which I am so passionate about.

What is a dream you have that you’ve yet to achieve?

I just started getting involved in a few race horses with various trainers and it would be a dream come true to be involved in a Group One winner especially if it came from of our own draft carrying the Fernrigg brand. I also hope we can breed some high class fillies who will retire after their successful racing careers and continue the Fernrigg life cycle. l

Lot 1120 - chestnut colt by Magnus from Yarra Bank (by Bianconi): brother to the promising Kemalpasa out of a winning half-sister to the tough Listed winner Honest Politician and the stakes placed winners Ipioga (third in the Australasian Oaks-Gr.1), Pacino (five times Group placed) and It’s You (in turn dam of the Listed winner Yourein). “An eye-catching, racy looking colt with a strong hip and shoulder.”

After discussing her yearlings, Bluebloods had a Q&A session with Farmer...

How has technology and IT affected and influenced your business?

Luckily, being a new business, we embraced technology and IT from the very beginning. We still believe skilled horsemanship and attention to detail comes first and foremost to achieve such high standards and attain the optimum results.

We use information technology daily to process and store information relating to the farm and the horses under our care and to communicate with our clients by sending updates, photographs and other relevant information. We also take full advantage of social media. It is such a powerful tool worldwide and enables us to give people an insight into the workings of Fernrigg Farm.

Apart from the yearling sale, what do you like most about the Gold Coast?

The Gold Coast is where I met my fiancé Padraig so we always look forward to celebrating our anniversary at our favourite restaurant each year. It’s probably the only night we can relax after the yearlings have arrived safe and sound and are settled in. Half the battle is over! We also bring our wolves (huskies) with us each year and enjoy evening strolls along the beaches with them. There are some beautiful walks around the Gold Coast.

If you could spend a day in someone else’s shoes,whose would they be and why?

This maybe an unorthodox answer but I would love to slip in to Winx’s shoes; it would be simply amazing to experience that rush of adrenaline and burst of passion she gets as she turns for home and hits the front to the roar of the crowd.

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire

Dam

324 Br. or Gr. C Zoustar (AUS)

Adorabubble (AUS)

445 B.

Centafaith (AUS)

C Star Witness (AUS)

460 B. or Br. C Zoustar (AUS)

Cinderellas Secret (AUS)

483 B.

F Epaulette (AUS)

Crimson Lady (NZ)

496 B.

C I Am Invincible (AUS)

Dance With Her (AUS)

545 B.

C Vancouver (AUS)

Ella Supero (AUS)

637 B.

F Dundeel (NZ)

Gullible (AUS)

881 Ch.

F Pride of Dubai (AUS)

Orchestrator (USA)

884 Br.

C Exosphere (AUS)

Ouija (AUS)

927 Br. or Blk. F No Nay Never (USA)

Call Me Cute (AUS)

1064 B.

F Sepoy (AUS)

Radiator (AUS)

1120 Ch.

C Magnus (AUS)

Yarra Bank (AUS)

www.fernriggfarm.com Rae-Louise Farmer: 0452 531 561 rae-louise@fernriggfarm.com Denman, NSW

2019 / 155

GOODWOOD FARM

2019 vendor

Flying Artie epitomises the type of horse that buyers can expect when inspecting the Goodwood Farm draft. Fellow Gr.1 winner Rebel Dane was foaled down and raised at Goodwood Farm, although he didn’t go through a yearling sale.

by Renée Geelen

This quality is apparent when you glance through Goodwood’s graduate lists. From small Magic Millions Gold Coast drafts every year, Murrurundi’s Goodwood Farm has produced graduates such as Gr.1 winners Flying Artie and Manawanui, Gr.3 winner Into the Red, Listed winners Saint Patricks Day, Riocetto, Calcatta, and stakes placed Speed Street, and Calculated.

156 / STORY TITLE

DANCE HERO

FLYING ARTIE

EVERY HORSE HAS A STORY, AND GOODWOOD FARM’S FLYING ARTIE IS ONE OF THOSE NEARLY/ MAYBE HORSES. PASSED IN AT SALE, GOODWOOD FARM WERE ALMOST FORCED TO RETAIN THE GR.1 COOLMORE STUD STAKES WINNER, BUT FOR ONE OWNER PUTTING UP THEIR HAND TO BUY THE COLT AFTER THE SALE. Bluebloods spoke to Kerrie Tibbey about Goodwood’s draft for 2019.

Your biggest giveaway that proved to be a topliner later?

What can buyers expect from your 2019 MMGC draft?

Years ago, we sold Dance Hero who basically won everything – the two year-old triple crown (Golden Slipper, Sires’ Produce, and Champagne Stakes), as well as the Gr.1 Salinger as a five-year-old. Gai Waterhouse bought him for $90,000 in 2003 (he won $3.9million), making him clearly the biggest value horse we’ve ever sold. When he finished racing, he came back to Goodwood Farm to retire, and he’s still here.

We have put together a quality draft of good sound horses for Magic Millions. They are all well reared, and haven’t had to be pushed for this sale because we’ve chosen the horses that fit what buyers are looking for at the Gold Coast.

Goodwood Farm will present six yearlings at the 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, led by two Zoustar colts. Stakes winner Vivid Vixen is the dam of Lot 275, and this colt should appeal to the Asian market, as he is closely related to Champion Stayer in Hong Kong, Super Kid, winner of four stakes races in Hong Kong, as well as multiple times Gr.1 placed in Hong Kong and Australia.

This colt’s dam won eight races, a sure sign of soundness. The other Zoustar colt, Lot 124, is the first living foal of stakes placed winner She’s a Stalker, from the family of O’Deputy, Severiano, and Can’t Slow Down.

Another yearling that might appeal to the Hong Kong market is Lot 391, a colt

by Nicconi, a half-brother to Prince Harmony, winner of four races, including one in Hong Kong in 2018. This colt is out of Commands mare, Bedizened who is a half-sister to stakes winner Quarterman.

The other three yearlings Goodwood Farm will present are each by sires whose oldest crop are two-year-olds in 2018/19. Deep Field had his first winner called Cosmic Force, in November 2018 and his yearling filly, Lot 426, is out of Bubbly Duchess, whose first foal to race is a dual winner. Bubbly Duchess is a half-sister to tough million dollar earner Extra Zero, group winner Operetta Lass, and stakes winner Johan’s Toy (dam of Toydini).

A Brazen Beau filly, Lot 1002, out of winning Exceed and Excel mare Iriomote is from the family of Gr.1 winner Delago Brom, and group winners Brom Felinity, Brompton Cross, Neo, and My Poppette. Five time Gr.1 winner Dissident is represented in this draft by a filly, Lot 993, from winning mare Harlem Shuffle. This is Harlem Shuffle’s first foal, and she is well-related with the likes of Gr.1 winner In Her Time, as well as stakes winners Harlem River, Hot as Hell, Flaming Hot, and Craig’s Dragon in her family.

Which particular yearling in recent years gave you the most pleasant surprise with the sale price and what did you put it down to afterwards?

Last year at the Magic Millions Gold Coast sale, we sold a nice colt by Dundeel from Vivid Vixen (a half-brother to Lot 275) for $200,000. I was very happy with both the price and the purchaser for this horse, as his way of training will really suit the horse.

When you’re not working how do you like to spend your time?

I have a ritual on Sundays, where I go to lunch with two good friends, Alison Hodges, and Lauris Farquahar, which we all look forward to. I love theatre and try to get to Sydney to the Belvoir as often as possible.

What’s the first career you dreamed of having as a kid?

I think I’ve done what I wanted to. I tried a few things when I was young, and I truly think you need to do that because you end up with the well rounded life. I grew up on a dairy farm, and my great adventure was to move to Randwick. My first job was working for the Department of Motor Transport, and while living in Randwick, I also worked in racing stables. Later, I was a jillaroo.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Your first instinct is the right one. Just get up and do it.

l

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire

Dam

124 Ch.

C

Zoustar (AUS)

She’s a Stalker (AUS)

275 Br.

C

Zoustar (AUS)

Vivid Vixen (NZ)

391 B.

C

Nicconi (AUS)

Bedizened (AUS)

426 B.

F

Deep Field (AUS)

Bubbly Duchess (AUS)

993 Br.

F

Dissident (AUS)

Harlem Shuffle (AUS)

Brazen Beau (AUS)

Iriomote (AUS)

1002 B. or Br. F

Kerrie Tibbey 0408 646 644 Hunter Valley, NSW

2019 / 157

HIGHGROVE STUD 2019 vendor

A magic draft from families on fire

Ron Gilbert’s Highgrove Stud, located on Queensland’s fertile Darling Downs is taking a remarkable draft of seven yearlings to the 2019 MMGC sale in January.

The mineral rich soils of the Darling Downs have sent forth a long line of Australian turf greats such as Bernborough, Tails, Eye Liner, Naturalism, Show A Heart and Boban to mention just a handful.

Highgrove from its boutique broodmare band has over the last decade or so augmented this honour roll with Wanted, Jet Spur, Legally Bay (dam of Merchant Navy) and current stakes performers Noire, Thronum, Summer Passage, Excitable Boy, Beauty and Global Dream who were all offered

by Highgrove or from families established at Highgrove.

It is this last group, the current and very recent stakes winners and placegetters that is writ large in the pedigrees of the 2019 Magic Millions offering.

Three of the seven are from the Highgrove family that has produced 2YO Gr.1 winner and ATC Sires Produce runnerup Summer Passage, the recent Spring Carnival SW Beauty, Flemington SW Excitable Boy and several other stakes winners from the branch of the family tracing to the exceptional Lure mare Sequin who has distinguished herself for the farm, she being a half-sister to crack performers Shania Dane and Scintillation (10 wins $4.2m).

From this family Highgrove presents firstly Lot 114 a chestnut colt by multiple Magic Millions and Golden Slipper producing sire More Than Ready from the Lion Hunter mare Sequential who is a daughter of Sequin and is herself the dam of four winners including SW Excitable Boy. This colt is bred on the proven More Than Ready/Danehill cross to complete the package.

158 / STORY TITLE

by Andrew Reichard

THE FOUR COLTS AND THREE FILLIES ARE REMARKABLE NOT JUST FOR THE QUALITY OF SIRES REPRESENTED, BUT FOR THE FACT THAT THEY ARE VIRTUALLY ALL RELATED TO CURRENT ACTIVE STAKES WINNERS BRED BY HIGHGROVE OR FROM FAMILIES ESTABLISHED AT HIGHGROVE. Next comes the Written Tycoon filly Lot 170 out of the winning Redoute’s Choice mare Sponsored another winner producing daughter of Sequin. Written Tycoon is clearly one of Australia’s best and most overachieving sires, his fillies as good as his colts. Notably many of his best crosses are with mares by sons of Danehill with this particular cross over Redoute’s Choice mares producing stakes winners at more than double the stallion’s average.

which was considerably more than I expected, although to be fair, she was a lovely filly. Named Cajou she justified Woodland’s confidence giving them a runner straight away in the MM 2YO finishing 4th and going on to be stakes placed.

Completing the Sequin descent trifecta is Lot 659 a chestnut filly by Star Witness, (whose daughters include MM Guineas runnerup and multiple Gr.1 winner Global Glamour) out of the winning All American mare Hollywood Mistress. This filly is her first foal and looks set fair to establish another branch of this excellent family once her racing career is complete. A winning career surely.

What are your top go to spots after a sales day?

The Highgrove draft has more highlights with Lot 210 being a Snitzel colt who is a close blood relation of the Highgrove bred Gr.2 winner and Gr.1 placegetter Thronum (now at stud) out of the family of Street Cry and Shamardal. With an early August 8th foaling date, here surely is a MM 2YO contender and future stallion prospect.

Lot 617 is another colt by super 2YO sire More Than Ready out of the SP Highgrove bred Global Dream who is herself a ¾ sister to Gr.2 winner and $500K earner Noire, yet another current active Highgrove graduate.

Lot 728 is a bay colt by Australia’s multiple champion sire and best sire of sires Redoute’s Choice from the Hussonet mare Lady Antebellum who is from one of the great Highgrove families tracing to Antelliere, the dam of Gr.1 winner Porto Roca among others. Here is a colt bred on one of the strongest, most successful nicks in the business, for as remarkable as Redoute’s Choice’s 11% SW to runners is, it’s even better with Hussonet mares. The Redoute’s Choice/ Hussonet cross is responsible for an amazing 40% SW to runners and significantly these include the crack 2YOs Pariah (now an Arrowfield stallion himself) and Honesty Prevails.

The Highgrove draft is rounded out with Lot 309 a filly by Not A Single Doubt, out of the SW mare A Brilliant Idea. Not A Single Doubt has emerged as one of Australia’s best sires, a crack sire of 2YOs including Magic Millions 2YO winning filly Karuta Queen and this youngster has an early 1st September foaling date to make her a most appealing prospect as an early comer.

Which particular (MM) yearling in recent years gave you the most pleasant surprise with the sale price and what did you put it down to afterwards?

My pleasant surprise actually occurred at MM in 2006 at a time when Bob Ingham’s Woodlands and trainer John Hawkes hadn’t been buying yearlings at our major sales. They bought my Encosta de Lago filly out of Anacarde for $600k

How has technology and IT affected your business?

Modern technology and IT is useful no doubt, but at the sales I still rely on the trusty notebook in my top pocket. Old school but dependable.

My favourite is Glass at the Marina Mirage, where there is nothing better than sitting outside with a beautiful meal and a glass of wine overlooking the boats and the water on a nice summer’s night.

What’s your hidden talent?

I reckon I can cook pretty well. And I’m a dab hand at eating the results too.

If you could work on only one project for the next year, what would it be?

I’d love to have the time to attend every major broodmare sale in the world in a single year, to compare, contrast and perhaps to add to our broodmare band if the right opportunity presented itself. l

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire

Dam

114 Ch./C More Than Ready (USA)

Sequential (AUS)

170 Ch./F Written Tycoon (AUS)

Sponsored (AUS)

210 B./C Snitzel (AUS)

Tears I Cry (USA)

309 B./F Not a Single Doubt (AUS) A Brilliant Idea (USA) 617 B./C More Than Ready (USA)

Global Dream (AUS)

659 Ch./F Star Witness (AUS)

Hollywood Mistress (AUS)

728 B./C Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Lady Antebellum (AUS)

www.highgrovestud.com.au Ron Gilbert: 0418 700 007 Westbrook, Darling Downs, Queensland

2019 / 159

KIA ORA STUD 2019 vendor

Bluebloods had a chat with the stud manager Alex Kingston as she prepares for a busy sales season...

What can buyers expect from your 2019 MMGC draft?

“It is a well rounded, even draft with a lot of quality of both type and pedigree...”

Lot 370 - chestnut colt by Deep Field from Ashley’s Kitty (by Tale Of The Cat): out of an imported Group Three winning half-sister to the Group One winner Cupid, the two times Group Three winner Heart Ashley and the Listed winner Indianapolis. “A mature, strong colt from a terrific current family.”

Lot 454 - bay colt by Deep Field from Chik Chik Boom (by Thorn Park): out of a winning half-sister to the Group Two winner Villa Verde whose Sebring filly is also part of Kia Ora’s draft. The family of two Golden Slipper-Gr.1, 1200 winners; Rory’s Jester and Ha Ha. “One of the stand-out Deep Fields at Kia Ora, a very attractive colt with a great head.”

Lot 557 - bay colt by Exceed And Excel from Everage (by Zizou): second foal for a stakes winning granddaughter of the Gr.3 winner Alshandegha who was a multiple stakesproducer. “A real two year-old type; forward and strong.”

Lot 683 - chestnut filly by Exceed And Excel from Inglorious (by Hennessy): her first four dams are all stakes winners including her dam who was crowned Canadian Champion 3Y0 Filly. “Looks a real Magic Millions type, one for the big race next year.”

160 / STORY TITLE

by Kristen Manning

KIA-ORA STUD HAS BEEN PART OF AUSTRALIAN BREEDING HISTORY FOR MANY A DECADE AND CONTINUES TO PROVE A STRONG FORCE BOTH IN THE SALES RING AND ON THE TRACK.

Which particular yearling in recent years gave you the most pleasant surprise with the sale price and what did you put it down to afterwards?

“Coral Coast selling for $360,000 in 2016. Her brother was the highest priced So You Think the year before and it was great to maintain a high level of sale success for the mare. The So You Thinks were still pretty hot and it was a great price for a filly.”

How has technology affected and influenced your business?

Lot 332 - bay filly by Fastnet Rock from Alberton Park (by Thorn Park): son of a Listed winner whose first two foals are both winners. Grandam is the dual Group winner Alberton Star, dam of the Group Three mare Lady Alberton.

“A stunning, quality filly with a great walk and disposition.”

“It has had an affect on our nutrition programmes and pasture analysis which has led to us feeding and looking after our horses in a very similar way as is done in America.”

Lot 508 - chestnut colt by More Than Ready from Decelerator (by Dehere): out of an imported Group Three and two times Listed winner whose first to race is the promising South African filly Nafaayes. “A lovely, short-coupled, fast looking colt.”

“I have two very young children (a 31/2 year old daughter and a 7 week old son) so I spend a lot of time playing, painting and having my nails done by my daughter!”

Lot 645 - brown colt by More Than Ready from Heart Ashley (by Lion Heart): halfbrother to the Group Three placed dual city winner Ameristralia out of an imported Group Three winner whose Group Three winning half-sister Ashley’s Kitty is the dam of one of Kia Ora’s Magic Millions Deep Field colts. “A well balanced colt who is thriving through his preparation.”

What was the worst job you’ve ever had?

Lot 383 - bay colt by Sebring from Banc de Fortune (by Galileo): his Listed winning dam has produced three winners including the Listed winner Eagle Island.

Grandam is the dual Group One winner Danendri. “A great type with balance who is going to prep very well.”

Lot 272 - grey filly by Sebring from Villa Verde (by Not A Single Doubt): second foal for a classy speedster, winner of the Challenge Stakes-Gr.2, 1000m, the Debutant Stakes-Listed, 1000m and the Ottawa Stakes-Listed, 1000m. “An absolute standout, a stunning filly with a great head and hindquarters; one of the best Sebrings I’ve seen.”

When you’re not working how do you like to spend your time?

“Track work! I worked for a great guy but I was studying at the time and I can’t say that those 3am starts were the highlights of my working life!” l

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire

Dam

32

B./Br.

C Snitzel (AUS)

Pure Fun (USA)

84

B.

F So You Think (NZ)

Rupavari (AUS)

272 Gr.

F Sebring (AUS)

Villa Verde (AUS)

Lot 32 - bay/brown colt by Snitzel from Pure Fun (by Pure Prize): second and sadly final foal for an imported Group One winner whose first foal, the yet to be raced Revelment, fetched $650,000 in 2017. “A quality colt with a fantastic head, he is a well balanced athlete.”

322 B.

C I Am Invincible (AUS)

Adaline (AUS)

332 B.

F Fastnet Rock (AUS)

Alberton Park (NZ)

370 Ch.

C Deep Field (AUS)

Ashley’s Kitty (USA)

383 B.

C Sebring (AUS)

Banc de Fortune (AUS)

Lot 84 - bay filly by So You Think from Rupavari (by Redoute’s Choice): first foal for a winning daughter of the NZ 2000 Guineas-Gr.1, 1600m heroine Clean Sweep from the family of Group One winners Habibti, Gal In A Ruckus and Soft Falling Rain. “Just a fantastic first foal who is maturing beautifully.”

454 B.

C Deep Field (AUS)

Chik Chik Boom (AUS)

508 Ch.

C More Than Ready (USA)

Decelerator (USA)

557 B.

C Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Everage (AUS)

Lot 322 - bay colt by I Am Invincible from Adaline (by Court Of Jewels): his Group Two winning dam has already produced the metropolitan winners Encosta Line and Sweet Adaline. “A nice, neat, short coupled, strong colt.”

645 Br.

C More Than Ready (USA)

Heart Ashley (USA)

683 Ch.

F Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Inglorious (CAN)

703 Br.

F Zoustar (AUS)

Juggles (AUS)

Lot 768 - black/brown filly by Pride of Dubai from Mae Gone West (by Gone West): dam is an imported 3/4 sister to dual Group One winner Grand Slam and halfsister to the Listed winner Lancelot du Lac. “A nicely balanced filly who has a beautiful, rich, dark coat; she is lovely.”

Lot 703 - brown filly by Zoustar from Juggles (by Rock Of Gibraltar): dam is out of the wonderful broodmare Demanding, dam of the stakes winners Washington Heights, Supply And Demand, Spacecraft and Phenomenons. “A very nice filly with a fantastic walk.”

768 Br./Blk. F Pride of Dubai (AUS)

Mae Gone West (USA)

www.kiaorastud.com 02 6543 7105 Alex Kingston: 0447 264 718 alex@kiaoraestates.com.au Scone, NSW

2019 / 161

LIME COUNTRY

2019 vendor

Lime Country Thoroughbreds will present their second Australian crop at the 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Jo and Greg Griffin took on the huge challenge of moving from the Hawkes Bay region of New Zealand to run their Southern Highlands base on the property previously known as Think Big Stud.

2018 Gr.1 NZ One Thousand Guineas winner Media Sensation is a graduate of their final draft out of New Zealand, while other Lime Country graduates include Singapore Gold Cup winner Bahana, stakes winner Fascination Street, and 2016/17 Hong Kong Champion Griffin Premiere.

Bluebloods spoke to proprietor, Jo Griffin, about their Magic Millions Gold Coast draft for 2019.

What can buyers expect from your 2019 MMGC draft?

Super sexy sires. Sires that are current, exciting and can do the job at the top end for a start.

Lime Country has ten yearlings by proven sires, led by two yearling fillies by Media Sensation’s sire, I Am Invincible. Lot 433 is the second foal of the speedy Listed winning two-year-old Cailin Miss, from a good running family, while Lot 427 is out of Bugaboo, a young winning half-sister to group winners Teamgeist and Barbaro. A Written Tycoon colt (Lot 466) is from Climatic who is a stakes placed winner descending from the stallion producing Redoute’s Choice family of Best In Show.

Climatic’s first two foals are winners.

162 / STORY TITLE

by Renée Geelen

AFTER THE BRILLIANT PERFORMANCES OF SUNLIGHT RECENTLY, ZOUSTAR HAS STAMPED HIMSELF AS ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST EXCITING YOUNG SIRES. LIME COUNTRY HAVE TWO FILLIES BY ZOUSTAR ON OFFER...

After the brilliant performances of Sunlight recently, Zoustar has stamped himself as one of Australia’s most exciting young sires. Lime Country have two fillies by Zoustar on offer, highlighted by Lot 565, the first foal of Gr.3 winner Fancy Feet. A half-sister to Gr.3 placed winner Intriguing Lady, from winning mare Pleats, will go through the ring as Lot 18.

Smart Missile is the sire of sensational Gr.1 Spring Champion S winner Maid Of Heaven, the brilliant Smart Melody and high class winners every single week, and Lime Country will present two yearlings by him. Lot 517 is a colt from stakes placed winner Devils Arcade from the family of Singapore Champion Miler, Better Than Ever, while Lot 65 is a filly who is the first foal of winning Sebring mare Ring Da Belle, a half-sister to stakes winners Karacatis, and Shamillion.

Hinchinbrook’s yearling filly, Lot 885, is the second foal of Gr.1 placed winning mare Our Miss Jones, herself a full sister to stakes winner Marianne, from the family of Dylan’s Promise. Another current leading commercial sire is Not a Single Doubt, and his filly, Lot 726, is out of La Flourescent, a General Nediym half-sister to group winners Savvy Nature, and Addictive Nature. NZ Gr.1 winner Hasahalo is also related to Lot 726. A half-brother to Listed winner Georgette Silk is Lot 364, and this colt by Nicconi comes from the same family as Charge Forward, Sydney’s Dream, and Donna Natalia.

We have some top end type yearlings by up and coming young sires, including two fillies by exciting sprinter Deep Field. The first foal of stakes winning sprinter, Cool Trade, is a filly, Lot 473, who gets a double dose of speed from her sire and dam, while the other Deep Field filly, Lot 354, is from two-year-old winner Anjea, from the family of Vanbrugh, Sportsman, Prisoner of Love, Hoystar, and King of Prussia. Fellow freshman sire Brazen Beau is represented by a colt, Lot 544, who is the first foal of winning mare Elegant Machine, a half-sister to stakes winner Astronomia.

How has technology and IT affected and influenced your business?

The impact of Social Media and the new demands and opportunities it presents for business today is something we never foresaw ten years ago. It is time consuming, but it allows a direct and immediate channel of communication with a huge range of people from owners and clients to prospective staff and the media. As a medium sized operation, we need to be innovative and authentic with the way we use it to maximise opportunities and minimise what can very expensive from a labour perspective. This year we introduced some new services for clients of yearlings and foals on farm which are technology based which we have had great feedback on from clients.

If you could spend a day in someone else’s shoes, whose would they be and why?

Blake Lively because of her fabulous wardrobe, killer shoes, gorgeous husband and a great rack. So far, I’m on track with the husband part at least…

What’s the first career you dreamed of having as a kid?

No recollection but no doubt it was something to do with horses.

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

18

B.

F

Zoustar (AUS)

Pleats (FR)

65

B.

F

Smart Missile (AUS)

Ring da Belle (AUS)

216 B.

C

Headwater (AUS)

The Carnival (AUS)

354 Ch.

F

Deep Field (AUS)

Anjea (AUS)

364 B.

C

Nicconi (AUS)

Apparel (AUS)

427 B.

F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Bugaboo (ARG)

433 Br.

F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Cailin Miss (AUS)

466 Br.

C

Written Tycoon (AUS)

Climatic (AUS)

469 B.

F

Super One (AUS)

Concealment (AUS)

473 B.

F

Deep Field (AUS)

Cool Trade (AUS)

Singapore Champion 2YO Super One has a filly from his first crop in Lime Country’s draft, Lot 469. She is the first foal of winning mare Concealment, who is a half-sister to Hong Kong Classic Mile winner Self Flit. Fellow first season sire, Exosphere, is represented by Lot 757, a colt from winning mare Love Her Madly, a half-sister to stakes winner Amphitrite, dam of stakes winner Holy Blade. This is the Allez Wonder family.

517 B.

C

Smart Missile (AUS)

Devils Arcade (AUS)

544 B.

C

Brazen Beau (AUS)

Elegant Machine (NZ)

565 B.

F

Zoustar (AUS)

Fancy Feet (AUS)

690 Ch.

C

Pride of Dubai (AUS)

Irish Pipedream (AUS)

725 Ch.

C

Pride of Dubai (AUS)

La Dolce Diva (AUS)

726 Ch.

F

Not a Single Doubt (AUS) La Fluorescent (NZ)

Two colts by Gr.1 winner and first season sire Pride of Dubai round out the Lime Country draft. Lot 690 is out of Irish Pipedream, a half-sister to Rain Drum, and Snitzel Spirit, from the Bentley Biscuit branch of the Denise’s Joy family. Leaving a beautiful pedigree for last, Lot 725, is a half-brother to stakes placed Touch of Mink, out of La Dolce Diva, a daughter of triple Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva, herself a half-sister to three other stakes winners.

757 Blk/G. C

Exosphere (AUS)

Love Her Madly (AUS)

777 B.

C

Headwater (AUS)

Magondo (AUS)

885 B.

F

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Our Miss Jones (NZ)

Headwater’s first crop are yearlings, and judges will want to inspect Lime Country’s two colts by the young sire. Lot 777 is the second foal of winning mare Magondo, a daughter of stakes winner Magdalena, and closely related to Champion 2YO Filly in South Africa, Entisaar. Out of young mare, The Carnival, Lot 216, is a well related colt from the family of group winners Shelbourne Lass, Elusive Touch, and Temper Tantrum.

What do you like best about selling at the Gold Coast?

Probably the same as everyone else - it’s a mix of the quality of the stock, the intense vibe of the first sale of the year, the socialising that goes on after hours in and around Broadbeach, along with catching everyone from staff to buyers and trainers getting in amongst the waves for a freshen up early the morning after.

Pinnaroo Homestead, 43 Railway Road, Burradoo, Nsw 2576 Jo Griffin m: 0428 960 669 Greg Griffin m: 0429 002 964 e: jo@limecountry.com.au www.limecountry.com.au

2019 / 163

MILBURN CREEK 2019 vendor

John Muir’s Milburn Creek, situated in magnificent horse country at Wildes Meadow in NSW Southern Highlands has become a byword for quality. Its spacious undulating paddocks and lush pastures are home to one of the finest broodmare bands in the country as attested by the long line of elite performers that have been bred

by Milburn Creek.

Under the astute management of renowned horseman Scott Holcombe, the farm is not prepared to rest on its laurels, striving each year to present the best possible offerings among boutique vendors at Australia’s major sales. Milburn Creek’s 2019 Magic Millions draft of 10 yearlings reflects this approach, the 6 colts and 4 fillies are

by Australia’s leading commercial sires from a mouth watering lineup of broodmares that epitomize the strength of Milburn Creek’s broodmare band.

164 / STORY TITLE

by Andrew Reichard In order of entry into the ring they are as follows: Lot 104 – chestnut colt by Snitzel from Secret Admirer by Dubawi.

This colt is arguably the best bred yearling likely to be offered anywhere in the world in 2019, by multiple champion sire Snitzel from multiple Gr.1 winner and a already Group producer Secret Admirer who is by one of the world’s greatest living sires Dubawi. Secret Admirer won the Flight S and the Epsom H and had her last 10 starts in Gr.1 races, while her first to the track, Danawi (by Exceed and Excel) has already distinguished himself this season winning the Gr.3 Ming Dynasty 1400m from just six starts, establishing himself as one of the best colts of his generation.

AT MILBURN CREEK WE ARE ALWAYS STRIVING TO IMPROVE OUR PRODUCT,

BY UPGRADING THE BROODMARE BAND AND USING THE BEST PROVEN AND EMERGING SIRES. I FEEL THAT OUR 2019 MMGC DRAFT REFLECTS THIS POLICY, IT’S THE BEST I’VE EVER TAKEN TO MAGIC MILLIONS.

This colt is bred on the Snitzel/Mr Prospector broodmare cross which is one of the stallion’s best and nothing further we could write would do this pedigree full justice. A stallion prospect if ever there was one.

Choice and bred on the broad I Am Invincible/Danehill line cross which has already produced this season’s flying 2YO Espaaniyah, Overshare, Invincible Star, Eckstein and others.

Lot 259 – bay filly Snitzel-Valdemoro by Encosta de Lago. The dam Valdemoro was multiple Gr.1 placed and one of the best 3YO fillies of her year, placed 2nd in both the VRC Oaks and Vinery Stud S Gr.1. As if that wasn’t enough she is a ¾ sibling to two of the elite international gallopers of recent years in Highland Reel and Idaho. Third dam Circles of Gold won the Australian Oaks and is the dam of champions Elvstroem and Haradasun. Valdemoro is one of the jewels of the Milburn Creek broodmare band and this is a rare opportunity to buy into one of the world’s best families. To complete the package, this filly is bred on the Snitzel/ Encosta de Lago cross which has already produced the Gr.1 2YO winners Invader and Summer Passage.

Lot 797 - brown colt Exosphere-Midnight Fantasy by Commands. This is a colt from the first crop of Lonhro’s explosive son Exosphere. Who can ever forget the big brown horse’s devastating finishing sprint, and this colt is the same colour.

He is a half-brother to two winners (dam’s first two to race) from a mare by leading sire Commands out of Gr.1 winner Ancient Song. To complete the package, this colt is inbred to blue hen Eight Carat via Octagonal and Commands, with this cross having already produced spectacular results through runners such as Obsequious, Rain Affair, Washington Heights, Rainier, and Verry Elleegant just to name a few.

Lot 278 – bay filly Headwater-Vonzelle by Redoute’s Choice. This filly is by Exceed and Excel’s exciting first season sire son Headwater who was a brilliant 2YO, from a mare by leading broodmare sire Redoute’s Choice. The dam is a half-sister to dual Gr.1 winner Sudurka (Oakleigh Plate and Salinger S), a pedigree infused with the speed required for the top 2YO races such as the Magic Millions.

Lot 394 – bay or brown colt Super One-Believe ‘N Achieve by Beautiful Crown.

This colt is by super sire I Am Invincible’s Champion 2YO son Super One from the stakes producing mare Believe ‘N Achieve who comes from the family of one of Queensland’s favourite sons Chief de Beers, winner of no less than 20 races including the Doomben Ten Thousand twice. There are prolific high class winners close up everywhere in this pedigree.

Lot 442 – bay colt Vancouver-Cashla Bay by Fastnet Rock. This colt is from the eagerly awaited first crop of brilliant Golden Slipper winner Vancouver from the winning Fastnet Rock mare Cashla Bay who is a daughter of Gr.3 winner Bush Honey from the family of Gr.1 performers Shindig, Shinzig, Strada and Cobbora.

The colt is bred on one of the world’s most successful crosses that of Sadler’s Wells sires over Danehill line mares (think Frankel and Teofilo) and is the mare’s first foal.

Lot 491 – black or brown filly Written Tycoon-Cymbal by Commands. Written Tycoon has emerged as one of Australia’s elite sires in recent years and his fillies are as good as his colts with stars such as Luna Rossa, Tycoon Tara and Booker among the best. This filly is bred on the cross of Written Tycoon with sons of Danehill which is one of the stallion’s best for winner production and stakes winners. Cymbal is already a winner producer and is similarly bred to many of the best representatives of her Gr.1 family such as Holler, Yell, Sung, Anthems and Lamasery.

Lot 624 – brown colt Written Tycoon-Golden Penny by Blevic. This colt is another by the outstanding sire Written Tycoon whose colts include Golden Slipper winner Capitalist, Music Magnate, Written By, Winning Rupert and Rich Enuff who were all sired off the stallion’s early low fee base. Here is a colt from a stakes winning mare who won 8 races and $349K being Gr.3 placed also. She is by Scenic’s successful sire son Blevic who is also the broodmare sire of Magic Millions and Golden Slipper winning colt Phelan Ready. A real 2YO pedigree.

Lot 762 - bay colt I Am Invincible-Luluoru by Redoute’s Choice. This colt is an early September foal by sire sensation I Am Invincible whos 2YOs just keep winning and with stock coming through out of better mares as his service fee increased on the back of spectacular early results, the trend is sure to continue. This is just the second foal of a mare by Australia’s best young broodmare sire Redoute’s

Lot 903 – brown filly Sebring-Arabian Beauty by Shamardal. This filly is the second foal of a winning mare by the leading international sire Shamardal from a prolific stakes winning family. She is by leading sire Sebring whose fillies are as good as his colts and include current Gr.1 winners Amphitrite, Egg Tart and Bring Me The Maid. Shamardal is an emerging young broodmare sire whose daughters have already produced four Gr.1 winners including Latrobe.

We left the last word to Scott Holcombe: “ At Milburn Creek we are always striving to improve our product, by upgrading the broodmare band and using the best proven and emerging sires. I feel that our 2019 MMGC draft reflects this policy, it’s the best I’ve ever taken to Magic Millions. Buyers can inspect our yearlings with confidence and we are offering colts and fillies out of our best mares at this sale.

I look forward to meeting all our regular clients and hopefully some new ones at the Gold Coast in January”. l

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

104 Ch. C

Snitzel (AUS)

Secret Admirer (AUS)

259 B.

F

Snitzel (AUS)

Valdemoro (AUS)

278 B.

F

Headwater (AUS)

Vonzelle (AUS)

394 B./Br. C

Super One (AUS)

Believe ‘n Achieve (AUS)

442 B.

Vancouver (AUS)

Cashla Bay (AUS)

491 Br./Blk.F

Written Tycoon (AUS)

Cymbal (AUS)

624 Br.

C

Written Tycoon (AUS)

Golden Penny (AUS)

762 B.

C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Luluoru (AUS)

797 Br.

C

Exosphere (AUS)

Midnight Fantasy (AUS)

903 Br.

F

Sebring (AUS)

Arabian Beauty (AUS)

C

www.milburncreek.com.au John Muir: 0418 232546 Scott Holcombe 0452 213 762 Scott.H@Milburncreek.com.au Wildes Meadow, NSW

2019 / 165

MILL PARK STUD 2019 vendor

It’s hardly surprising that buyers have noticed the consistency of Mill Park’s racetrack results – one only needs to go to their website to see the list of stakes winners from the farm. So many, in fact, that they might need a bigger website soon.

Already, their 2017 draft (early three year-olds) has produced stakes winner Mickey Blue Eyes, while other graduates of the Magic Millions drafts include All Too Huiying, Guard of Honour, Modern Wonder, and Notonyourlife. The Gr.1 honour roll from Mill Park is extensive, including Caulfield Cup winner Fawkner, Go Indy Go, Happy Trails, Captain Sonador, Devil Moon, Gold Guru, Mummify, Princess Coup, Rebel Raider, Southern Speed, Undoubtedly, Divine Madonna, and several others.

166 / STORY TITLE

by Renée Geelen

THE FIELDS OF MILL PARK CONTINUE TO PRODUCE QUALITY RACEHORSES, AND THEIR MAGIC MILLIONS DRAFTS ARE ALWAYS SOUGHT AFTER BY BUYERS FOR THIS VERY REASON.

Bluebloods spoke to Chris Watson about their 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast draft.

What can buyers expect from your 2019 MMGC draft?

We are once again bringing a high quality draft to the Gold Coast. We haven’t entirely focused on “speed based” types but are certainly bringing forward, precocious yearlings for sale. We are bringing a pedigree and type to suit a wide range of buyers and I think most inspectors of the Mill Park draft will hopefully be happy to try and take one home with them!

Buyers will have nine yearlings from Mill Park to fight over, headlined by a full sister to Modern Wonder (Snitzel – Elusive Wonder). Another filly of note is the Not A Single Doubt who is the second foal of stakes winner Hussy By Choice.

The ‘Discreet’ family has done well for Mill Park, and in 2019 at Magic Millions, they offer a colt by Brazen Beau from Gr.3 winner Just Discreet, herself a half sister to Gr.1 winner Maybe Discreet.

Gr.2 placed Snitzel mare, Moreau, is represented by a Hinchinbrook colt, and this is the quality family of Arazi, and Japanese stakes horses Meisho Qualia, and Vril.

Tough five race city winner Sensualism (by Commands) has an I Am Invincible filly on offer, and Sensualism is a half-sister to stakes winner Liesele, and Loved Up. This is a tough, sound family with many multiple city winners on the page.

A pair of So You Think yearlings will appeal to many buyers with the young sire proving himself on the big stage early in his career. Out of winning mare, Tirarri, the filly is her first foal, and Tirarri is a half-sister to group winners Kebede, and Panzer Division, while the colt is from winning mare Miss Otto who is a half sister to stakes horses Miss With Attitude, and Oui Si Attitude. The draft is rounded out by a Vancouver colt out of Magic Milady, a winning daughter of Gr.2 winner Buckle My Shoe, and a Written Tycoon filly from nine race winner and stakes placed Obsidian Dragon.

What has been your biggest near miss in the Magic Million race series?

Our biggest near miss probably was in the 2017 MM Adelaide two year-old race.

Danger Deal ran a close second in the race, he was a client’s yearling we had sold and liked him enough to buy a share and race him with Leon Macdonald. We have been lucky enough to win the MM Gold Coast two year-old race with Augusta Proud and also win the MM Adelaide two year-old race with Augusta Proud and Atalanta Miss.

When you’re not working how do you like to spend your time?

Usually with the family trying to relax and enjoy the smaller things in life.

A glass of wine and a cheese platter also comes to mind!

What do you give a damn about?

The growth and longevity of the Thoroughbred Industry, winning stakes races and farm life. l

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

112 B.

F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Sensualism (AUS)

235 B.

F

So You Think (NZ)

Tirarri (AUS)

547 B.

F

Snitzel (AUS)

Elusive Wonder (AUS)

667 B.

F

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Hussy by Choice (AUS)

705 B.

C

Brazen Beau (AUS)

Just Discreet (AUS)

If you had a personal Magic Millions highlight reel, what would be on it?

771 B.

C

Vancouver (AUS)

Magic Milady (AUS)

It would contain racehorses we have sold through Magic Millions that have gone on to produce some startling results on the racetrack. Mill Park has been lucky enough to have quite a few highlights sell at Magic Millions over the years. Some of my personal favourites have been Captain Sonador winning the Gr.1 Epsom Handicap, one of the toughest horses I have seen race. Divine Madonna winning the Gr.1 Emirates Stakes and the Gr.1 Myer Classic with an amazing turn of foot.

Finally, Happy Trails and what an evergreen horse he was, racing at the age of eight and still at the highest level. His win in the Gr.1 Turnbull Stakes is a favourite of mine.

819 B.

C

So You Think (NZ)

Miss Otto (AUS)

833 B.

C

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Moreau (AUS)

870 B.

F

Written Tycoon (AUS)

Obsidian Dragon (AUS)

www.millparkstud.com.au 08 8575 6033 Chris Watson: 0417 838 489 Meningie, SA

2019 / 167

MURRULLA STUD 2019 vendor

Speciliazing in select yearling sale drafts that offer the option of expertly prepared youngsters by a variety of proven and up-and-coming stallion, Murrulla Stud heads towards the 2019 Magic Millions with a lovely group of horses...

LOT 185 - bay colt by I Am Invincible from Australian Champion 3YO filly, NSW Horse of the Year and quadruple Gr1 winner Streama (by Stratum): third foal (her first two fetched $240,000 and $500,000) for a wonderful race mare whose ten victories all came at stakes level with her career highlights including success in the Flight Stakes-Gr.1, 1600m, the ATC Oaks-Gr.1, 2400m, the George Main Stakes-Gr.1, 1600m and the Doomben Cup-Gr.1, 2000m. Like his sire’s Group Three winners Houtzen and Overshare, this fellow boasts a cross of the Golden Slipper-Gr.1, 1200m winning highly successful stallion Canny Lad and he can boast amongst his relations the durable four times Group winner Decision Time. “He is an outstanding colt by a champion sire out of a champion mare,” Murulla’s Tim Nolan said.

168 / STORY TITLE

by Kristen Manning

Triple Gr1 winner Streama has her third foal, a magnificent I Am Invincible colt in Murrulla’s 2019 MMGC offering.

SITUATED AT WINGEN, JUST 18KM NORTH OF SCONE, MURRULLA STUD HAS BEEN UNDER THE CARE OF TIM AND CELIE NOLAN SINCE 2008 AND SINCE THAT TIME THEY HAVE ENJOYED A STEADY STREAM OF SUCCESSFUL SALES. LOT 316 - bay colt by Mossman from Absolutelyanything (by Al Maher): hailing from the final full crop of one of Australia’s most reliable stallions (70.6% winnersto-runners), this lovely first foal is out of a metropolitan winner whose dam is a sister to the dual Group One winner Dash For Cash. Group Two winners Rubidium and Perignon also come from this family as does the recent Cranbourne Cup-Listed, 2025m winner Octabello. Boasts a cross of the great Nijinsky II as do 11 of his sire’s stakes winners including the Golden Slipper heroine Mossfun.

LOT 536 - brown filly by I Am Invincible from Dwindle (by Commands): dam is a three times winning half-sister to the Pago Pago Stakes-Gr.2,1200m winner Tarquin from an exceptionally strong branch of the prolific Pretty Polly family; one that has produced the Group One gallopers Fantastic Light, Hi Dubai, Key To The Moon, Gorgeous, Music Show, Swift Temper, Seaside Attraction, Cape Town, Desert Lord, Alpha, Flashing, Swain and Your Song. “She is a beautiful, precocious looking filly.”

LOT 963 - bay colt by Dawn Approach from Fasuka (by Fastnet Rock): a precocious colt out of a two times winner by a champion stallion who is already doing the job as a broodmare sire with 13 stakes winners. Fastnet Rock has done a terrific job with Galileo mares (seven of his Group One winners bred this way) and the opposite cross at work here looks exciting. This colt hails from an outstanding European family whose members include the Group winners Capri, Diamond Mix, Diaslixia, Diamond Dance, Diamond Tango, Desert Skyline, Diamilina, Cypress Creek, Diamond Green and Diamonixa as well as the Geelong Cup-Gr.3, 2406m winning Melbourne Cup-Gr.1, 3200m runner-up Bauer.

LOT 1021 - bay colt by Wandjina from Luminosity (by Starcraft): half-brother to the dual city winner Star Stealer out of a daughter of the imported stakes placed Machiavellian mare Shine On Me (noting that there have been only 11 runners with this Snitzel/Machiavellian combination and two of them are stakes winners including the Group One galloper Summer Passage) from the family of big race winners Contributer and Shaka. He is a big, scopey horse with plenty of improvement to come.”

LOT 1030 - bay colt by Dream Ahead from Mean Louise (by Stratum): first foal for a 3/4 sister to Streama by a stallion who has quietly been doing a good job in the southern hemisphere with five stakes winners and ten stakes placegetters from his first few crops. Of his 20 stakes winners, 11 (including the French Group One winner Al Wukair) are line-bred to Danzig as is this fellow 5mx5m. “A nice colt with a pedigree to match.”

Situated at Wingen, just 18km north of Scone, Murrulla Stud has been under the care of Tim and Celie Nolan since 2008 and since that time they have enjoyed a steady stream of successful sales.

Recent highlights include last year’s Magic Millions with Streama’s Pierro filly sold to the Waterhouse/Bott stable for $500,000; alongside a $180,000 Dissident My Five Eightyate filly; an excellent effort from a draft of just five horses.

What can buyers expect from your 2019 MMGC draft?

“Plenty of quality.”

If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?

“We would loved to have been at Moonee Valley for Winx’s fourth Cox Plate.”

Apart from the yearling sale, what do you like most about the Gold Coast?

“It is a great time for catch up with family and friends.”

What energises you and brings you excitement?

“My family.”l

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

185 B.

C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Streama (AUS)

316 B.

C

Mossman (AUS)

Absolutelyanything (AUS)

536 Br.

F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Dwindle (AUS)

963 B.

C

Dawn Approach (IRE)

Fasuka (AUS)

1021 B.

C

Wandjina (AUS)

Luminosity (AUS)

1030 B.

C

Dream Ahead (USA)

Mean Louise (AUS)

www.murrullastud.com.au Tim Nolan: 0417 140 712 | Celie Nolan: 0400 301 797 Wingen, NSW

2019 / 169

MUSK CREEK FARM 2019 vendor

Those inspecting their draft the year before have also fared well with Musk Creek selling several winners including Dundeel’s first Group winner Irukandji.

by Warren Wruck

Farm Manager Scott Williamson has been busy in the lead up to another big sale and is looking forward to getting back up to the Gold Coast.

What can buyers expect from your 2019 MMGC draft?

We are presenting a nice, even bunch of well conformed yearlings with great pedigrees. We try not to do too much with our youngsters so trainers have plenty to go on with when they get the horses home in preparation for two-year-old racing.

What do you like best about selling at the Gold Coast?

It is always a good buying bench and, being the first sale of the year, a great atmosphere. The Gold Coast has that party vibe to it and buyers and vendors alike enjoy that.

Williamson took us through the Musk Creek draft...

170 / STORY TITLE

photo: Maggie Li

Rebecca Williamson Photography

ALREADY MUSK CREEK’S 2018 MAGIC MILLIONS DRAFT HAS STRUCK GOLD WITH THE FIRST TO RACE FROM A GROUP THAT SOLD FOR UP TO $475,000 BEING UNITE AND CONQUER; WINNER IN EARLY OCTOBER OF THE MARIBYRNONG TRIAL-LISTED, 1000M. Lot 399 - Chestnut filly by Sebring from Bellissima Miss (by Zabeel): first foal for a daughter of Waikato International Stakes-Gr.1, 2000m winner Veloce Bella.

“She is such an impressive first foal that we repeated the mating this year; she has a lot of quality.”

Lot 1025 - Black colt by Fighting Sun from Madoni (by Lonhro): hailing from the prolific Cotehele House branch of the Eight Carat family, he is out of a half-sister to the dam of this year’s stakes winner She’s So High. “An athletic colt from a great family. A great walker with a lot of Lonhro about him.”

Lot 412 - Brown colt by Spirit Of Boom from Boomalicious (by Red Dazzler): brother to the promising Boomtown Lass out of a city winner from the family of recent Toorak Handicap-Gr.1, 1600m winner Land Of Plenty. “He is a very athletic, good sized, strong boned colt.”

What are the main factors you take into account when planning matings?

Lot 519 - Brown filly by Pride Of Dubai from Footprint (by Redoute’s Choice): dam is a half-sister to the stakes winners Marching and Gait out of a half-sister to the Stradbroke Handicap-Gr.1, 1400m winner Crawl and the dam of Trapeze Artist.

“She has got a lot of quality and an effortless walk; she is our best walker and I’d say she’d be right up there with the best of them at the sales.”

What was your first job?

Lot 606 - Bay/brown filly by Real Impact from Fustaan (by Ekraar): boasting crosses of the excellent mares Nothirdchance and Pocahontas, she is out of a halfsister to dual Group Three winner Sharnee Rose from the prolific Easy Date family.

“She has been the big improver of our draft; a filly with great bone and substance and a lot of presence. She is a very good representative of her first season sire.”

Lot 629 - Bay filly by Vancouver from Grand Excess (by Exceed And Excel): out of a winning daughter of Grand Archway, four times Group One winning dam of stakes winners Stand Tall and Seul Amour. “She is an out-and-out two year-old type who will be keenly sought after by those looking to target the Magic Millions race.”

Lot 674 - Brown filly by So You Think from If I Can I Can (by Iffraaj: carrying crosses of Special and Flaming Page, she is out of a stakes winner whose dam is a sister to the Listed winner Etoile du Nord, dam of triple Group Three winner Epingle.

“There is quite a lot of Iffraaj to her, she is more muscular and compact than many of the So You Thinks and looks like she will have speed.”

Obviously in Australia horses bred for precocious speed are in high demand so we gear our matings to meet that market, especially those being aimed at the Magic Millions.

My first job with horses was on a small farm near Epsom; Woodcote Stud.

For a small, 70 acre farm they have had great success breeding such horses as Kingston Hill and Poet’s Word.

If you could spend a day in someone else’s shoes, whose would they be and why?

I wouldn’t mind being in Chris Waller’s shoes at the moment, how exciting it must be to be in charge of guiding such a high class group of horses.

Who was the biggest influence in your life?

I have been fortunate enough to work under some great people and I have learned a lot for all of them, taking the best from each; people like Todd Claunch at Lane’s End, my brother Grant Williamson (now at Fasig-Tipton), Grant Burrill at Widden and Mick Talty at Edinglassie. l

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

Lot 743 - Bay colt by Vancouver from Light Touch (by Charge Forward): out of a stakes placed mare whose dam is a half-sister to the Group One mare Bonaria and the Group Three gallopers Time Out and Legally Bay, dam of Merchant Navy.

“A very athletic colt with a great attitude and a superb walk.”

125 Br./C

Lonhro (AUS)

She’s a Vamp (AUS)

279 Br./F

Street Boss (USA)

Warrington (AUS)

399 Ch./F

Sebring (AUS)

Bellissima Miss (NZ)

412 Br./C

Spirit of Boom (AUS)

Boomalicious (AUS)

Lot 125 - Brown colt by Lonhro from She’s A Vamp (by High Chaparral): first foal for a sister to Group Three winner Sacred Eye and 3/4 sister to dual Group Three winner Tulip. Carrying crosses of Special, Lalun and Natalma, he hails from the prolific Fanfreluche family. “He is typical of the Lonhro breed, he has a lot of quality and looks more a miler/Classic type. He has a lot of class with the pedigree to back it up.”

591 Br./F

Pride of Dubai (AUS)

Footprint (AUS)

606 B. or Br./F

Real Impact (JPN)

Fustaan (AUS)

629 B./F

Vancouver (AUS)

Grand Excess (AUS)

674 Br./F

So You Think (NZ)

If I Can I Can (NZ)

743 B./C

Vancouver (AUS)

Light Touch (AUS)

1025 Blk./C

Fighting Sun (AUS)

Madoni (AUS)

Lot 279 - Brown filly by Street Boss from Warrington (by Fastnet Rock): first foal for a winner whose first four dams are stakes winners; the Listed winner Pardon, the Group One winner Furlough, the dual Group Two winner Blitey and the triple Group One winner Lady Pitt. “A strong, precocious first foal with a lot of strength; she looks an early type.”

www.muskcreekfarm.com.au Scott Williamson: 0438 398 679 Flinders, Victoria

2019 / 171

NEWHAVEN PARK 2019 vendor

What can buyers expect from your 2019 MMGC draft?

We believe we have a lovely draft of yearlings for the Gold Coast this January. The draft is by a range of proven and successful sires such as Exceed And Excel, Redoute’s Choice, Written Tycoon, as well as by some of the exciting young stallions on the rosters like Zoustar, Dissident and Rich Enuff. They are out of some lovely mares, some being from long lines of Newhaven bred families, as well as featuring some internationally bred mares, from South Africa, Ireland, New Zealand and America.

The American bred mares boast a great track record in the Southern Hemisphere, producing numerous Group 1 winners in Australia such as Russian Revolution, Foxplay, Delectation, Foxwedge, Northern Meteor, so we hope that these young stars will be well received by the market.

by Katherine Sheridan

Goodfella

Zac Kasa

172 / STORY TITLE

Performer

THE DRAFT IS MADE UP OF A GOOD RANGE OF YOUNG STOCK BY PROVEN AND SUCCESSFUL SIRES. To highlight a few from the draft: We have a beautiful colt by Redoute’s Choice out of Aware, a Tale of The Cat daughter of the Group 2-winning, Group 1 placed mare Media.

2019 draft Lot Col/ Sex Sire

Dam

36

B.

C Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Puzzle (AUS)

45

Ch.

C Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Rahy Storm (USA)

We have a Not A Single Doubt colt who is the second foal for the dual-winning American bred mare Rahy Storm, a three-quarter-sister to Rahy’s Appeal and an American Group 2-winner and Group 1 placed.

77

B.

Another colt is the Exceed And Excel colt out of Viadana (NZ), who is a dual Group 1 winner by Towkay. He is the second foal out of this mare. He is a lovely colt and has a great temperament.

F Written Tycoon (AUS)

Rosie Rocket (AUS)

129 B.

F Snitzel (AUS)

Shibboleth (AUS)

144 B.

C Rubick (AUS)

Snake Mary (AUS)

We have a lovely colt by Written Tycoon out of Not A Single Doubt mare Doubtfilly, a listed winner and stakes placed mare, with 3 of her 6 wins earned as a 2YO. We really like this colt and I think the buyers will too.

211 Br.

F More Than Ready (USA)

Tender (AUS)

268 B.

C Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Via Africa (SAF)

269 B.

C Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Viadana (NZ)

There is another Exceed And Excel colt who is the second foal out of the 1200m-winning Shamardal mare Puzzle, a half-sister to Newhaven’s dual Group One winner and Champion 2YO and 3YO filly English. He has a great presence about him and looks like he will be the type to get up early and run.

274 B.

C Star Witness (AUS)

Vintage Strike (USA)

302 B.

F Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Zabeel Babe (NZ)

366 B.

C Pierro (AUS)

Approve (AUS)

374 B.

C Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Aware (AUS)

Amongst the girls, and also keeping it in the family with this one, we have a lovely filly by Snitzel out of Shibboleth who is an Encosta de Lago ¾ sister to English.

We think she will be popular.

406 Br./Blk. C More Than Ready (USA)

Black Prada (AUS)

431 Ch.

F Sebring (AUS)

Cadazzle (USA)

Another impressive filly is the Not A Single Doubt filly out of Zabeel Babe, a winning daughter of Zabeel, out of the Champion Staying mare Honor Babe, a winner of the Group 1 Sydney Cup.

530 B.

C Written Tycoon (AUS)

Doubtfilly (AUS)

538 B.

F Vancouver (AUS)

Ehtifaal (AUS)

575 B.

F Written Tycoon (AUS)

Fiction (NZ)

We also have a very nice Written Tycoon filly out of Movie. She is a half-sister to the tough young Listed winner Goodfella, who placed 2nd in the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas in 2018 and was 4th in the 2YO Classic the previous year.

578 B.

C Dissident (AUS)

Firenza (AUS)

639 Ch.

F Choisir (AUS)

Hades (AUS)

650 Br.

F Pride of Dubai (AUS)

Herstory (AUS)

655 Ch.

C Zoustar (AUS)

Hoist (AUS)

Which particular yearling in recent years gave you the most pleasant surprise with the sale price and what did you put it down to afterwards?

661 B.

F Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Honor Net (NZ)

741 Br./Blk. C Rich Enuff (AUS)

Licorice Stick (AUS)

We get a pleasant surprise when we sell every yearling at the sales. The market is so competitive, it is always a thrill just to get them sold.

792 B.

F Pierro (AUS)

Merrier (AUS)

835 Ch.

C Written Tycoon (AUS)

Morning Swim (AUS)

What are the main factors you consider when planning matings?

840 B.

F Written Tycoon (AUS)

Movie (AUS)

Although it warrants recognition, we do not strictly follow the old maxim of just ‘breeding the best with the best’ and expecting the best. We spend a significant amount of time, after the yearling’s sales are over, examining pedigrees and looking for ‘nicks that click’. We like to use the proven stallions where we have had success in the past but also look to support the newcomers each year.

848 B.

C Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Mystically (USA)

901 B.

F Choisir (AUS)

Always (AUS)

911 B.

C Delago Deluxe (AUS)

Avail (AUS)

1029 B.

C Dream Ahead (USA)

Maxi Dress (IRE)

1118 B.

C Deep Field (AUS)

Words are Weapons (AUS)

Of the draft of 31 yearlings, we feel that there will be something there for everyone.

What was your first job?

I inevitably began working at home at Newhaven Park from a young age but my first ‘real’ job was at Maneroo Station at Longreach, Central QLD where I spent twelve months working for the Australian Agricultural Company as a Jackaroo.

What is your hidden talent?

I am not sure… you would have to ask my wife!

l

www.newhavenpark.com.au Office: 02 6385 8335 John Kelly: 0412 654 620 email: newhavenpark@bigpond.com Boorowa, SW

2019 / 173

RHEINWOOD PASTORAL CO. 2019 vendor

The Rheinwood Pastoral honour roll also boasts Gr.1 winners Final Fantasy (Epsom Handicap) and Arkady (Ranvet Stakes). Bluebloods spoke to Kirsty Willis, the Operations Manager at Rheinwood Pastoral about their draft of seven yearlings for the Magic Millions 2019 Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

What can buyers expect from your 2019 MMGC draft?

We cannot wait to arrive on the Gold Coast for the 2019 Magic Millions Sale and the Rheinwood draft of yearlings should not be missed! Due to some unfortunate circumstances we haven’t had horses on the coast for two years BUT this draft makes all that heartbreak worthwhile. These horses are the best yearlings we have ever prepared for a sale, they are a very exciting draft for our small farm, we couldn’t be prouder to show them off to everyone!

174 / STORY TITLE

by Renée Geelen

.

RHEINWOOD PASTORAL PRIDES THEMSELVES ON THE CALIBRE OF THEIR HORSES, AND WITH GRADUATES LIKE DUAL GR.1 WINNER ALBERT THE FAT, GR.2 KARRAKATTA PLATE WINNER LUKE’S LUCK, STAKES WINNER UNCHAIN MY HEART, AND STAKES PLACED LAHQA COMING OFF THEIR PROPERTY IN RECENT YEARS, THEIR ATTENTION TO DETAIL CONTINUES TO PAY OFF ON THE RACETRACK. I Am Invincible has quickly become a sire on everyone’s must see list, and Rheinwood will present a filly from winning mare Electric Charge. Lot 543 is the mare’s second foal, and Electric Charge is well related, being a half-sister to group winner Miss Darcey, and out of stakes winner Miss Bussell. Miss Bussell is herself a daughter of Gr.1 winner Lurestina, and this is the family of Hurried Choice. Most significantly, Charge Forward is establishing himself as an exceptional broodmare sire being responsible for the dams of the two most recent Golden Slipper winners Estijaab and She Will Reign as well as the dam of Magic Millions 2YO and Coolmore S Gr.1 winner Sunlight.

A half-brother to stakes winning two-year-old Let Me Sleep On It by Gr.1 sire All Too Hard has a precocious family. Lot 453 is out Cheyenne Sue, a half-sister to Gr.1 winner Headway, who was also second in the Gr.1 Golden Slipper. This yearling colt is Cheyenne Sue’s second foal after Let Me Sleep On It. Rheinwood Pastoral has two colts by first season sires among their seven yearlings at Magic Millions 2019. By Vinery’s Gr.2 winner Headwater, Lot 123 is the second foal of She Has Arrived, a half-sister to stakes winner Best Yet To Come.

Lot 779 is by Gr.1 winner Kermadec from young winning mare Majestic Faith, who is a half-sister to stakes winner Black Minx (dam of So Si Bon), and is out of Gr.2 winner Faith Hill.

Proven sire Smart Missile, sire of 2018 Gr.1 Spring Champion Stakes winner Maid of Heaven, is represented in Rheinwood Pastoral’s draft by a colt, Lot 917, who is the first live foal of winning mare Berrichon. Berrichon is a daughter of stakes placed winner Segolene, herself a half-sister to Quidnunc.

Lot 1057 is the first foal of Poised Lady, by first season sire Super One. The Singapore Aushorse Golden Horseshoe winner, and group winner in Australia, looks exciting, and this colt is from the family of NZ Gr.1 winner Ugo Foscolo.

Rounding out the draft is Lot 1078, a colt by Deep Field, whose oldest crop are two year-olds in 2018/19, from winning Sebring mare, Sebring Angel, who is a half-sister to stakes winner Bigelow from the family of Captiva.

What are the main factors you take into account when planning matings?

Physicality, good looks of the mare and commerciality of the stallion are our main focus. We are commercial breeders, we choose our stallions based on what we determine the market will want to buy, from there we assess our mare band against these stallions and try to find them a good physical match in a stallion. Then we look to pedigree analysis and ensure that this stacks up also for the complete horse.

We select mares on type and performance. A good looking mare that could run will likely produce a good looking foal than can run!

When you’re not working how do you like to spend your time?

As we all know as thorougbred breeders free time is almost non-existent, especially during the breeding season, but obviously on the odd day off from the farm or driving a walk-on to the Hunter, I love to catch up with friends and go to the races!

What are you reading currently?

Funnily enough I am reading the “Barefoot Investor” by Scott Pape. What I’m learning is this guy clearly doesn’t have any racehorses or broodmares!

I’m failing his program, my mojo account always has a $0 balance!

What’s the first career you dreamed of having as a kid?

I never had any desire as a kid to be involved with horses. I couldn’t wait to get to university to do my commerce/finance degree and start my career in finance. After 5 years of fooling myself I could live in the city, I backpacked around the world for a year before returning home to the farm. After six years back at Rheinwood, I have realised it is true, if you find a job you love you’ll never work a day in your life!

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

I would love to learn to fly a plane! l

BRED IN THE COLD....

HOT ON THE TRACK 2019 draft Lot Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

123 B.

C

Headwater (AUS)

She Has Arrived (AUS)

453 B.

C

All Too Hard (AUS)

Cheyenne Sue (AUS)

543 B.

F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Electric Charge (AUS)

779 B.

C

Kermadec (NZ)

Majestic Faith (AUS)

917 B.

C

Smart Missile (AUS)

Berrichon (AUS)

1057 B.

C

Super One (AUS)

Poised Lady (AUS))

1078 Ch. C

Deep Field (AUS)

Sebring Angel (AUS)

www.rheinwood.com.au Kirsty Willis 0411 866 009 Mittagong NSW

2019 / 175

RIVERSDALE 2019 vendor

Twice making his way through the sale ring; sold by Riversdale as a weanling for $240,000 and then going on to make $500,000 as a yearling , Irukandji proved his worth winning the T.L Baillieu Handicap-Gr.3, 1400m at 2, in the process becoming Dundeel’s first stakes winner.

by Michael Vincent and Kristen Manning

2017 saw Riversdale send an Epaulette filly who they are very proud to have bred and raised, through the MM ring for $150,000. Racing as Meryl she has won the B.J McLachlan Stakes-Gr.3, 1200m and the Champagne Stakes-Gr.3, 1200m with multiple Gr.3 placings at her two most recent starts at the VRC Spring Carnival making her a very valuable filly.

Meryl’s half-brother by Headwater (Lot 318) is one member of a strong 2019 draft for Riversdale, a youngster who Nick Hodges is confident will attract his share of attention.

“He is a really nice colt who is going to have plenty of admirers,” he said of the half-brother to four other winners including the stakes placed Chosen Idol and the two times stakes placed city winner Miss Idyllic.

Hodges is delighted with the strength of the draft, noting that “we have fillies and colts by a range of stallions to suit all sectors of the market. Including two

by I am Invincible, a couple by the very much in form Smart Missile, a More Than Ready and yearlings by other leading sires such as Star Witness and So You Think, as well as the younger stallions Dissident, Deep Field, Rubick and Pride Of Dubai.”

Lot 12 chestnut colt Star Witness from Pickabee (by Jet Spur): second foal for a stakes placed multiple city winning half-sister to Listed winner Emmalene from the family of the Hong Kong topliner Packing Winner.

Lot 16 chestnut filly by Olympic Glory from Pinwin (by Pins): out of a daughter of the stakes winner Bleeveka from a prolific family that has already been represented

by Magic Millions winner Catnipped.

Lot 24 brown colt by Dissident from Pretty Uncanny (by Exceedingly Good): dam is a metropolitan winning half-sister to the triple stakes winner Dubleanny and to the dam of Listed winner Seannie.

176 / STORY TITLE

MERYL winning the Gr.3 MVRC Scarborough S at Moonee Valley recently. The Epaulette filly was bred and sold by Riversdale at the 2017 Magic Millions for $150 k and has multiplied her value many times over.

Her half-brother by Headwater is in Riversdale’s 2019 MMGC offering.

Irukandji

GRADUATES OF RIVERSDALE FARM HAVE ENJOYED A GREAT YEAR WITH THE LIKES OF MAGIC MILLIONS GRADUATES IRUKANDJI AND MERYL DOING THE SCONE PROPERTY PROUD. Lot 155 brown filly by Smart Missile from Somer’s Gift (by Sebring): first foal for a half-sister to the Listed winner My Destiny and to the dam of VRC Oaks-Gr.1, 2500m winner Lasqueti Spirit.

Lot 157 bay colt by I Am Invincible from Sorel Point (by Encosta de Lago): out of a winning half-sister to the Group Three winner Offenbach and the Group One placed Glowlamp from the family of Rock Of Gibraltar and Riverman.

Lot 179 bay colt by More Than Ready from Starlevie (by Fasliyev): half-brother to the city winners Mosstar and Bastille out of a two times winning half-sister to the stakes placed Palace Glow, dam of Group Three gallopers Red Colossus and Nediym’s Glow.

Lot 252 brown filly by I Am Invincible from Umatilly (by Umatilla): city winning dam has produced five winners including the smart Hong Kong based gallopers Diamond Dragon and Forza Avanti. Relations include the big race winners Spanish Mix, Celtic Spirit, Lord Revenir and Mop. Lot 285 bay/brown colt by Pierro from We Can Dance (by Shinzig): dam is a winning half-sister to Disguise, city winning dam of four times Group One winner Appearance and the Listed winner Mascareri.

Lot 482 bay colt by Deep Field from Crimson Cash (by Lonhro): boasting a cross of his sire’s ancestress Eight Carat, he is the first foal for a son of the Group Three mare Techniques, also dam of Black Opal Stakes-Listed, 1200m winner You’re Canny.

What have been your Magic Millions highlights we asked Nick Hodges...

“I can’t beat the buzz of seeing the reaction of our clients and staff when we sell a yearling which exceeds expectations. It’s a real team effort and the pride and satisfaction a big result provides us all with is a great feeling.”

What do you enjoy about selling at the Magic Millions?

“Going to the beach in the mornings with the kids at the Gold Coast is a real luxury; it is very refreshing. The Magic Millions sale is the first sale for the year and is therefore the first time following a hectic breeding season for Jas and I to catch up with friends in the industry.”

If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

“I’d love to fly a fast jet; I don’t think there would be a greater thrill for me.

As a young fellow I had my mind set on becoming a pilot, however university along with the trappings of being a student intervened.”

What outside of racing are you doing?

“I have taken up jiu jitsu. It is non-horsey and a great outlet, even if it is one of the toughest things I’ve ever done.” l

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

12

Ch. C

Star Witness (AUS)

Pickabee (AUS)

16

Ch. F

Olympic Glory (IRE)

Pinwin (NZ)

24

Br.

C

Dissident (AUS)

Pretty Uncanny (AUS)

155 Br.

F

Smart Missile (AUS)

Somer’s Gift (AUS)

Lot 660 brown filly by Pride of Dubai from Honeysuckle Street (by Kempinsky): halfsister to the city placed Tycoon Rossa out of a daughter of Sweet Delight, Group Three winning dam of the stakes winning stallions Tycoon Ruler and Lago Delight.

157 B.

C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Sorel Point (AUS)

179 B.

C

More Than Ready (USA) Starlevie (AUS)

252 Br.

F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Umatilly (AUS)

Lot 723 bay filly by Smart Missile from Kyanne (by Domesday): first foal for a winning half-sister to three European Group Three winners; Kasthari, Kargali and Karasta.

285 B./Br. C

Pierro (AUS)

We Can Dance (AUS)

318 B.

C

Headwater (AUS)

Academy Idol (AUS)

482 B.

C

Deep Field (AUS)

Crimson Cash (AUS)

Lot 733 bay colt by Press Statement from Lago Joy (by Encosta de Lago): halfbrother to the stakes placed juvenile Grand Challenge out of a half-sister to the stakes placed My Sweet Cookie from the prolific Denise’s Joy (his fourth dam) family.

576 Br.

C

Dissident (AUS)

Fields of Freedom (AUS)

632 B.

C

Pride of Dubai (AUS)

Graskop (AUS)

Lot 923 chestnut colt by Scissor Kick from Brightlands Star (by Starcraft): dam is a winning half-sister to Goodwood Handicap-Gr.1, 1200m winner Zip Zip Aray and the Listed winner Zipanse from the family of General Nediym, Horlicks, Nicconi, Niconero, Interstellar, Brew and Military Plume.

660 Br.

F

Pride of Dubai (AUS)

Honeysuckle Street (AUS)

723 B.

F

Smart Missile (AUS)

Kyanne (AUS)

733 B.

C

Press Statement (AUS) Lago Joy (AUS)

Lot 576 brown colt by Dissident from Fields of Freedom (by Encosta de Lago): second foal for a two times winning daughter of the stakes winning juvenile Tantra from the family of Group One winners Inference and Lady Liberty.

Lot 632 bay colt by Pride of Dubai from Graskop (by Manton): dam was a city winner and stakes placed at two and she is a 3/4 sister to the Listed winning juvenile Sabie.

Lot 1039 bay filly by Dream Ahead from Momentously (by Monashee Mountain): out of a dual city winner whose dam is a half-sister to the dam of Randwick Guineas-Gr.1, 1600m hero Ilovethiscity. Family of Lonhro and Grosvenor.

Lot 1099 bay/brown colt by So You Think from Strobic (by Red Ransom): out of a half-sister to the stakes winners Agister and Readyor. Third dam is Triscay, five times Group One winning dam of Group One mare La Baraka, in turn dam of Group two winner Alizes, grandam of Group One winners Alizee and Astern.

923 Ch. C

Scissor Kick (AUS)

Brightlands Star (AUS)

1039 B.

Dream Ahead (USA)

Momentously (AUS)

So You Think (NZ)

Strobic (AUS)

F

1099 B./Br. C

www.riversdalefarm.com.au Nick and Jas Hodges Office: 02 6545 2498 Scone, NSW

2019 / 177

RUSHTON PARK THOROUGHBREDS 2019 vendor Lot 175 - bay/brown colt by Exosphere from Star Charge (by Charge Forward): second foal for a winning daughter of the stakes winner Julietiquette (dam of six other winners including the Group Three placed Juliet’s Kiss) from a strong American family.

“He is a great mover and a really nice, big strong colt who is very typical of the Exospheres we have seen; we really like them as a group.”

Lot 193 - bay colt by Dundeel from Sunset Boulevard (by Fasliyev): carrying crosses of Sadler’s Wells and his 3/4 brother Nureyev, he is a half-brother to six winners including the Group Two winner Meliora and the two times Listed winner Whypeeo.

“A running style of colt with a lot of quality and a lovely head and eye. He is very correct with a great pedigree, he ticks a lot of boxes.”

Lot 596 - bay colt by Magnus from Fortrus Dancer (by Starcraft): first foal for a three times winning half-sister to the stakes winner Just A Kiseki and Mr Trickster and to the dam of Listed winner Willi Willi from the family of speedy stakes winner Marechal.

“The best type we have prepped for quite a while, he is a really powerful colt with great strength, length and scope.”

178 / STORY TITLE

by Kristen Manning

S RUSHTON PARK THOROUGHBREDS MAKES ITS MARK AT THE YEARLING SALES EACH YEAR AND KAYLEY JOHNSON IS EXCITED ABOUT THE DRAFT BEING PREPARED FOR THE 2019 MAGIC MILLIONS...

Lot 611 - bay/brown colt by Nicconi from Garden Of Eden (by Blackfriars): brother to the promising Group Two placed three-year-old Akkadian out of a half-sister to the five times Group winner Grand Nirvana. Grandson of the Group Three mare Paradise Park, sister to dual Listed winner Hartleys Dream and half-sister to the Group Three mare La Sirenuse. A handy update to the colt’s pedigree is the QLD filly Jardin Rouge winning her last four starts in a row.

“A really lovely early style of colt, well proportioned and a great mover.”

Lot 648 - brown filly by Written Tycoon from Helping Hand (by Fusaichi Pegasus): bred on the same Written Tycoon/Fusachi Pegasus cross as Capitalist, she is out of a Flemington winning half sister to the dual Group winner No Evidence Needed.

Boasts a cross of Marscay as does Written Tycoon’s Group One daughter Tycoon Tara and his Listed winner Danger Close.

“A real racehorse, she is really easy to do anything with, she has such a great attitude; and she is a fabulous mover.”

Lot 974 - brown colt by Brazen Beau from Fly Higher (by Lonhro): half-brother to the Group Two placed multiple city winner Flying Light and the promising Lord Gladstone who impressed racing away to a 4 1/2 length maiden victory at Geelong recently.

Dam is a stakes placed half-sister to the stakes winner Turban from the family of Group One galloper Karaman.

“A really athletic colt, very strong; a real racy type.”

Rushton are also selling three on behalf of Linda Duckworth’s Fairview Park Stud for breeder Frank Cook’s Mystery Downs.

Lot 96 - bay filly by Not A Single Doubt from Satsang (by Show A Heart): bred on a 3fx3f cross of speed influence Rory’s Jester, she is out of a stakes winning mare whose first two foals are both winners. Hails from the family of Group One winner Racer’s Edge and stakes winners Skeaping, Vintedge, Youths Edge, True Steel, Special Jester and Pininci.

“She is a lovely leggy filly, good bodied with plenty of scope,” Duckworth said.

What can buyers expect from your 2019 MMGC draft?

“We’ve hand picked our draft for Magic Millions and have focused on presenting great physicals that can all move well, with a good mixture of proven and up and coming young stallions to choose from.”

Which particular yearling in recent years gave you the most pleasant surprise with the sale price Bluebloods asked Kayley Johnson...

“We always loved the Nicconi - Rhythm Beat colt, he was a lovely foal and although we expected him to fetch six figures we were very pleased when he sold for $200,000 last year. It was such a great result out of a mare we paid $19,000 for plus he has gone in to the stables of Matt Cumani and looks to be progressing well.”

How has technology and IT affected and influenced your business?

“We are very active on Facebook and Twitter and social media is an excellent platform to help promote our business. Our owners appreciate being able to have direct access to us on the phone and love getting the videos of mares and foals we take on the feed runs via What’s App.” If you had to eat one thing for every meal going forward, what would it be?

“Mexican!”

If you could work on only one project for the next year, what would it be?

“We would love a full year to have a crack at finishing renovating our house, we have been working on it for ten years now, it has been quite a lengthy project!”

If you could witness any event past, present or future, what would it be?

“Woodstock, and in racing it would’ve been great to see Phar Lap in action.” l

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex

Sire

96

Not a Single Doubt (AUS) Satsang (AUS)

B.

F

Dam

Lot 255 - bay filly by Hinchinbrook from Unimpeachable (by Bradbury’s Luck): daughter of a Group Three placed city winner whose dam Dubious Affair by Zabeel is a half-sister to the Listed winner Saucy Affair. This filly’s fifth dam is the wonderful Fanfreluche, ancestress of Encosta de Lago and Flying Spur.

175 B./Br. C

Exosphere (AUS)

Star Charge (AUS)

193 B.

C

Dundeel (NZ)

Sunset Boulevard (AUS)

255 B.

F

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Unimpeachable (AUS)

“A very speedy filly who looks like an early comer, and she has a great attitude.”

596 B.

C

Magnus (AUS)

Fortrus Dancer (AUS)

611 B./Br. C

Nicconi (AUS)

Garden of Eden (AUS)

648 Br.

F

Written Tycoon (AUS)

Helping Hand (AUS)

699 B.

C

Deep Field (AUS)

Jive Talk (AUS)

974 Br.

C

Brazen Beau (AUS)

Fly Higher (AUS)

Lot 699 - bay colt by Deep Field from Jive Talk (by Commands): out of a two times winning sister to the Group One winning stallion Holler, he boasts a 5fx3m cross of Eight Carat’s daughter Cotehele House to whom the Group winners Quilate, Fair Trade and Verry Elleegant are line-bred. Hails from a terrific Woodlands/Darley family that has produced the multiple Group One winners Yell And Anthems as well as highly successful stallion Written Tycoon.

“He is a great colt; big, strong, correct and an early coming type. He’s a gun, love him!”

David Johnson: 0408 584 777 Kayley Johnson: 0438 664 413 rushtonpark@bigpond.com

2019 / 179

SEGENHOE STUD 2019 vendor

The Fastnet Rock colt Merchant Navy was bred by Queensland based Chris and Jane Barham and was reared on the lush paddocks of Segenhoe.

The bridesmaid who turned into a bride with her win in the Group 1 Flight Stakes, Oohood, also has Segenhoe links, as she was co-reared at both Segenhoe and Coolmore.

Talented race mares and fillies Winter Bride, Granny Red Shoes, Pretty In Pink and Miss Admiration have all carried the Segenhoe Stud colours with distinction in recent times, while recent Qld Derby hero Eagle Way is another Gr.1 winner off the farm adding to a long history of success on that front.

But as good as the Group 1 feats (home and abroad) of Segenhoe-owned and raised horses have been, it’s the theme of consistency that is most important, according to Segenhoe manager Peter O’Brien.

“The biggest thing and the one we are most proud of is the consistency of the stock we have reared. We are over 90 per cent winners to horses reared and we have effectively only been selling yearlings since 2014,” O’Brien noted.

“The farm here is particularly special. The new yearling farm with all the undulating paddocks, we are seeing the benefits of that now.”

O’Brien’s view is clearly shared by buyers.

Of farms with six or more sold at the 2018 Magic Millions, Segenhoe was second, with all 19 horses offered selling at an average of $409,000.

Segenhoe’s yearling graduates have been quick out of the blocks in the new season.

180 / STORY TITLE

by Nathan Exelby

SEGENHOE STUD HAS ENJOYED A TYPICALLY GLITTERING PAST 12 MONTHS, WITH THE JEWEL IN THE CROWN BEING MERCHANT NAVY’S ROYAL ASCOT SUCCESS.

Which particular yearling in recent years gave you the most pleasant surprise with the sale price and what did you put it down to afterwards?

It would be Jailbreak, the Rubick we sold this year. I loved the horse, but he was by a first season sire. He was such a good looking horse, we went to the sale thinking we might get $150,000 for him, he made $470,000. I love it when you have faith in a type rather than a pedigree and you go to a sale and others think the same.

What’s your hidden talent?

Catch Me and Anaheed are strong chances for the 2019 Golden Slipper after showing early brilliance in Sydney.

Violin.

Really?

From a Magic Millions perspective, O’Brien is hopeful of having multiple runners in this year’s $2M 2YO Classic, with Gimcrack Stakes runner-up Diddles an early candidate.

No.

“It’s a pipe dream, but we could easily have, of the 19 horses we sold on the Gold Coast last year, up to four runners,” O’Brien said. “For instance, while we were doing this interview Bella Rosa (Snitzel-Swiss Rose by Thorn Park), who was a cracking yearling we sold at 2018 Magic Millions, scored a brilliant first up win in the first race on Melbourne Cup day, the Gr.3 Bumble S, making her a very valuable filly.”

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

Other candidates include the Rubick youngster Jail Break, along with the Fastnet Rock-A Million Tears colt in the stable of Bjorn Baker.

Who was the biggest influence in your life?

John Magnier. He recognised something in me that I didn’t and nurtured it Always focus on attention to detail. l

2019 draft

California Boxer is another highly regarded Magic Millions graduate, but he will be saved for the Sydney autumn after co-trainer Peter Snowden recommended a spell following a late-October trial.

Lot Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

107 B./Br. C

Snitzel (AUS)

Sempre Libera (AUS)

111 Br.

C

Lonhro (AUS)

Sensibility (AUS)

With last year’s graduates already up and about, O’Brien is bullish about the 22 horses heading to the Gold Coast this January.

189 B.

C

So You Think (NZ)

Sun Song (AUS)

200 B.

C

Medaglia d’Oro (USA)

Swiss Rose (NZ)

254 B.

C

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Unearthly (NZ)

288 Ch. F

Snitzel (AUS)

Whistling Dixie (NZ)

351 B.

Vancouver (AUS)

Angel Bee (NZ)

365 Ch. F

Sebring (AUS)

Apprise (AUS)

395 B.

C

Snitzel (AUS)

Bella Sunday (AUS)

417 B.

C

Redoute’s Choice (AUS)

Breakfast in Bed (AUS)

451 B.

C

More Than Ready (USA)

Charm’s Honour (AUS)

521 B.

F

Sebring (AUS)

Diana’s Star (AUS)

564 Br.

C

Pierro (AUS)

Faith Hill (AUS)

583 B.

C

Pierro (AUS)

Flokkati (AUS)

665 B.

C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Hurtle Myrtle (AUS)

688 B.

C

Vancouver (AUS)

Irish Dream (AUS)

Of the fillies, O’Brien noted “three particularly nice Sebrings”, the standout being the filly from Dissident’s half-sister Diana’s Star.

720 B.

F

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Koonoomoo (AUS)

759 Ch. C

Spill the Beans (AUS)

Love of Liberty (AUS)

“There’s a beautiful, sharp Hinchinbrook filly out of Group 3 winning Koonoomoo, ready made for the race.

781 B.

C

Choisir (AUS)

Malpara (AUS)

799 Br.

C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Mimi Lebrock (AUS)

“In summarising the draft, hand on heart it’s the first draft I’ve taken to a sale where I would happily own any of them.”

810 B./Br. F

Sebring (AUS)

Miss Foxwood (AUS)

887 B.

Dissident (AUS)

Our Songbird (AUS)

“This group of horses, dare I say it, are better than last year’s,” he said.

“This is the best draft of individuals I have taken to any sale, anywhere.”

Of the colts, standouts would be the More Than Ready-Charmed Honour (1/2 to Enbihaar) bred by Rob Crabtree. He’s an Adonis.

“The Swiss Rose colt is the best Medaglia (D’Oro) I have ever seen. Walks like a dream for such a powerful animal.

“There’s a Snitzel half-brother to Oohood, who is a real sharp two-year-old type with a terrific action. Similarly, there’s another sharp Snitzel colt from Sempre Libera who is a daughter of Slipper winner Merlene .

“The standout horse of the draft will be I Am Invincible-Hurtle Myrtle colt. He reminds me so much of the Electric Dreams colt we sold last year, which made $1.9million.”

What can buyers expect from your 2019 Magic Millions draft?

Racehorses, not paper tigers.

What has been your biggest near miss in the Magic Million race series?

Not getting a ticket to the Dome this year.

F

F

www.segenhoegroup.com.au 02 6543 9777 Peter O’Brien: 0411 852 149 Aberdeen, NSW

2019 / 181

TYREEL

2019 vendor

The name Tyreel Stud is synonymous with quality and off the back of a successful 2018 Magic Millions, the Monds family stud presents another classy draft.

In the lead up to the sale Bluebloods had a chat with Tyreel’s Stud Manager Robert Sims...

What can buyers expect from your draft?

Tyreel will be presenting a sharp, well-presented draft of ten, one that nicely represents some of the key elements that make up a desirable Magic Millions draft.

Lots by proven speed sires Snitzel, I Am Invincible, Exceed And Excel, Choisir and Zoustar whilst the draft also showcases the highly anticipated first season sire Pride Of Dubai with two strong colts.

Lot 382 - bay filly by Kermadec from Bana Wu (by Shirocco): “a real quality” daughter of an imported triple stakes placed winner from the family of Caulfield Cup-Gr.1, 2400m winner All The Good. Boasting duplications of the outstanding mares Natalma, Almahmoud and Milan Mill, she “is one of the most highly regarded types by her sire and will be sure to draw plenty of attention.”

Lot 444 - chestnut colt by Pride Of Dubai from Catalonia (by Flying Spur): “a strong, masculine colt” out of a stakes placed mare whose first two have fetched $625,000 and $750,000. Dam is a 3/4 sister to the Group Three winner Jorda from a prolific local family “littered with two-year-old speed. He is a brother to Espaaniyah who won the 500K Inglis Bonus race on debut Saturday 27th October at Moonee Valley on Cox Plate day. Gai and Adrian have extremely high opinions of her.”

182 / STORY TITLE

by Kristen Manning

TYREEL WILL BE PRESENTING A SHARP, WELL-PRESENTED DRAFT OF TEN, ONE THAT NICELY REPRESENTS SOME OF THE KEY ELEMENTS THAT MAKE UP A DESIRABLE MAGIC MILLIONS DRAFT. Lot 448 - bay filly by Exosphere from Champalou (by Encosta de Lago): “a powerfully built” half-sister to the first Tyreel/Monds stakes winner Champ Elect out of a metropolitan winning daughter of the Queensland Oaks-Gr.1, 2400m heroine Vouvray.

Lot 478 - chestnut filly by Choisir from Couredge (by Show A Heart): “a flashy, strongly built” half-sister to dual city winner Smartedge out of a winning half-sister to the stakes winners Vintedge (Matriarch Stakes-Gr.2, 2000m) and Youths Edge (Rain Lover Plate-Listed, 2500m) from the family of Racer’s Edge.

Lot 480 - filly by Snitzel from Crafty Irna (by Starcraft): she is the third foal - first foal

by Sebring is in Hong Kong and her second foal is deceased. Her dam is a dual stakes winning (Adrian Knox Stakes-Gr.3, 2000m, Tattersall’s Club Cup-Listed, 2400m) daughter of the Group One winner Zirna. “She is a true Queen, a strong, mature, loose walking filly who eats the ground with every stride.”

Lot 486 - bay filly by I Am Invincible from Crystal Wand (by Stratum): first foal for a winning half-sister to the multiple city winner Running Bull from the family of stakes winners Crystal Lily (Golden Slipper Stakes-Gr.1, 1200m), Amaethon, Crystal Web, Crystal Wit, Crystal Dreamer and Carrara. “She is a show-stopping filly who is very typical of her sire inheriting the best of his strength and great bone.”

Lot 772 - brown/black colt by Pride Of Dubai from Magic Nera (by Lonhro): “a high quality colt,” the second foal (her first fetched $650,000) for a sister to the Listed winner Tromso and half-sister to the Listed winner Kamacite has “a powerful hip and gaskin.” Grandam is the stakes winner Feelers, granddaughter of triple Group One winner Tidal Light.

Lot 881 - bay filly by Exceed And Excel from Miss Hufflepuff (by Encosta de Lago): “a sharp, early type;” the second foal for a city winning sister to Hong Kong Champion stayer Liberator. Grandam is the stakes winner Miss Helga, sister to the Group Three winner Alexis and the Listed winner Freshwater Pearl. “She has a mature mind complemented by the sharp, neat action so often seen in the early Exceed And Excels.”

Lot 821 -bay/brown colt by Zoustar from Miss Valor (by Hinchinbrook): boasting duplications of Fairy Bridge, Natalma and Best In Show, he is the first foal for a daughter of the Group Three mare Saint Minerva from the family of Rhythmic Charm. “He is a real credit to the breed, a really precocious type with strength and quality.”

Lot 921 - chestnut colt by Dawn Approach from Bodega Miss (by Canny Lad): “an uncomplicated colt who oozes athleticism and strength, “ his dam is out of the multiple city winner Cellar Edition, half-sister to the stakes placed Dai Ichi and O’Lonera. Fourth dam is the dual Group One winner Imposera, grandam of Spring Champion Stakes-Gr.1, 2000m winner Teranaba.

Tyreel has already been represented by a smart type in the making from the 2018 draft with Star Witness colt Exceed The Stars (a $220,000 yearling) sent out favourite at debut in the Breeders Plate-Gr.3, 1000m; finishing a gallant three length sixth after being trapped wide throughout.

Which horse has been your biggest giveaway to do the job on the track?

As any commercial breeder would tell you we don’t aim to give anything away.

Some of our best purchases for buyers have been at all levels from Espaaniyah (a Gai Waterhouse/Adrian Bott trained I Am Invincible filly previously mentioned) at $750,000 to Malahide for $60,000 who was Shamus Awards; first city winning two year-old. There are horses at all levels within our drafts. Both look good value now.

How has technology and IT affected and influenced your business?

It has greatly modernised the business allowing us the ability to access information immediately. It has also allowed us to develop more of a personal aspect to our farm as through social media and film technology advancements we can now take interested parties on a part of our horses’ journeys to the sales. We feel it is an important tool in developing our brand, product and most importantly showcasing our horses to the wider audience.

What are you currently reading?

“KIDMAN The Forgotten King”. An inspiring read about a man who from humble beginnings saw and developed the largest grazier operation Australian had ever seen.

If you could spend a day in someone else’s shoes whose would they be?

I wouldn’t want to, I’m still trying to grow into mine! l

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

382 B./F

Kermadec (NZ)

Bana Wu (GB)

444 Ch./C

Pride of Dubai (AUS)

Catalonia (AUS)

448 B./F

Exosphere (AUS)

Champalou (AUS)

478 Ch./F

Choisir (AUS)

Couredge (AUS)

480 B./F

Snitzel (AUS)

Crafty Irna (AUS)

486 B./F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Crystal Wand (AUS)

772 Br.Blk./C

Pride of Dubai (AUS)

Magic Nera (AUS)

811 B./F

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Miss Hufflepuff (AUS)

821 B.Br./C

Zoustar (AUS)

Miss Valor (AUS)

921 Ch. C

Dawn Approach (IRE)

Bodega Miss (AUS)

www.tyreel.com Linda Monds: 0427 948 244 linda@tyreel.com Agnes Banks, NSW

2019 / 183

VALIANT STUD 2019 vendor

Fergal Connolly brings plenty of experience to his new venture, having spent the past five years as Assistant Stud Manager at Segenhoe Stud. Their debut draft at Magic Millions consists of fifteen yearlings by a wide range of exciting stallions.

by RenĂŠe Geelen

What can buyers expect from your 2019 MMGC draft?

A well prepared and educated draft of precocious yearlings that could be seen in the early two year-old races next season. We have a diverse group of stallions which should appeal to a range of buyers. Valiant is an independent sales company, meaning that all our yearlings are owned by clients, and we strive to achieve the best results possible for our clients at sale. Valiant Stud would like to thank all our clients for their support thus far, and we look forward to representing them to the best of our ability at upcoming sales.

Thurlow

184 / STORY TITLE

LAUNCHED THIS YEAR, VALIANT STUD WILL BRING THEIR DEBUT DRAFT TO MAGIC MILLIONS GOLD COAST IN 2019. OPERATED BY FERGAL CONNOLLY, VALIANT STUD IS BASED IN THE HEART OF THE HUNTER VALLEY NESTLED BETWEEN NEWGATE AND DARLEY. Buyers are sure to be tempted by our Snitzel filly from Gr.1 placed winner Sasa.

Sasa (Encosta de Lago) is a daughter of Gr.3 winning Zabeel mare Zatella.

Two yearlings by up and coming Gr.1 sire So You Think include a half-brother to this season’s two year-old stakes winner Unite And Conquer, out of winning mare Maglissa, herself a daughter of group winner Danglissa. The other So You Think in the Valiant draft is a half-sister to this season’s stakes placed Rainbow Girl, out of winning mare Free Spirited who is a three-quarter sister to group winner King of Danes.

A Lonhro filly from stakes placed Quest for Peace is a good buying opportunity with a strong American pedigree to give her residual value. Not a Single Doubt fillies are popular, and Valiant has a filly out of Lonoree on offer in 2019. A three-quarter-sister to Gr.1 Secret Agenda, this filly is the third foal of Lonhro mare Lonoree, a daughter of Gr.1 winner Euphoria, and a half-sister to stakes winner Fleet.

A filly that has two year-old written all over her pedigree is the Written Tycoon from two year-old winner Rovigo (Choisir), from the family of Snippet’s Girl, while Zoustar is kicking goals with his youngsters, and Valiant has a filly out of Gr.3 winner Thurlow on offer.

Proven sire Street Boss is represented here with a half-sister to Gr.3 winner Galaxy Pegasus, out of winning mare Medician Star form the Storm Cat family. Tough Gr.3 winner (of eight races) Beirut (Lonhro) has her first foal, by Magnus, for sale with Valiant’s draft, and this is a great opportunity to buy into the strong Leica family.

A colt by Nicconi is the second foal of winning mare Was Meant To Be, from the family of Sovereign Kitty and this season’s improving galloper Hinchinlove.

Pierro is emerging as a Gr.1 sire, and Valiant will present a filly out of Tales of Lilakyn, an unraced daughter of stakes winner Lilakyn, herself a half-sister to Gr.1 winner Rock ‘n’ Pop, and out of Gr.1 winner Popsy. Dundeel’s oldest crop are three year-olds, and Valiant will offer a colt from Mel’s Pocket, a Redoute’s Choice mare who is a half-sister to stakes winner Ain’t Here. Zebedee’s juveniles have shown plenty in Europe, and now his first Australian crop are two year-olds. Valiant’s yearling colt from Bodacious Harmony, who is out of Gr.1 winner La Volta, is closely related to Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas winner Mighty Boss.

Gr.1 sprinter Brazen Beau’s first crop are two year-olds, and his yearling filly out of winning mare Flying Wedgetail is superbly bred. Her dam is a half-sibling to four stakes winners – Eagle Way, Assertive Eagle, Impressive Eagle, and Soaressa (dam of Thermal Current). Press Statement has his first yearlings at 2019 Magic Millions with Valiant presenting a filly from winning mare Meridian, a daughter of group winner Zanna.

When you’re not working how do you like to spend your time?

I love to watch rugby union. It doesn’t matter who is playing as long as it’s a good game.

What are you reading currently?

Their Turf; America’s Horsey Set & Its Princely Dynasties by Bernard Livingstone.

A good friend in the industry lent it to me, and it’s one of the most interesting reads about the horse industry. It’s about the American tycoons and their money, including their parties – the extravagant and over the top – such as one where all the guests rode horses and waiters served their dinner as they rode.

What’s the first career you dreamed of having as a kid?

Initially, I thought I’d get into banking or accounting. We always had horses at home, and after school I pursued a career in physiotherapy. The love of the horse won out in the end.

If you could learn to do anything new, what would it be?

Valiant Stud is a new business, so anything that will set me apart from other vendors. I’m always looking to learn, and to keep working towards finding our niche in this industry. l

2019 draft Lot

Col/Sex Sire Dam

42

B./Br. F

Lonhro (AUS)

Quest for Peace (AUS)

94

B./Br. F

Snitzel (AUS)

Sasa (AUS)

205 B.

F

Pierro (AUS)

Tales of Lilakyn (AUS)

228 Ch.

F

Zoustar (AUS)

Thurlow (AUS)

280 B.

C

Nicconi (AUS)

Was Meant to Be (AUS)

393 B./Br. F

Magnus (AUS)

Beirut (AUS)

410 Gr.

C

Zebedee (GB)

Bodacious Harmony (AUS)

587 B.

F

Brazen Beau (AUS)

Flying Wedgetail (AUS)

599 B.

F

So You Think (NZ)

Free Spirited (AUS)

754 B.

F

Not a Single Doubt (AUS) Lonoree (AUS)

776 B.

C

So You Think (NZ)

Maglissa (AUS)

788 B./Br. F

Street Boss (USA)

Medician Star (AUS)

789 B.

Dundeel (NZ)

Mel’s Pocket (AUS)

1032 Br./Blk. F

Press Statement (AUS)

Meridian (AUS)

1075 Ch.

Written Tycoon (AUS)

Rovigo (AUS)

C F

Fergal Connolly 0428 783 717 fergal@valiantstud.com.au

2019 / 185

VINERY STUD 2019 vendor

Recently Magic Millions graduates from Vinery Stud drafts include Gr.3 winner Eckstein (Gr.1 placed), Gr.3 winner Very Tempting, and stakes winner Cellargirl (Gr.1 placed). Up and coming Gr.1 placed three year-old Outrageous is a graduate of Vinery’s 2017 Gold Coast draft, as is Gr.2 placed Into the Abyss. Dual Gr.1 winner Russian Revolution and Gr.2 winner Rubick, who are both at stud now, are also graduates of Vinery’s Magic Millions sale drafts.

by Renée Geelen

Vinery Stud will present twenty three yearlings at the 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast sale, including five by their Champion Sire More Than Ready, four

by All Too Hard, as well as strong representation from their popular first season sires Headwater, and Press Statement.

Bluebloods spoke to Adam White about their 2019 draft.

Press Statement

186 / STORY TITLE

D

Headwater

THEY’RE MAJOR STALLION OWNERS AND VINERY STUD IS ONE OF AUSTRALIA’S KEY HORSE BREEDING PROPERTIES THAT CONTINUES TO PRODUCE EXCELLENT RACEHORSES FROM IT’S RICH, UNDULATING PADDOCKS. What can buyers expect from your 2019 MMGC draft?

A draft that offers a good mixture of sires. We have a nice bunch of horses by successful sires such as Tapit, More Than Ready, Snitzel, I Am Invincible, Not A Single Doubt, Written Tycoon, Exceed And Excel and Sebring. There is certainly plenty of sire strength to our draft. The Written Tycoon colt is a half-brother to Vinery graduate and 2018 Gr.1 VRC Kennedy Oaks winner Aristia, out of Gr.2 winner Nakaaya.

The five yearlings in this draft by More Than Ready include a colt who is the first foal of Gr.3 winner Runway Star, a close relation to group winner Kiss And Make Up who is also by More Than Ready. Another colt is out of Gr.1 winner Allez Wonder, while a Tapit filly who is the first foal of American Gr.3 winner Best Behavior has plenty of residual value. A half-brother by Not A Single Doubt to stakes winner Sandbar, from Gr.3 winner Tallow is definitely a colt to inspect. A Sebring half-brother to American Gr.3 winner Blueeyesintherein has a stellar pedigree, as does the other Sebring colt who is out of stakes winner Dirty, dam of Gr.2 placed winner Cabeza de Vaca.

But she has still been a wonderful mare for connections and is a three time stakes winner, was Gr.1 placed when second to Shoals in the Myer Classic, and has amassed $1million in prize money.

Favourite book?

Kokoda – Peter Fitzsimons. A great insight into what happened and made doing the trek firsthand so much better. l

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

21

B.

C

More Than Ready (USA)

Power Lady (USA)

83

B.

C

More Than Ready (USA)

Runway Star (AUS)

146 Br.

C

All Too Hard (AUS)

Snitzerland (AUS)

180 B.

C

Exceed and Excel (AUS)

Stella Senza Cielo (IRE)

All Too Hard continues to turn out the good winners and we will present a select group by him, including a colt from Gr.1 winner Snitzerland (eight wins including the Gr.1 Lightning Stakes), and a filly from Gr.1 winner Devil Moon. A half-brother to Gr.1 winner Howard Be Thy Name is out of stakes winner Bellini Rose from the Darci Brahma family, while the other All Too Hard yearling is a full sister to Gr.1 placed Outrageous and a half sibling to Western Australian Oaks winner Very Tempting.

206 B.

C

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Tallow (AUS)

207 Ch.

C

Sebring (AUS)

Tartufi (USA)

340 B.

C

More Than Ready (USA)

Allez Wonder (AUS)

347 B.

F

Press Statement (AUS)

Amberino (AUS)

398 B.

C

All Too Hard (AUS)

Bellini Rose (NZ)

403 Gr.

F

Tapit (USA)

Best Behavior (CAN)

516 B.

F

All Too Hard (AUS)

Devil Moon (AUS)

In addition to that we have yearlings by our popular first season stallions Headwater and Press Statement. One of the highlights of the three Press Statement yearlings has to be the half-sister to recent Spring Carnival group winner Winter Bride, out of Amberino, a tough Gr.2 winner of ten races.

522 Ch.

C

Sebring (AUS)

Dirty (AUS)

523 Ch.

C

More Than Ready (USA)

Disseminate (AUS)

526 Gr.

F

Tapit (USA)

Dixie Smile (USA)

579 B.

F

All Too Hard (AUS)

Fit and Ready (AUS)

614 B.

F

Press Statement (AUS)

Giovanna Bella (NZ)

732 B./Br. F

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Lady Oracle (GB)

737 Ch.

F

More Than Ready (USA)

Lasoron (AUS)

739 B.

C

Headwater (AUS)

Legislature (AUS)

748 B.

F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Live and Dream (AUS)

787 B.

C

Press Statement (AUS)

Max it Out (AUS)

809 B.

F

Snitzel (AUS)

Miss Charming (USA)

849 B.

C

Written Tycoon (AUS)

Nakaaya (AUS)

Which particular yearling in recent years gave you the most pleasant surprise with the sale price and what did you put it down to afterwards?

The I Am Invincible – Commanding Jewel colt we sold last year for $1.4million, now named Stark. He was a lovely horse and certainly had the pedigree to back it up, so he was always going to make a nice price. But from where the horse was at the start of his preparation I would never have predicted he would make that much. He was very typical of the family with a terrific attitude and this assisted him, as he had a fantastic preparation and he sold accordingly on the day.

What has been your biggest near miss in the Magic Million race series?

I sold Eckstein (I Am Invincible – Comrie, by Choisir) as a yearling through our Vinery 2015 Magic Millions Gold Coast draft. She was beaten a nose by Invincibella in the $1million Magic Millions Plate last year. She also ran third in the Magic Millions Guineas as a three year-old. I would have loved to have seen her win one of those.

www.vinery.com.au 02 6543 8333 Adam White: 0414 800 918 Peter Orton: 0418 276 454 info@vinery.com.au

2019 / 187

WENTWOOD GRANGE 2019 vendor Making their first appearance as a vendor at the Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Cambridge-based Wentwood Grange brings to the sale three wonderful yearlings. Buyers would be wise indeed to pay close attention to this draft from a high class nursery whose honour roll includes the likes of Kermadec, I Am A Star, Gust of Wind, Sacred Elixir, Signify, Miss Raggedy Ann, Valley Girl and Little Bridge who was the first New Zealand-bred to win at Royal Ascot when winning the 2012 edition of the Gr.1 Kings Stand Stakes. Wentwood Grange is also the vendor of this season’s Gr1 horses Sully, Charles Road and Our Abbadean.

Located just outside Cambridge, the Hawkins family owned Wentwood Grange consists of three properties: Main Farm for broodmares and foals; Top Farm for yearling preparation; and Redoubt Farm for mares and spellers. In mid-2018 Wentwood Grange in conjunction with Tony Rider’s Milan Park paid a record price for a dairy farm when they paid a record price at auction for a property adjoining Redoubt Farm. This property will be divided between the two and represents both buyers’ commitment to growing their business. Hawkins family patriarch Des Hawkins now leaves much of the running of the farm to sons Dean and Sean and it is their vision to expand the business with new clients coming on board and many existing clients increasing their investments.

“We have taken a positive view of the future for New Zealand’s breeding industry and that growth and expansion is reflected in our seeking new markets. This first time draft at Magic Millions is a reflection of that.” Dean said.

188 / STORY TITLE

by Warren Wruck and Renée Geelen

won three races as a juvenile in America, including a Listed race, and she’s obviously been able to throw her own speediness into her progeny. This is a very strong American family, with Ms Seneca Rock being a full sister to dual stakes winner Ms Classic Seneca, and from the family of Traceys Rock, Roundabout Jones, Rockin’ Kate, Hannah’s Royalrock, Royal Roundabout, and Tiffany Royal.

“WE HAVE TAKEN A POSITIVE VIEW OF THE FUTURE FOR NEW ZEALAND’S BREEDING INDUSTRY AND THAT GROWTH AND EXPANSION IS REFLECTED IN OUR SEEKING NEW MARKETS. THIS FIRST TIME DRAFT AT MAGIC MILLIONS IS A REFLECTION OF THAT.” DEAN SAID.

What can buyers expect from your 2019 MMGC draft?

We have waited to debut at the Gold Coast until we thought we could present the right product for the market. The yearlings we have to offer are very nice athletic types with excellent walks and pedigrees to match.

What are the main factors you take into account when planning matings?

Our main focus is to produce an athlete, the mating has to match physically, as breeders we take the long term approach with our mares and are always looking to upgrade our families where possible and give our horses the best chance to succeed.

We spend a lot of time finding the right mating for our mares and although we have our own genetic theories, it is only a small part of the bigger puzzle that is involved in creating good horses.

Tony Rider is of a similar mind when it comes to the future. Milan Park needed more land and his half of the new purchase will be used to accommodate a mixture between thoroughbreds and cattle breeding.

How has technology and IT affected and influenced your business?

We have always been proactive in the use of Technology and IT, however in raising good horses nothing beats time and good quality grass.

Of the three yearlings on offer at the Gold Coast two are consigned directly

by Wentwood Grange while the other is being sold as agent for Tony Rider (the Savabeel colt).

Technology affects the way we communicate with staff and clients and how we market and promote ourselves.

Bluebloods spoke to Dean and Sean about the draft and their first time at Magic Millions.

Lot 183 - Brown Filly. Pride of Dubai-Storm Fronts. A half-sister to Gr.3 Kenilworth Winter Classic winner Readytogorightnow (by More than Ready), this filly by freshman sire Pride of Dubai has wonderful residual value. Her unraced dam, Storm Front, has left four winners of eighteen races, and with several of her progeny currently running, this pedigree may get more updates before the sale. Storm Front is a half-sister to stakes winner Miss Minden (dam of Gr.1 winner Miss Danehill, and stakes winners Pentastic, and Point Made). To further highlight the residual value on offer, this yearling filly is a member of the famous Joie Denise family of Tuesday Joy, Sunday Joy, More Joyous, etc, the finest in the Australian Stud Book.

Lot 823 - Bay Colt. Savabeel-Misspro O’Reilly (NZ). From the family of Gr.1 WS Cox Plate winner Ocean Park, this Savabeel colt is out of winning O’Reilly mare, Misspro O’Reilly. The combination of Waikato Stud’s two champions sires has been a good one with the likes of Gr.1 winners Costume, Diademe, Savaria and Embellish plus seven other Group and Listed winners. This colt has two winning full-sisters; Chic (four wins from 1400m to 1600m) and Lincoln Melody (two wins in 2018/19).

This yearling colt is one for the linebreeding enthusiasts, as his dam is by O’Reilly and descends from the O’Reilly family. Misspro O’Reilly’s second dam is a half-sister to Gr.1 Golden Slipper winner Courtza (dam of O’Reilly). Plenty of other quality horses are in this family including Gr.1 winner Critic, the aforementioned Ocean Park, and recent Australian Guineas winner Grunt, who is similarly inbred to O’Reilly’s family.

Lot 842 - Brown Colt. Darci Brahma (NZ)-Ms Seneca Rock (USA). A Darci Brahma half-brother to stakes winner Minaj (Commands) and a full sibling to group placed Shenandoah, this colt will be highly sought after. His imported dam, Ms Seneca Rock,

If you could work on only one project for the next year, what would it be?

Definitely working on the new farm. We have been lucky enough to secure some of the best Waikato land in the prime location, the trees are already established and it will be a stunning horse farm when developed.

We hope to take our time and finish it off the right way.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

“Don’t worry about what everyone else is doing just concentrate on your own work” was given to me by every teacher I ever had but I think it works in life too.

We just try to concentrate on our own job of raising and preparing good horses. l

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

183 Br.

F

Pride of Dubai (AUS)

Storm Fronts (AUS)

823 B.

C

Savabeel (AUS)

Misspro O’Reilly (NZ)

842 Br.

C

Darci Brahma (NZ)

Ms Seneca Rock (USA)

425 Tirau Road, RD4 Cambridge, 3496 Dean Hawkins: +64 2178 2352 Sean Hawkins: +64 27578 2351 wentwoodgrange@xtra.co.nz

2019 / 189

WIDDEN STUD 2019 vendor

Year in, year out Widden bred, raised or sold stock are making headlines at the highest level on the track. Take the 2016 and 2017 Widden Magic Millions drafts for example.

by Glen Latham

In 2016 Widden’s select draft contained a colt, bred by long-time client Rob Anderson, from the first crop of Golden Slipper winner Pierro out of Lipari.

Bought by Manny Gelagotis, we now know the colt as Australian Derby winner Levendi.

It would be a similar story twelve months later as buyers had the pick of the first offerings by Zoustar. Amongst them was a filly bred by Widden and clients out of Solar Charged, and as Sunlight she is now the leading lady of her generation winning the Magic Millions 2YO Classic and then defying the colts in the Gr.1 Coolmore Stakes at Flemington. In that same draft was Graff, bought by astute judge Alan Bell and subsequently the winner of the Gr.3 San Domenico Stakes followed by a close third in the Gr.1 Golden Rose. Alongside those performances goes the promise of him making into a top-line sprinter in the Autumn.

“In assessing the past few years, Widden’s record of consistently offering future Group One Winners via our Magic Millions drafts is quite remarkable.” Widden’s Marketing and Stallions Nominations Manager Ryan McEvoy said.

Levendi

190 / STORY TITLE

Sunlight

ht

IT WOULD BE FAIR TO SAY THERE WOULD BE FEW, IF ANY, THOROUGHBRED STUD FARMS AROUND THE WORLD THAT OFFER FOR AUCTION CHAMPION RACEHORSES WITH THE CONSISTENCY OF WIDDEN STUD. Even before the likes of Sunlight and Levendi, Widden has offered at Magic Millions the likes of stallion prospects Stratum Star, Star Turn and Horse of the Year Dissident.”

Amongst a diverse 2019 Widden draft are the next wave of potential stars from resident sires Sebring and Zoustar. Sebring continues to sire Stakes winners of the highest calibre, the most recent example being this year’s Gr.1 One Thousand Guineas winner Amphitrite. And to show his diversity Sebring has sired no fewer than fourteen individual Stakes winners in the calendar year to date at distances ranging from 1200 to 2500 metres and of both sexes.

Widden will offer seven lots by Sebring in their Book 1 draft and there are no prizes for guessing the half-brother to Sunlight will be on most buyers’ shopping lists.

There are also colts out of the Gr.3 winner Vaquera and the Listed winner The Messina Nymph, and fillies out of the Gr.2 winner Flying Snitzel and the Gr.3 winner Valentine Miss, for sale.

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire

Dam

10

Br./Blk. C

Medaglia d’Oro (USA)

Peggy Jean (AUS)

28

B.

F

Zoustar (AUS)

Princess Emmy (NZ)

40

B.

F

Outreach (AUS)

Queen of the Nile (AUS)

41

Ch.

C

Pride of Dubai (AUS)

Queen’s Fashion (AUS)

95

Ch.

C

Zoustar (AUS)

Satinka (NZ)

99

B.

C

Star Witness (AUS)

Sayahailmary (AUS)

101 Ch.

F

Written Tycoon (AUS)

Scrum (AUS)

117 B./Br.

C

Zoustar (AUS)

Shakeira (USA)

128 Ch.

C

Star Witness (AUS)

Sheeznodoubt (AUS)

145 Br.

F

Snitzel (AUS)

Snipify (AUS)

152 Br.

C

Sebring (AUS)

Solar Charged (AUS)

191 Ch.

F

Zoustar (AUS)

Sunday Rose (AUS)

220 B.

C

Sebring (AUS)

The Messina Nymph (AUS)

224 B.

C

Nicconi (AUS)

Think Fast (AUS)

260 B.

F

Sebring (AUS)

Valentine Miss (AUS)

263 B.

C

Sebring (AUS)

Vaquera (NZ)

287 Br.

F

Star Witness (AUS)

What an Impact (AUS)

The foundation of Widden’s success has been the policy of standing only fast horses to which the deeds of Star Witness are testament. His latest star is the aforementioned Graff who follows hot on the heels of Star Turn, Global Glamour et al.

Widden will offer a quintet of yearlings by the powerhouse including a full sister to the dual black-type winner Stellar Collision.

350 B.

F

Zoustar (AUS)

Anabarbarian (AUS)

360 B.

C

Zoustar (AUS)

Anuket (AUS)

363 Ch.

F

Stratum (AUS)

Apamea (GB)

409 B.

F

Vancouver (AUS)

Blueberry Hill (AUS)

424 B.

F

Charm Spirit (IRE)

Bryony (AUS)

In Outreach the stud believe they have the next young stallion to continue their success rate. A brilliantly fast son of Exceed And Excel, he pushed subsequent Golden Slipper winner Vancouver to three-quarters of a length on debut in the Gr.3 Canonbury Stakes at his only start. His debut yearlings will be on show on the Gold Coast.

436 B.

F

Nicconi (AUS)

Callista (AUS)

462 B.

C

Zoustar (AUS)

Circus Olay (AUS)

489 B.

C

Smart Missile (AUS)

Curtain Calls (AUS)

512 Br.

C

Dissident (AUS)

Depasse (AUS)

515 B.

C

Zoustar (AUS)

Desert Symphony (AUS)

“Outreach is a young, white hot sprinter with a profile that we feel could have a genuine influence with his 2yo’s. We’re particularly excited about him given the quality of individuals he is getting”, said McEvoy.

571 Ch.

F

Sebring (AUS)

Fast Talker (AUS)

586 Ch.

F

Sebring (AUS)

Flying Snitzel (AUS)

600 B.

F

Not a Single Doubt (AUS)

Freestyle (AUS)

651 B.

C

Choisir (AUS)

Hidden Message (NZ)

718 B.

F

Star Witness (AUS)

Kiss the Sun (AUS)

738 B.

F

Zoustar (AUS)

Leap Lively (AUS)

750 B.

F

Zoustar (AUS)

Locket (AUS)

763 B./Br.

F

Zoustar (AUS)

Lunar Snitzel (AUS)

786 B.

C

Nicconi (AUS)

Mary’s Grace (AUS)

795 B.

C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Michaux (AUS)

804 B./Br.

F

Zoustar (AUS)

Mischief n Mayhem (GB)

805 Ch.

C

Sebring (AUS)

Mischief Night (AUS)

816 Br./Blk. C

Zoustar (AUS)

Miss Lombardi (AUS)

845 B.

F

Zoustar (AUS)

My Dear Friend (AUS)

864 B.

C

Star Witness (AUS)

Noesis (AUS)

As for Zoustar, he has quickly filled the void left by the early passing of his sire Northern Meteor and, having been crowned Leading First Season Sire for 2017/18, has established what already looks an unassailable lead in the Second Season table.

Few stallions sire the Trifecta in any race, but Zoustar achieved the feat in a Gr.1, the Coolmore Stakes when Sunlight held off Zousain and Lean Mean Machine down the straight six. And in Sunlight and Zousain he now has the highest rated colt and filly in the three-year-old sprint division. His Widden 2019 Gold Coast offerings number fourteen of which two of note are the colt out of the three-time New Zealand Gr.2 winner Satinka and a filly out of the Listed winner Princess Emmy, dam of Gr.3 winner Thurlow.

“With Sebring and Zoustar you have two of the most dominant and exciting young sires in Australia and they are stallions buyers can be confident supporting knowing you are giving yourself a huge chance of securing a top liner”, McEvoy added.

Buyers looking for speed will do well to remember that record-breaking sprinter Nature Strip is a son of another resident sire in Nicconi, and that the McEwen Stakes winner carries the Widden brand. Known for producing Magic Millions type horses Nicconi will be represented by several lots including a colt out of the Listed winner Mary’s Grace.

As well as those conceived on the stud, Widden’s clients have seen fit to trust Antony Thompson and his team with a number of high-quality yearlings by a broad range of stallions, both established and new. One lot that jumps off the page is the colt

by Medaglia d’Oro, the last foal out of Gr.1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes winner Peggy Jean. Also amongst the draft is a Snitzel half-sister to the Gr.3 winner Elle Lou, a colt by I am Invincible and fillies by Not A Single Doubt and Written Tycoon. Of the freshman sires the Widden draft has a filly first foal out of the Gr.2 BRC Champagne Stakes winner Blueberry Hill by Vancouver and a Pride Of Dubai colt out of a winning daughter of the Hong Kong Derby winner Elegant Fashion.

For the last word we turned to Ryan McEvoy.

“We’re of the belief this is the highest quality of draft we’ve ever assembled. I know that can be a flippant sentence rolled out before every sale but I can’t think of a better line up of quality yearlings that match their pedigree on type as what we have coming to the Coast in January.” l

www.widden.com 02 6549 9999 Widden Valley, NSW Antony Thompson: 0427 470 507 Derek Field: 0408 492 495 Ryan McEvoy: 0439 802 837 Matt Comerford: 0424 742 672

2019 / 191

YARRAMAN PARK 2019 vendor

Creating a good impression racing away to a soft 2 1/4 length debut victory at Randwick in late October, the Time For War half-brother to dual Group One winner She Will Reign is being set for the same juvenile feature she won in 2017, the Golden Slipper Stakes-Gr.1, 1200m. He won again second time out at Rosehill and is a real star in the making. He was offered by Yarraman Park at the 2018 MMGC yearling sale and is proving another astute purchase for Darley Racing who purchased him in association with De Burgh Equine and Portelli Racing.

Meanwhile there is plenty of promise in the 2019 draft and we chatted with the stud’s Harry Mitchell in the lead-up...

192 / STORY TITLE

by Kristen Manning

WE MAY NOT YET HAVE SEEN THE GAI WATERHOUSE/ADRIAN BOTT TRAINED FARETTI, YARRAMAN PARK’S 2018 MAGIC MILLIONS $2 MILLION SELLING SON OF I AM INVINCIBLE AND THE MORPHETTVILLE GUINEAS-LISTED, 1600M WINNER TAI TAI TESS BUT ALREADY THAT DRAFT HAS PRODUCED A VERY GOOD TWO YEAR-OLD IN THE SHAPE OF TIME TO REIGN. What can buyers expect from your draft?

We have a big draft of 34 yearlings this year. We had a very good sale last year, lucky enough to top the averages and I think that this year’s group of horses is equally as good. The draft has 16 I Am Invincibles whose types match their pedigrees. Some highlight lots should be the Tai Tai Tess colt whose brother topped the sale last year. There is a lovely colt out of Oakleigh Girl (dual stakes winning daughter of the Oakleigh Plate-Gr.1, 1100m winner Miss Kournikova) and a half-brother to the recent stakes winner From Within whilst the fillies are headed by the daughter of Listed winner Rose Of Choice who is outstanding.

Hinchinbrook is well represented and they are out of mares of the quality of Tetsuko (Group Two placed daughter of Listed winner Magdalena), Meliora (Angus Armanasco Stakes-Gr.2. 1400m) and Harlem Heat (dam of the Listed winner Harlem River).

The draft is bolstered by yearlings by stallions of the calibre of Frankel, Not A Single Doubt (a daughter of the stakes placed Sweet Kiss) and Written Tycoon (a filly out of the Group Three mare Octavia) as well as youngsters by the exciting young horses Deep Field (a filly out of the Group Two placed Lazumba), Rubick (half-sister to the recent multiple city winner Scallopini), Brazen Beau (a filly out of the stakes placed city winner Anna Lizzie) and Super One (a half-brother to the Group Three winner Most Important).

Also by Super One we have a lovely colt out of Snow Flight, a ¾ brother to the dual Group One winning sprinter Viddora. The Frankel is a lovely colt out of the Group winning American mare Kiss Moon; he is a sharp looking colt who could run early.

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex

Sire

Dam

72

B.

F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Rose of Choice (AUS)

73

Br.

F

Rubick (AUS)

Rose of Mulan (AUS)

F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Silver Magic Ships (AUS)

138 B./Br. F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Skyerush (AUS)

147 B.

C

Super One (AUS)

Snow Flight (NZ)

187 B.

C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Sugar Bay (CAN)

134 B.

196 Ch. F

Not a Single Doubt (AUS) Sweet Kiss (AUS)

201 Ch. F

Written Tycoon (AUS)

Swooning (IRE)

204 B.

C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Tai Tai Tess (AUS)

Other highlights of the strong draft include an I Am Invincible filly out of the four times Group winner Skyerush, a Headwater filly out of a half-sister to the Group Three winners Bliss Street and Jade Marauder, a Hinchinbrook half-sister to the Group One placed Denmagic, a Press Statement filly out of the Group One placed Thinking Of You and an All Too Hard filly out of the Group Three placed Jalsah.

215 B.

F

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Tetsuko (AUS)

225 B.

F

Press Statement (AUS)

Thinking of You (NZ)

257 B.

C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Unswerving (AUS)

308 Br.

C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Zimaretto (AUS)

355 Br.

F

Brazen Beau (AUS)

Anna Lizzie (AUS)

Yarraman has tried to send strong precocious types to the Magic Millions and in recent years have sold such high class horses as Houtzen, I Am Zelady, Invincible Star, Illustrious Lad, From Within and Time To Reign. We pride ourselves on breeding stakes winners and there has been a steady stream of them in recent years.

385 B.

C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Bareena (AUS)

467 B.

F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Coco Kerringle (AUS)

479 B./Br. C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Courtesan (NZ)

499 Br.

C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Danish Spy (AUS)

518 B.

C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Devoirs (AUS)

We continually upgrade our broodmare band as that is the most important thing.

Our most famous sale graduate is Snitzel who has done amazing things at stud.

642 Br.

F

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Harlem Heat (AUS)

676 B.

F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Impressions (AUS)

713 B.

C

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Khepri (NZ)

717 B.

C

Frankel (GB)

Kiss Moon (USA)

770 B.

C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Magic Harmony (AUS)

773 B.

F

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Magic Zefta (AUS)

790 B.

F

Hinchinbrook (AUS)

Meliora (AUS)

825 B.

F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Mizzle (USA)

826 B.

F

Not a Single Doubt (AUS) Moojeh (AUS)

869 B.

C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Oakleigh Girl (AUS)

871 B.

F

Written Tycoon (AUS)

Octavia (AUS)

880 Ch. C

Super One (AUS)

Orange Marmalade (NZ)

1005 B.

F

All Too Hard (AUS)

Jalsah (AUS)

When you’re not working how do you like to spend your time?

1017 B.

F

Deep Field (AUS)

Lazumba (AUS)

My work is my hobby which helps. Kids keep you busy and I love a game of golf.

1020 B.

F

Headwater (AUS)

Little Evie (AUS)

What has been your biggest near miss in the Magic Millions race series?

That would be I Am Zelady who was in front only to get run down very late in the 2017 Fillies & Mares though she did win that race the year before.

Which particular yearling in recent years gave you the most pleasant surprise with the sale price?

Last year we sold I Am Invincible/Tai Tai Tess colt for $2M which was unbelievable, he was just a standout animal and he handled the sale like a total professional.

You don’t get many like him and buyers are prepared to go above and beyond to get them.

What was your first job?

I have worked at Yarraman from a very young age.

What do you give a damn about?

Health is first and foremost, the older you get the more you realise it and obviously I care about Yarraman and all the people involved in it. The mine issues in recent times concern us greatly. l

www.yarramanpark.com.au 02 6545 1961 Arthur Mitchell: 0412 495 687 Harry Mitchell: 0412 280 576 Scone, NSW

2019 / 193

YULONG INVESTMENTS 2019 vendor There is a new player at the 2019 Magic Millions with the Nagambie based Yulong Investments to present their first ever yearling draft, and a strong one it is too.

“We are preparing a select group of ten yearlings for the sale,” said Yulong’s Sam Fairgray, adding that “there is a good cross section of proven and younger stallions represented including the international stars Frankel and Invincible Spirit.”

“We currently have a broodmare band of around 130 that will keep growing and we are keen to make the industry aware that we intend to be a strong commercial force.”

What better way than to start with this exciting group of yearlings...

Lot 5 - bay filly by More Than Ready from Passion Cheval (by Fastnet Rock): Fastnet Rock has done a great job with More Than Ready mares and the reverse cross looks just as exciting with the Halo line combining so well with Danehill. This filly’s dam is a city placed daughter of the stakes winner Calming from the family of Group One sprinter War Artist. “She is strong and precocious, a real jump and run two year-old type.”

Lot 71 - brown filly by Dissident from Rockzel (by Zabeel): bred on a 5mx5f cross of Rolls via Flying Spur and Encosta de Lago, she is out of a half-sister to the Group Three winner Platinum Command from the prolific family of big race winners Danelagh, Vengeance Of Rain, Dizelle and Pinot. “She is a lovely, quality, athletic filly with plenty of length and scope; she has a lot of Zabeel about her.”

194 / STORY TITLE

by Kristen Manning

“WE CURRENTLY HAVE A BROODMARE BAND OF AROUND 130 THAT WILL KEEP GROWING AND WE ARE KEEN TO MAKE THE INDUSTRY AWARE THAT WE INTEND TO BE A STRONG COMMERCIAL FORCE.” Lot 305 - bay/brown filly by Medaglia d’Oro from Zauberflote (by Singspiel): dam is a multiple city winning half-sister to the stakes placed Bouboulina from a strong international family; her relations including the Group One winners Irish Prize, Hatoof, Trading Leather and Mrs Penny. “A well put together, strong bodied filly with a really nice head and plenty of strength.”

Lot 342 - bay filly by Exosphere from Amaliehaven (by More Than Ready): from the same family as the Dissident filly, she is a daughter of a city placed winner whose grandam is the Perth Cup-Gr.2, 3200m and C.B Cox Stakes-Gr.2, 2400m winner Palatious, dam of Blue Diamond Stakes-Gr.1, 1200m winner Danelagh; in turn dam of Hong Kong star Vengeance Of Rain. “A big, strong, forward filly who reminds me of a horse I had a bit to do with at Arrowfield, the stakes winner Miss Bussell.”

Loty 434 - bay filly by I Am Invincible from Cajou (by Encosta de Lago): halfsister to the Group Three and Listed winning, Group One placed Allergic out of a Group Two placed daughter of the Listed winner Anacarde. This combination of I Am Invincible and Encosta de Lago boasts an outstanding 83.3% winnersto-runners strike rate. “A high quality filly, very good looking with strength and substance; she is bound to prove very popular.”

Lot 641 - chestnut filly by Frankel from Harlech (by Pivotal): bred on the same Frankel/Pivotal cross and hailing from the same family (one which descends from the legendary Mumtaz Mahal ) as the multiple Group One winner Cracksman, she boasts duplications of the wonderful mares Special and Natalma. “A really athletic good sized filly with a great bone and a lovely frame. More of a three year-old type with plenty of quality.”

Lot 706 - chestnut colt by Frankel from Kahara River (by Danetime): dam is a half-sister to the Group Three winner Perugina and the Listed winner Sovana, in turn dam of the Group winners Bocca Baciata, Topeka and Kalsa. Another of his half-sisters has produced the Group One winner La Pelosa. “A big, strong forward colt with good bone and plenty of presence. And he is a great mover, he just glides across the ground.”

Lot 784 - bay colt by I Am Invincible from Mamwaazel (by Exceed And Excel): first foal for a Group Three winner whose dam is a half-sister to the Group Two mare Always Divine. I Am Invincible has had five runners out of Exceed And Excel mares to date, four of whom are winners including the Group Three filly She’s So High.

“A lovely type of first foal, he has plenty of strength and substance and he is going to be very popular.”

Lot 852 - bay colt by Sebring from Neena Rock (by Fastnet Rock): son of a dual Group Three winner whose dam is a half-sister to the US Group One winner Quiet American from the family of the high class stallion Fappiano. Descendant of the acclaimed matriarch Plucky Liege. “A neat, early-looking type colt who ticks a few boxes being by a proven stallion out of a classy race mare.”

Lot 858 - bay filly by Invincible Spirit from Next Meeting (by Street Cry): first foal for a daughter of the UK Group Three winner Summer Fete from a strong American family whose members include the stakes winners Musicanna, Majestic Mount, One Man Band, Overdose, Zaman and Up In Time. “A compact, racey two yearold type who, being by such a great international stallion, is bound to have great appeal to both type and pedigree enthusiasts.”

Bluebloods had a chat with Sam Fairgray after discussing the yearlings...

How has technology and IT affected and influenced your business?

“It has been great in regards the information available to us. A lot of work goes into planning matings which is made easier by our access to pedigrees, crosses, etc.

We also do a lot of research into feed and nutrition.”

If you could work on only one project for the next year, what would it be?

“To work on making Yulong become a world renowned breeding and racing operation, and that IS what I am doing so I am very lucky! When I started in the industry I dreamed of an opportunity like this, it really is the dream job.”

If you could instantly become an expert in something, what would it be?

“Human medicine, a cancer specialist, it would be great to be able to help out in that way.” l

2019 draft Lot Col/Sex Sire

Dam

5

B.

F

More Than Ready (USA)

Passion Cheval (AUS)

71

Br.

F

Dissident (AUS)

Rockzel (NZ)

305 B./Br. F

Medaglia d’Oro (USA)

Zauberflote (AUS)

342 B.

F

Exosphere (AUS)

Amaliehaven (AUS)

434 B.

F

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Cajou (AUS)

641 Ch.

F

Frankel (GB)

Harlech (GB)

706 Ch.

C

Frankel (GB)

Kahara River (IRE)

784 B.

C

I Am Invincible (AUS)

Mamwaazel (AUS)

852 B.

C

Sebring (AUS)

Neena Rock (AUS)

858 B.

F

Invincible Spirit (IRE)

Next Meeting (USA)

www.yulonginvest.com.au Sam Fairgray : +61 418 427 568 samfairgray@yulonginvest.com.au

2019 / 195

Frankel Winx Danehill Sir Tristram Timeform’s all time top rated 147

World’s leading winner of 20 Gr 1 races

Multiple champion sire in both hemispheres

Incomporable sire, founder of a dynasty

all these immortal thoroughbreds have ONE thing in common -

The Rasmussen Factor The ideal gift for Christmas

This book contains an authoritative account of the history of the throughbred with a strong focus on the importance and influence of female family inbreeding superbly illustrated with charts, pedigrees and photographs, over 500 pages.

Available online: shop.bluebloods.com.au or call: 0245 878 110

$250

inc GST & postage Australia wide

COME & PLAY

Discover a whole new world of excitement at The Star Gold Coast. There’s a range of award-winning restaurants and lively bars, as well as the redefined luxury of The Star Grand and The Darling hotels.

The Star Gold Coast is proud to be Naming Rights Partner of the internationally celebrated Magic Millions Carnival and Raceday.

THESTARGOLDCOAST.COM.AU

The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol. Guests must be 18 years or over to enter the casino.

BET WITH YOUR HEAD, NOT OVER IT.