Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale

Thursday, March 1, 2018

INGLIS MELBOURNE PREMIER YEARLING SALE Previewing the stellar catalogue for the auction at Oaklands Junction

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INGLIS MELBOURNE PREMIER YEARLING SALE Contents

4-5 Four young Victorian trainers answer our questions 6 Interview with Two Bays Farm manager Rob Carlile 8 Philip Campbell on the resurgence of his Blue Gum Farm 10 Targeting South African buyers at the sale 12 Sire statistics 14-15 A decade on from the sale of superstar Black Caviar

Jameka (right) and her stablemate Jukebox enjoy an early morning Melbourne beach workout and (below left) the former landing the 2016 Caulfield Cup; the phenomenal Black Caviar, a $210,000 buy a decade ago; (bottom) Melbourne in all its splendour

Tantalising question in a city of wonder MELBOURNE is a fantastic place and I am lucky enough to be able to say I have spent some time there.

Not nearly as much as I wish I had, but what a time it was during the 2016 Spring Carnival. From Jameka’s (Myboycharlie) Caulfield Cup (Gr 1, 2400m) win and Winx’s (Street Cry) breathtaking second Cox Plate (Gr 1, 2040m) demolition job, to Charlie Appleby’s country cups domination and Kerrin McEvoy’s second Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m) win, 16 years after his first, aboard Almandin (Monsun).

The city made a huge impression on me and not just because of the racing. I loved walking and driving around the place, going to watch cricket at the MCG and gigs at Rod Laver Arena, eating at the amazing restaurants and enjoying a beer at the beach.

It is a place with sport at the centre of its beating heart and it is here, a decade ago, that a

modern Australian sporting legend was unearthed.

She was lot 520. A brown filly by Bel Esprit (Royal Academy) brought to the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale by Swettenham Stud and bought by Peter Moody for $210,000. Plenty made more money but none made a greater impact.

This is what makes every sale special. You just never know. She was right there, sporting immortality up for grabs for anyone with enough money to take a chance on their dream. What price life-changing greatness?

Is there another Black Caviar lurking in the catalogue this year? It will be a while before we find out but wouldn’t it be fantastic if there was?

The pursuit of sporting greatness in one of the world’s finest cities. Honestly, what would you rather be doing?

Mark Scully, bloodstock editor

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Thursday, March 1, 2018 racingpost.com/bloodstock

INGLIS MELBOURNE PREMIER YEARLING SALE

‘Being less circumspect, putting in the leg work and seeing all the produce of the first-season sires can be a great way to find value’ Four prominent young Victorian trainers answer our questions Henry Dwyer Which first-season sires have you been most impressed with based on the yearlings you have seen?

I’ve been particularly impressed with the types Dissident is producing. He’s stamping his stock with good conformation, strength and presence. Of the yearlings I’ve inspected, they all have good, fluent movement with a relaxed temperament and these are key elements in my selection criteria when assessing yearlings.

Which of the established, Victoria-based stallions are you most keen on?

Written Tycoon continues to produce a high percentage of winners. Of the younger stallions I’ve been very impressed with Fiorente and Fighting Sun. They produce yearlings who are precocious types, yet you can see the further development that time will allow them. Rebel Raider’s progeny are developing into impressive individuals who are consistently running well in staying races.

How important is it to you to source VOBIS-nominated and BOBS-eligible yearlings?

Being able to source high-quality VOBIS-eligible yearlings for my clients is very important to me. The VOBIS scheme has provided a boost to the industry and allows for a higher potential return on investment for my clients.

From a training perspective, it also adds another dimension when looking to target horses at high-value restricted races.

What are the challenges facing a young trainer trying to buy at this sale?

Having the backing of clients who are looking to buy and having a budget relevant to the specific order is always a challenge for any trainer. It’s always a challenge to buy the right horses on spec without clients behind you.

All the answers (clockwise from left): Henry Dwyer, Archie Alexander, Natalie Young with training partner Trent Busuttin, and Matt Cumani

Where is the best spot in Melbourne to spend an evening after the sale?

Crown. It provides a large range of options on the waterfront with various bars and restaurants to entertain my clients after the sales. For a more casual night out, The Emerald in South Melbourne is a great ‘racing’ pub. Archie Alexander Which first-season sires have you been most impressed with based on

the yearlings you have seen?

Newgate Farm’s Wandjina.

They look athletic, running types and I’ll be keen to try to buy a few.

Which of the established, Victoria-based stallions are you most keen on?

Written Tycoon. He produces consistently good models who are tough performers and have proven results. One of my most promising two-year-olds is a filly by Written Tycoon.

How important is it to you to source VOBIS-nominated and BOBS-eligible yearlings?

Extremely. The VOBIS race series is such a valuable incentive to us as trainers.

Eligibility can easily make my mind up on a horse.

What are the challenges facing a young trainer trying to buy at this sale?

Knowing your limits! It’s honestly hard to not get caught up in the excitement

when there’s so much on offer but it’s very important to not over-stretch your budget in terms of what you can get sold soon after the sale in order to not be under pressure for the next few months to a year.

Where is the best spot in Melbourne to spend an evening after the sale?

Crown has plenty of options for dinner and drinks and is always a good spot to catch up with racing friends, or else

Southbank by the river if the weather is good. Natalie Young Which first-season sires have you been most impressed with based on the yearlings you have seen?

The Toronados have been impressive. They’re strong and beautifully put together and he has stamped them well, which is always a great sign. I’ve also loved the Dissidents, they seem athletic with plenty of strength and considering he cost me a million when beating El Roca in the Randwick Guineas, they keep catching my eye!

Which of the established, Victoria-based stallions are you most keen on?

Written Tycoon. His stock have such a great turn of foot with great brains. The handful of ones we have by him in the barn have already shown brilliant potential.

How important is it to you to source VOBIS-nominated and BOBS-eligible yearlings?

This is extremely important as the bonuses the owners can accumulate on top of winners’ prize-money is a massive advantage to get a return on an investment, especially for first-time owners.

What are the challenges facing a young trainer trying to buy at this sale?

We would always like to buy the ones we love, but sometimes the pockets aren’t quite deep enough. However, if the protocols around advertising shares wasn’t so strict it would make it easier to find new clients.

Where is the best spot in Melbourne to spend an evening after the sale?

I’m usually heading back home for work the next morning, so love to stop at the Laksa King

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down Racecourse Road at Flemington on the way. It’s the best Malaysian food ever and the waiting time is next to nothing. Matt Cumani Which first-season sires have you been most impressed with based on the yearlings you have seen?

We’ve tried to focus on buying a nice horse by a proven sire but they’re almost impossible to buy! We’ve found that being a little less circumspect, putting in the leg work and seeing all the produce of the first-season sires can be a great way to find value. This year we’ve liked and bought a Sacred Falls and a Wandjina, selected for their athleticism and robust pedigrees.

Which of the established, Victoria-based stallions are you most keen on?

I’d love to have a stable full of progeny by Written Tycoon and Zoustar but unfortunately so would everyone else. Some sires get written off prematurely so you can find

some gems for a good price.

Helmet under-performed last year but in my experience he produces athletic types and we’ve done well with them and this year his stock are really starting to pick up on the racecourse. I also have a bit of a soft spot for Americain, but it may be another year before we start to see them at their best.

How important is it to you to source VOBIS-nominated and BOBS-eligible yearlings?

VOBIS is hugely important to us as we’re based in Victoria.

It’s a fantastic scheme that keeps the money circulating and it’s a great bonus to the already fantastic amount of prize-money on offer here.

But, when you’re sweating

under the pressure of the auctioneer, it’s the type and the page that pulls you into one last bid, not the bonus scheme.

What are the challenges facing a young trainer trying to buy at this sale?

Speculating on a yearling is part of the business plan but it can be deadly, particularly for a young business without a lot of

Inspecting the yearlings; (left) Malaysian eatery Laksa King in Flemington gets trainer Natalie Young’s vote on her return trip home from the sales

cash. A stable might have a few orders but one unsold horse can make life very difficult.

The challenge is buying not

only an athlete but one who will appeal to new and current owners.

Where is the best spot in Melbourne to spend an evening after the sale?

South Yarra is always fun and it’s the home of a great Italian called 38 Chairs. But, as its name suggests, make sure you book in advance as space is limited.

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INGLIS MELBOURNE PREMIER YEARLING SALE

Jack Keene talks to Two Bays Farm manager Rob Carlile as the upwardly mobile operation prepares to send its fourth draft to the Premier Sale

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ESTLED among a collection of wineries on the fertile soils of the Mornington peninsula, the boutique thoroughbred nursery at Two Bays Farm has quickly grown into an established and well-respected breeding operation during its short history.

The farm is around six years old and this month it will send its fourth draft to the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale with the goal of continuing on its upward trajectory.

In 2015 three of Two Bays’ four yearlings sold at the Premier Sale for an aggregate of $180,000 and the growth continued into the following year’s sale when a trio of youngsters cleared the $100,000 barrier. In March last year the farm sold its first $200,000 yearling.

Rob Carlile has been manager at Two Bays Farm for three years and he believes the pastures just outside Flinders make for an idyllic location to house broodmares and rear yearlings.

“We’re in a prime spot for growing out horses with fertile soil. We have everything to cater for horses from foaling to weaning and yearling preparation all the way through to being able to spell horses in big paddocks with their mates trying to get back to nature,” Carlile says.

“Our ambition is simple – to try to breed great racehorses who are tough, durable and fast. We want the best outcome for all, whether that be horses we sell and thus our brand, or people’s horses who come through us, out there and winning races.”

Two Bays Farm will also prepare yearlings on behalf of Makybe Breeding and Racing for the Melbourne Premier Sale, a significant fillip for the burgeoning operation.

“It has been a great boost for the farm being able to prepare Makybe Breeding and Racing yearlings this year for Melbourne Premier. To be entrusted with their horses so early on in our young life as a farm is a big thrill and honour,” Carlile says.

As for this year’s draft Carlile believes it is the best offering the farm has yet taken to Oaklands Junction for the four-day sale.

One of four Zoustar yearlings Two Bays Farm is offering at the sale in its 11-strong draft is this filly, lot 242; (top right) farm manager Rob Carlile

One simple ambition for fledgling operation fast making its mark Central to the draft are four yearlings by Widden Stud-Woodside Park stallion Zoustar (Northern Meteor), who currently sits atop the first-season sire standings in Australia by earnings following the exploits in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (RL, 1200m) of his brilliant two-year-old daughter Sunlight.

Two Bays will offer three fillies by Zoustar and one colt as part of an 11-strong draft, and Carlile will be hoping the popularity of the stallion’s progeny will continue into the sale, with four of his yearlings at the Magic Millions Gold Coast making more than $500,000 and another going for $340,000 at the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.

“It would definitely be the strongest draft I’ve taken to Melbourne for the Premier Sale, both on page and on type,” he says.

“For a second-season stallion [Zoustar] to have the sale results he’s currently receiving is quite something. It’s been a long time since a stallion has

seen his yearlings sell so well in just his second year.”

Among the yearlings on offer

by Zoustar is lot 469, a 22 October-born filly who is the fifth foal out of the unraced American-bred mare Lady Lightning (Birdstone).

The mare is a half-sister to the former champion American two-year-old Stevie Wonderboy (Stephen Got Even), winner of the 2005 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (Gr 1, 8.5f) at Belmont Park, and Theyskens’ Theory (Bernardini), who won at Group 3 level in Britain and was Grade 1-placed in the US. This is also the family of champion American turf horse Big Blue Kitten (Kitten’s Joy), dual Grade 2 winner Fair

Judgment (Alleged) and Grade 3 winner Ailalea (Pulpit), and Carlile confirms the filly has the physical attributes to go along with her appealing page.

“She’s a very athletic filly, a great physical type and quite typical of the Zoustars,” Carlile says.

There is plenty of variety in the Two Bays draft, with Snitzel (Redoute’s Choice), I Am Invincible (Invincible Spirit) and Not A Single Doubt (Redoute’s Choice) among the established stallions represented, while there is also a colt each for young stallions Eurozone (Northern Meteor) and Shooting To Win (Northern Meteor).

‘It would definitely be the strongest draft I’ve taken to Melbourne for the Premier Sale, both on page and on type’ Rob Carlile, Two Bays Farm manager

The Eurozone colt is catalogued as lot 544 and is the 11th foal out of the dual Grade 1-winning South African champion Mythical Play (Defensive Play), while his second dam Kate’s Myth (Kaoru Star) was a champion three-year-old filly in New Zealand.

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EANWHILE, the Shooting To Win colt, catalogued as lot 232, is the second foal out of a half-sister to the stakes winner Chic Choice (Redoute’s Choice) from the family of Group 1 winners Cosmic Endeavour (Northern Meteor), Easy Rocking (Barathea) and Fairy King Prawn (Danehill).

“Zoustar makes up a third of our draft with three fillies and a colt, but we have a few by young stallions. The Shooting To Win is a nice horse, and so is the Eurozone, he’s a very nice colt,” Carlile says.

As has been the case at the sales so far this year, Carlile is

hoping the infatuation with yearlings by I Am Invincible continues, while he is also banking on the progeny of Arrowfield-based stallions Not A Single Doubt and Snitzel proving popular.

The Two Bays Farm filly by I Am Invincible is catalogued as lot 303 and is the third foal out of the stakes-winning and Group 2-placed sprinter Choice Words (Choisir).

The Not A Single Doubt filly (lot 436) is out of a half-sister to Rosehill Guineas (Gr 1, 2000m) runner-up Oh Oklahoma (Singspiel), while the Snitzel colt (lot 206) is the first foal out of a half-sister to Group 2 winner Soapy Danger (Danzig).

“Sales-wise, obviously I Am Invincible, Not A Single Doubt and Snitzel are probably the ones everyone will look to, their results are always strong and we’re hoping that will continue at the Premier,” Carlile says.

“We have a diverse draft though, with a Stryker and an All Too Hard. There’s something for everyone.”

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INGLIS MELBOURNE PREMIER YEARLING SALE

Back on top of their game and riding high V in the auction ring

Steve Moran speaks to Philip Campbell, whose resurgent Blue Gum Farm is riding the crest of a wave

ICTORIA’S Blue Gum Farm has re-established itself among the premier operations in the country after briefly slipping off the pace in a breeding game that is now dominated by major conglomerates and well-funded emerging boutique studs.

Its resurgence is readily measured by Blue Gum’s success at Victoria’s major yearling sale – the Inglis Premier – which it has supported for decades.

In 2012 and 2013 Blue Gum sold an aggregate of 19 yearlings for less than $1 million. However, the rise in Melbourne sales success has been meteoric since.

In 2014 it sold 18 of 18 yearlings offered for $1.7m; that gross climbed to $2.9m the following year before a record-breaking $4.7m in 2016 – the highest ever single draft at a Melbourne Premier sale.

“There hadn’t been a draft before which had come within a bull’s roar of that,” says Philip Campbell, who owns and operates the farm with wife Patti.

“There really wasn’t a tail to that year’s draft. We sold nine yearlings for $200,000-plus and even more pleasing was the strong results that followed on the track, headed by horses such as Jukebox, Ducimus, Vinland and Fantastic Show among others.”

It was a result that no farm was likely to be able to repeat the following year but, in 2017, Blue Gum again had a fruitful Premier with 26 yearlings sold for $3.4m.

Campbell concedes that the family owned and operated farm, which sits somewhere between conglomerate and boutique, had probably “dropped the ball” for a while, a not inappropriate analogy given he turned to coaching the local junior football team for six years (one flag!) from 2008 in search of some inspiration.

“I left school at 17 and have virtually done the same thing ever since and, alas, I add that’s about 40 years ago now,” Campbell says. “I suspect I’d probably started to take things a little bit for granted as we’d had a charmed run for so many years standing stallions of the quality of Encosta De Lago, Umatilla and Rubiton.

“It’s the only business I’ve been in and things soured a little with the stallions. We had a honeymoon period with Elvstroem but his stock didn’t meet expectations on the track

and nor did those of Churchill Downs, although he did produce plenty of winners.

“So, two of our best stallion chances on paper didn’t quite work out. We still poked along and had our successes along the way but things needed to change and I probably needed a kick up the bum.”

Several factors have contributed to both man and business being revitalised. “We did some work with Paul Guy of Heritage Bloodstock and, while I wouldn’t say that he delivered that kick, I will acknowledge he woke me up a bit,’ he says.

“His enthusiasm and positivity were infectious and I’m loving what we’re doing here now.”

The process also, of course, involved upgrading mares and cultivating new clients.

“It’s not easy to do [upgrade mares] with the top end of the broodmare market consistently hot but we tried to identify value and have had some good results,” Campbell explains.

“We bought Vinland’s mum [Viking Turf Belle] with a Charge Forward filly at foot for $80,000 and then sold the filly for $90,000. Plus we’ve since sold her Sebring colt [Vinland] for $340,000 and her Pierro colt for $310,000 last year.

“We’ve formed a number of mare partnerships with clients and friends, which has helped us a lot and, hopefully, our clients as it’s strengthened our buying power and we’ll have a number of very good first foals at coming sales.”

The process has also been the result of good planning and not necessarily an instant success.

“It’s hard to maintain a high level of success over a long period of time in this game, whether you’re a breeder or an owner or a trainer,” he says.

“We had to look at how we were managing our broodmare band and the majority of yearlings are raised on the farm, for clients, and they’ll have been the result or matings either here or at other Victorian farms or from the Hunter.

“We may have been slow in changing but we’ve rectified that and we’re now producing quality horses who sell well and it’s definitely more fun being at the top of the vendors’ list.”

Blue Gum has established or rekindled relationships with several prominent industry

Philip Campbell, who owns and operates Blue Gum Farm with his wife Patti

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MALUKA THOROUGHBREDS

OUR SYSTEM IS

PROVEN Manhattan Rain, a son of Encosta De Lago and one of four stallions on the stud’s roster

figures, including Des Pope, Rupert Legh and Neville and Susan Duncan from Oakland Park, Western Australia, which bred Jukebox (Snitzel) and Ducimus (Snitzel).

The farm is currently standing four stallions – a roster headed by Manhattan Rain who is, of course, by Blue Gum’s greatest success story in Encosta De Lago (Fairy King).

“Manhattan Rain is a horse we were always interested in and we did make a play for him when he was first retired. He went to Arrowfield then, which was understandable given the Redoute’s Choice connection, but now we’re fortunate enough to have him here,” Campbell says.

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ORTUNATE and, perhaps, fortuitous.

Campbell has known Iris O’Farrell, who manages Muzaffar Yassen’s Teeley Assets, for some time. “Iris rang me around this time last year and the deal was done well before She Will Reign won the Golden Slipper,” Campbell recalls.

“I think he can really make it.

I sent a mare to him two years ago, before he was here. Last year was just his fourth crop to race and he’s won the Slipper.

The year before he had another two-year-old filly [Scarlet Rain] who was in Slipper contention after winning the Sweet Embrace and he’s had a Group 1 winner in South Africa.

“Last year here he covered 112 mares and they were all outside mares, which shows his wide level of support.”

Campbell, at the time of writing, was awaiting the first of War’s (More Than Ready) progeny to hit the track. “We took him on knowing that he’s in the same bracket as several other young stallions so he’ll have to make it himself,” he says. “We’ll begin to see this season when my guess would be that he’d have around 40 two-year-olds who could potentially hit the track.

“I’ve had very positive

feedback with several of them and I don’t mind trainers being patient with them. His yearlings have sold well, he had a Ready To Run horse sell for $420,000 last year and I love the More Than Readys; I love the stallions with an international pedigree and so he’s a horse we’re more than happy to take a chance on.”

Blue Gum also stands the consistent winner-getter Turffontein (Johannesburg), whose stock have taken a boost of late via the Group 3-winning mare Lyuba, Widgee Turf, who is unbeaten in four runs this season, and Sight Leader, who is unbeaten in two starts in Hong Kong.

Plus they stand the Group 1 winner Glass Harmonium (Verglas) who, like War, has been at the Euroa farm since 2014 and whose eldest progeny are two-year-olds. “He’s got some nice youngsters with the likes of leading trainers Mike Moroney, Robbie Griffiths, John McArdle and Symon Wilde,” he says.

It is purely coincidental but David Hayes’s development of nearby Lindsay Park has coincided with Blue Gum’s resurgence.

“I’m not sure it has directly benefited us but what David has done there is phenomenal and there’s no doubt it’s put more focus on the area as a thoroughbred centre,” Campbell says.

Blue Gum has grown dramatically since 1966 when Philip’s parents Graham (one-time golf professional and later general manager of Dalgety Bloodstock) and Margaret purchased their first thoroughbred property, named Gramar Lodge, which was then

on the outskirts of Melbourne, at East Doncaster, but is now very much part of suburbia.

The site of the current farm was purchased in 1980 and the business has continued to develop ever since, as evidenced by the aforementioned Premier sale results, and Campbell is, understandably, again looking forward to Melbourne Premier, where it has 30 yearlings catalogued.

“It’s as many as we’d want to present,” Campbell says. “We’ve been mindful not to become too big and run the risk of compromising our focus on individual attention. We extended the yearling barn two years ago to allow us to cope with this sort of number.

“I believe we have a really good group of horses across the board and some who will stand out to buyers for a variety of reasons. We have three Brazen Beaus and they’re simply bloody good horses in my opinion. They include the half-sister to the promising Vinland and the half-brother to the flying Fontiton.”

H

E ADDS: “We have a lovely Sepoy filly out of Beauty World who comes from as good a female family as you’ll find.

Everybody’s been far too quick to write off Sepoy. This is a dual-purpose filly who’s big and strong like Alizee [also by Sepoy].

“Then we have another horse like the Mossman colt out of Flying Gigi who has every chance to outsell his pedigree.

He’s a solid article, a real trainer’s horse who will bounce and run.”

‘We’re now producing quality horses who sell well and it’s definitely more fun being at the top of the vendors’ list’ Blue Gum Farm owner Philip Campbell

YEAR 1 - POWER TRIP Maribyrnong Plate Winner

YEAR 2 - PERAST Caulfield Guineas Prelude Winner

Year 3 - SEABROOK 3rd Blue Diamond Prelude

YEAR 4 Our Best Draft Yet!

malukathoroughbreds.com.au

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Thursday, March 1, 2018 racingpost.com/bloodstock

INGLIS MELBOURNE PREMIER YEARLING SALE

Mark Scully on the lure of the Australian bloodstock market to buyers from South Africa and what is being done to attract them

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ELBOURNE is famous for many things.

Routinely voted the world’s most liveable city, it boasts the magnificent MCG, plays host to the Australian Open tennis tournament and stages one of horseracing’s greatest spectacles, the Melbourne Cup (Gr 1, 3200m).

For racing professionals in South Africa, however, the city is about far more than those things. As the home of the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale, the capital of Victoria is a rich source of Grade 1 talent and as such, Oaklands Junction is once again set to be visited by a host of South Africans this month.

With Australian buyers still, for the most part, desperate to get their hands on gun juveniles with the potential to unlock the riches of a lucrative stud career, leading players from South Africa such as Mike de Kock have been using this sale as a way of tapping into some of the world’s most potent Classic-distance bloodlines they are often either priced out of or unable to access elsewhere.

Having recognised this demand, Inglis has worked hard to cater for these international visitors through the work of their South African representative Simon Vivian.

“We like to make the South Africans feel welcome, so when they come to Melbourne they’re looked after in such a way that they really enjoy themselves,” says Vivian. “It’s not a chore to come to this sale, they can come and relax and enjoy the company of the Australian people.

“It’s become something of a party time for them as well as a chance for them to come and find a horse who totally suits their style of racing.”

Last year 11 yearlings went the way of South African buyers for a combined spend of almost $1.5 million. Back in 2013, $2m was spent on 32 yearlings, while in 2015 a remarkable $3.8m was shelled out on 34 youngsters.

Key to encouraging and nurturing this type of relationship with an overseas buying bench, according to Vivian, is building strong personal relationships. As a result, he and his teams have been eager to display the commitment of Inglis to racing in South Africa through regular visits to the country’s major

Opportunity knocks for buyers from the Rainbow Nation South African star graduates from the Premier Sale The Conglomerate (above) and Alboran Sea; (right) Mike de Kock has stated his intention to attend this year’s sale

racing and sale days as part of an effort that began in earnest around 2008.

Back at home, that work continues through the selection of yearlings for the catalogue, with Inglis keen to maximise South African interest via the inclusion of yearlings who may not be considered for other sales in Australia and New Zealand.

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OR South African buyers, the sale represents perhaps the best opportunity to access some of the world’s most potent Classic bloodlines, via stallions shuttling from Europe to Australia and New Zealand.

“The Australian market is still dominated by local buyers trying to buy the precocious sprinting horse,” says Vivian.

“The South African market is nowhere near as preoccupied with those two factors; they are far more inclined to look towards a more European style of horse.

“For them the perfect horse is one who looks like being a good three-year-old at a mile and a ten-furlong performer as an older horse.

“Australia has become the absolute focus for the best European shuttle stallions.

These horses aren’t going to shuttle to South Africa. Those same horses who are proving themselves to be successful throughout Europe are the sort of horses who appeal to the South African buyers and their best access to getting those bloodlines is to come to Australia and buy them.

“We have a lot of stallions in Australia and New Zealand who fit that bill but the Australian market hasn’t been demanding them, whereas the South Africans love being able to get their hands on High Chaparrals or Camelots or Street Crys and these sorts of horses.

“When we select a Melbourne catalogue, there is a degree of emphasis placed on what will suit the South African market.

“So, whereas a lot of sales in Australia will say they don’t

want to take on Camelots or Adelaides or these sorts of horses, we’ll actually look to take them on because we believe they’ll appeal to the South African market.”

This selection criteria is evident with a glance through the 2018 offering, with 43 sons or daughters of shuttler Toronado, a Group 1-winning son of High Chaparral (Sadler’s Wells) who was at his best over a mile but was tried at ten furlongs. Adelaide (Galileo) has two colts and a filly catalogued, while there is representation too for other recent European stars such as Canford Cliffs (Tagula), Dawn Approach and Charm Spirit (Invincible Spirit).

The list of top-class performers emerging from this sale continues to grow but it is not just the pedigrees that make sense for South African

‘When we select a Melbourne catalogue, there is a degree of emphasis placed on what will suit the South African market’ Inglis’ South African representative Simon Vivian

buyers – the economics work too and the proof lies in the results in recent years.

The Conglomerate (Lonhro), the 2016 Durban July hero, was a $160,000 purchase from the Tyreel Stud draft in 2013.

Igugu, a daughter of Galileo (Sadler’s Wells) who was crowned South Africa’s Horse of the Year in 2010-11, was picked up from the Kia-Ora Stud draft in 2009 for a mere $65,000. Alboran Sea (Rock Of Gibraltar), the champion three-year-old filly of 2014-15, was sold by Rosemont Stud in 2013 for $105,000.

“The average price of a horse at the Melbourne sale tends to be within the scope of what they can afford to spend, given that the Rand is about ten to one and it costs around $15,000 to get a horse home,” says Vivian.

H

E ADDS: “It’s never been a massive number of horses going to South Africa, so the strike-rate is quite phenomenal.”

The South African landscape has been significantly altered recently with billionaire Markus Jooste forced to close down his racing operation as he faces accountancy fraud

allegations, but Vivian is confident the country’s presence will still be felt at the sale, despite the absence of Mayfair Speculators’ money.

“While we’re going to miss the buying influence of Markus Jooste and his Mayfair Speculators, there are still others who will be here and we’re working hard to attract as many South Africans as possible,” says Vivian.

“Jehan Malherbe of Form Bloodstock, who has been coming here since 2007 and been a fabulous contributor, is already booked in.

“Mike de Kock, who has already trained so many of these top performers from this sale, has booked too. Hassen Adams, who came to Melbourne and bought a horse called Mac De Lago, is coming back. Louis Goosen, a trainer over there, is coming and so is The Conglomerate’s trainer Joey Ramsden.

“Often people will come one year but not the next. So you’ll have a big operation, like the Mike Bass stable or the Geoff Woodruff stable who have been great supporters, who are trying to support their market in South Africa as well, but we look forward to welcoming them back in future years.”

11

anzbloodstocknews.com Thursday, March 1, 2018

WHISKEY BARON Group 1, Sun Metropolitan, Kenilworth, South Africa

LIM’S CRUISER Group 1, Lion City Cup, Singapore Turf Club

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With our global network of offices, IRT offers a one stop shop solution, offering peace of mind that your horse couldn’t be in better hands.

To find out how we can help you and your horse contact Lachlan Ford, IRT Australia, on +61 411 709 709 or visit our website. www.irt.com

IRT1405 - ANZ Bloodstock Feb2018_FA3.indd 1

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26/02/2018 11:20 AM

12

Thursday, March 1, 2018 racingpost.com/bloodstock

INGLIS MELBOURNE PREMIER YEARLING SALE SIRE STATISTICS Sire

*Figures in A$

Year to stud

2015 service fee

Sold

2017 2017 average* median*

Year to stud

2015 service fee

Sold

Adelaide

2015

A$22,000

0

0

0

Al Maher

2005

A$16,500

26

56,130

52,000

Myboycharlie

2009

A$11,000

16

41,358

21,000

Needs Further

2013

A$3,300

20

26,700

25,500

All American

2010

A$11,000

33

47,712

28,500

Nicconi

2010

A$11,000

21

64,380

All Too Hard

2013

A$55,000

93

120,326

99,260

Not A Single Doubt

2005

A$33,000

57

Ambidexter

2013

A$6,600

13

20,000

24,500

A$5,500

0

0

Americain

2013

A$13,750

24

39,316

21,800

A$13,750

0

0

0

O’Lonhro

2010

A$5,500

3

4,600

1,400

A$5,500

0

0

0

0

Ocean Park

2013

NZ$30,000

66

68,852

49,525

NZ$30,000

45

79,309

70,671

Anacheeva

2012

A$6,600

4

19,000

23,000

A$6,600

1

5,000

7,500

Animal Kingdom

2013

A$33,000

32

75,796

45,000

A$27,500

18

62,388

48,000

Olympic Glory

2015

A$19,250

0

0

0

A$19,250

37

99,508

70,000

Onemorenomore

2010

A$6,600

6

14,333

8,750

A$5,500

1

15,000

Artie Schiller

2007

A$13,200

29

69,741

67,000

A$22,000

4

118,000

22,500

66,000

Pellizotti

2011

A$2,200

0

0

0

A$0

0

0

Atlante

2015

NZ$8,000

0

0

0

NZ$7,000

13

0

29,201

18,573

Per Incanto

2011

NZ$15,000

24

75,479

56,792

NZ$15,000

38

91,401

62,742

Bel Esprit

2003

A$18,700

31

54,496

40,950

A$18,700

Bernardini

2007

A$27,500

35

60,895

45,000

A$27,500

16

58,475

48,000

Pierro

2013

A$77,000

90

A$66,000

26

236,733

197,500

1

22,500

33,750

Pins

2000

NZ$25,000

39

60,680

45,001

NZ$25,000

26

90,475

Better Than Ready

2015

A$9,900

0

0

0

76,107

A$9,900

10

38,850

36,000

Pluck

2012

A$9,900

13

16,038

14,500

A$9,900

7

82,408

Blackfriars

2001

A$13,200

26

42,596

56,000

20,000

A$12,000

24

49,428

44,000

Poet’s Voice

2012

A$11,000

33

35,978

21,000

A$11,000

5

42,359

Bon Hoffa

2009

A$0

6

52,718

22,083

22,500

A$4,000

2

14,500

6,000

Polanski

2014

A$5,500

1

30,000

45,000

A$5,500

0

0

Brazen Beau

2015

A$44,000

0

0

0

0

A$44,000

28

142,262

150,000

Primus

2007

A$2,200

0

0

0

A$0

0

0

0

Bullet Train

2013

Canford Cliffs

2012

A$13,200

25

31,860

17,000

A$11,000

13

14,538

13,500

Proisir

2015

NZ$7,000

0

0

0

NZ$7,000

33

37,404

28,993

A$13,750

16

25,781

17,750

A$13,750

2

43,000

9,000

Puissance De Lune

2015

A$11,000

3

4,833

7,250

A$11,000

1

67,500

101,250

Casino Prince Charge Forward

2008

A$13,200

15

42,584

34,000

A$11,000

4

34,750

42,000

Purrealist

2008

A$4,000

2

8,000

9,000

A$4,000

1

22,500

33,750

2005

A$16,500

19

63,394

62,500

A$11,000

11

64,363

67,500

Real Saga

2009

A$15,400

17

29,529

23,000

A$13,500

7

30,142

29,000

Charm Spirit

2015

NZ$25,000

0

0

0

NZ$22,500

43

99,088

83,808

Rebel Raider

2011

A$0

3

38,333

52,500

A$0

0

0

0

Choisir

2003

A$29,700

55

100,227

71,000

A$29,700

26

121,250

115,000

Redente

2009

A$2,200

1

3,750

5,625

A$2,200

0

0

0

Cluster

2015

A$6,600

0

0

0

A$6,600

1

45,000

67,500

Redoute’s Choice

2000

A$110,000

54

378,496 266,845

A$110,000

16

390,937

257,500

Crowded House

2013

A$11,000

1

8,500

12,750

A$11,000

0

0

0

Redwood

2012

NZ$10,000

13

27,565

25,990

NZ$10,000

14

39,930

33,976

Dalakhani

2004

A$22,000

15

77,966

47,500

A$22,000

0

0

0

Reliable Man

2013

NZ$15,000

57

75,645

57,406

NZ$15,000

50

102,613

79,278

Dane Shadow

2005

A$9,900

5

16,700

14,250

A$6,600

0

0

0

Reset

2004

A$16,500

16

64,305

48,000

A$16,500

5

83,308

110,000

Danerich

2007

A$7,700

7

40,214

40,750

A$6,600

0

0

0

Reward for Effort

2011

A$11,000

31

37,758

38,000

A$16,500

2

26,000

30,000

Darci Brahma

2007

NZ$30,000

20

78,549

90,003

NZ$15,000

20

78,190

75,879

Rip Van Winkle

2011

NZ$16,000

29

40,103

36,215

NZ$12,500

9

50,435

43,036

Dawn Approach

2014

A$27,500

33

68,019

42,000

A$22,000

18

99,141

73,922

Rothesay

2011

A$11,000

34

37,570

20,250

A$10,000

5

55,414

46,000

Declaration of War

2014

A$24,750

50

51,650

41,000

A$16,500

16

74,853

66,000

Rubick

2015

A$17,600

0

0

0

A$17,600

62

108,527

85,500

Deep Field

2015

A$22,000

0

0

0

A$22,000

89

155,874

137,000

Sacred Falls

2015

NZ$30,000

0

0

0

NZ$30,000

51

103,661

101,023

Delago Deluxe

2013

A$11,000

40

39,187

30,500

A$11,000

8

32,812

41,500

Safeguard

2015

A$8,800

0

0

0

A$8,800

11

45,772

43,750

Denman

2010

A$27,500

63

51,718

42,000

A$11,000

8

84,353

54,000

Savabeel

2005

NZ$100,000

70

205,989 178,081

NZ$100,000

70

244,552

226,509

Dissident

2015

A$38,500

0

0

0

A$33,000

68

155,572

130,000

Sebring

2009

A$66,000

97

204,418 152,406

A$77,000

30

163,728

145,000

Domesday

2006

A$13,750

15

32,533

21,000

A$8,800

1

45,302

67,953

Sepoy

2012

A$66,000

49

55,768

47,000

A$33,000

17

78,448

84,000

Dream Ahead

2012

A$27,500

53

51,434

40,004

A$27,500

14

63,977

69,000

Sessions

2015

A$9,900

0

0

0

A$7,700

6

40,833

53,000

Dundeel

2014

A$27,500

53

131,779 102,250

A$27,500

28

102,685

98,000

Shamexpress

2014

NZ$12,500

31

116,367

61,125

NZ$12,500

24

54,275

42,809

Elvstroem

2005

A$4,400

1

1,000

1,500

A$4,400

0

0

0

Shamus Award

2014

A$27,500

48

85,247

64,331

A$27,500

23

71,164

65,000

Epaulette

2014

A$27,500

69

73,267

64,500

A$22,000

31

82,399

67,500

Shocking

2011

NZ$7,500

17

59,092

33,690

NZ$8,500

20

41,700

36,694

Equiano

2011

A$13,750

18

18,294

14,600

A$13,750

2

22,750

33,750

Shooting to Win

2015

A$38,500

0

0

0

A$38,500

45

109,887

105,000

Eurozone

2014

A$13,750

69

33,036

21,500

A$13,750

16

35,189

40,000

Showcasing

2011

NZ$10,000

22

36,572

27,165

NZ$15,000

29

83,418

77,466

Exceed And Excel

2004

A$110,000

35

401,922 370,000

A$110,000

20

266,348

220,000

Sidestep

2015

A$11,000

0

0

0

A$11,000

8

38,125

43,500

Excelebration

2013

A$16,500

20

39,279

31,000

A$13,750

3

98,847

114,043

Sizzling

2014

A$16,500

74

65,823

52,250

A$16,500

29

61,794

53,500

Fast ‘n’ Famous

2007

A$4,400

0

0

0

A$5,500

0

0

0

Skilled

2012

A$6,600

20

18,617

11,550

A$6,600

0

0

0

Fastnet Rock

2005

Private

79

307,712 262,500

A$0

46

318,599

270,000

Smart Missile

2012

A$22,000

98

77,387

61,500

A$22,000

56

86,073

77,483

Ferlax

2014

NZ$7,000

24

24,880

20,214

NZ$7,000

4

19,043

16,308

Snitzel

2006

A$88,000

111

375,752 302,000

A$110,000

40

447,762

390,000

Fighting Sun

2014

A$13,750

42

63,661

63,000

A$13,750

12

74,310

52,500

So You Think

2012

A$49,500

74

123,792 105,000

A$49,500

38

91,951

88,000

Fiorente

2014

A$17,600

49

53,867

45,000

A$17,600

1

85,000

127,500

Spirit of Boom

2014

A$11,000

62

40,273

28,000

A$11,000

15

184,000

170,000

Foxwedge

2012

A$27,500

70

81,064

62,500

A$22,000

32

113,051

100,000

Squamosa

2013

A$6,600

3

18,000

26,500

A$6,600

0

0

0

Glass Harmonium

2013

A$6,600

5

38,280

30,200

A$6,600

0

0

0

Star Witness

2011

A$22,000

71

77,686

60,250

A$22,000

44

87,875

67,000

God’s Own

2006

A$4,400

0

0

0

A$3,300

0

0

0

Starcraft

2006

A$9,900

12

64,416

60,000

A$6,600

1

340,000

510,000

Good Journey

2003

A$8,800

12

28,458

18,500

A$11,000

0

0

0

Starspangledbanner

2011

A$44,000

19

82,315

70,000

A$24,750

6

125,500

60,000

Hallowed Crown

2015

A$33,000

0

0

0

A$27,500

19

75,471

56,000

Statue Of Liberty

2004

A$11,000

16

21,062

15,500

A$11,000

0

0

0

Hampton Court

2015

A$8,800

0

0

0

A$8,800

2

32,500

30,000

Stratum

2006

A$33,000

36

136,702 107,500

A$22,000

22

86,349

77,750

Helmet

2012

A$33,000

40

48,721

40,200

A$16,500

4

94,651

74,000

Street Boss

2009

A$11,000

20

70,275

51,750

A$27,500

9

108,111

110,000

Hidden Dragon

2006

A$5,500

5

13,400

12,500

A$5,500

0

0

0

Stryker

2011

A$11,000

22

25,227

16,500

A$11,000

1

45,000

67,500

Hinchinbrook

2011

A$16,500

73

105,346

92,500

A$38,500

49

129,163

127,500

Super Easy

2013

NZ$7,500

20

30,356

15,362

NZ$7,500

8

58,581

65,687

Holy Roman Emperor

2007

A$22,000

0

0

0

A$9,900

10

106,865

115,000

Tapit

2005

-

3

433,333 450,000

0

2

307,500

135,000

Husson

2007

A$13,200

17

24,419

23,500

A$13,200

11

71,208

72,500

Tavistock

2010

NZ$15,000

72

112,448

82,406

NZ$65,000

78

135,308

77,013

Hussonet

1994

A$0

13

60,307

49,000

A$0

0

0

0

Testa Rossa

2001

A$19,800

26

61,125

41,000

A$16,500

7

47,142

47,500

I Am Invincible

2010

A$55,000

116

258,063 207,500

A$55,000

52

418,427

385,000

The Brothers War

2015

A$11,000

0

0

0

A$9,900

3

66,666

90,000

Ilovethiscity

2012

A$6,600

5

17,500

21,000

A$6,600

0

0

0

The Factor

2013

A$16,500

49

57,231

53,200

A$16,500

15

44,766

52,000

Into Mischief

2009

-

1

50,000

75,000

0

0

0

0

The Wow Signal

2015

A$15,000

0

0

0

A$15,000

2

72,500

97,500

Jimmy Creed

2014

A$11,000

0

0

0

A$8,800

0

0

0

Time for War

2015

A$11,000

0

0

0

A$11,000

14

107,892

97,500

Jungle Ruler

2013

A$2,750

1

5,500

8,250

A$2,750

0

0

0

Toorak Toff

2012

A$16,500

21

20,452

11,200

A$8,800

1

14,000

21,000

Kaphero

2009

A$4,400

0

0

0

A$4,400

0

0

0

Toronado

2015

A$22,000

0

0

0

A$22,000

22

67,056

57,362

Keep The Faith

2006

A$4,400

0

0

0

A$3,300

0

0

0

Trusting

2012

A$11,000

3

13,666

13,000

A$0

3

76,666

115,000

Kuroshio

2014

A$8,800

25

36,780

38,000

A$8,800

1

90,000

135,000

Turffontein

2010

A$11,000

15

56,333

49,500

A$11,000

1

80,000

120,000

Lonhro

2004

A$88,000

19

196,582 252,500

A$88,000

5

309,228

417,500

Uncle Mo

2012

A$16,500

21

54,434

47,500

A$16,500

18

75,833

64,250

Lucas Cranach

2013

A$5,500

4

34,000

32,500

A$5,500

0

0

0

Unencumbered

2014

A$13,200

40

49,885

40,929

A$13,200

12

53,206

43,250

Magic Albert

2002

A$11,000

9

46,444

29,000

A$8,800

3

83,000

37,000

Verrazano

2015

A$13,750

0

0

0

0

8

68,062

67,500

Magnus

2008

A$17,500

47

51,776

30,500

A$17,500

14

80,928

83,500

Wandjina

2015

A$33,000

0

0

0

A$27,500

36

104,822

107,500

Makfi

2011

NZ$17,500

14

67,968

55,830

NZ$25,000

16

102,849

99,664

War

2014

A$6,600

16

30,781

19,000

A$6,600

2

4,500

4,500

Malibu Moon

2000

-

2

32,500

22,500

0

0

0

0

Warhorse

2015

A$7,700

0

0

0

A$7,700

1

45,000

67,500

Manhattan Rain

2010

A$16,500

22

69,863

41,500

A$16,500

9

82,222

80,000

Warrior’s Reward

2011

A$13,750

1

43,000

64,500

A$11,000

0

0

0

Master of Design

2012

A$15,000

17

16,220

16,000

A$15,000

2

9,000

13,500

Whittington

2015

A$8,800

0

0

0

A$8,800

4

30,875

22,750

Mawingo

2014

A$4,400

2

42,250

6,750

A$4,400

11

20,227

23,000

Wordsmith

2009

A$3,000

2

16,000

18,000

A$3,000

11

20,818

21,000

Medaglia d’Oro

2005

A$110,000

56

213,288 126,250

A$110,000

7

154,439

101,073

Written Tycoon

2007

A$19,800

70

169,187 102,500

A$49,500

34

227,314

198,750

Monaco Consul

2011

A$8,800

1

More Than Ready

2001

A$66,000

55

Moshe

2012

A$8,800

17

16,647

15,750

Mossman

2000

A$27,500

33

82,585

61,250

Mulaazem

2013

A$7,700

2

58,750

63,750

A$7,700

1,750

2016 service fee

Sold

2018 average*

2018 median*

Sire

A$16,500

6

112,151

116,000

A$16,500

7

37,071

34,000

A$11,000

0

0

0

A$55,000

37

94,606

76,000

2017 2017 average* median*

Sold

2018 average*

A$11,000

4

42,000

60,000

A$3,300

17

34,411

36,500

54,000

A$11,000

17

93,058

69,000

249,736 207,500

A$71,500

47

240,541

227,500

146,545 100,700

2016 service fee

2018 median*

2,625

A$6,600

2

30,000

30,000

Your Song

2013

A$22,000

44

57,238

44,500

A$16,500

17

73,411

80,000

213,354 156,000

A$66,000

42

190,189

153,000

Zacinto

2012

NZ$4,500

15

39,261

26,952

NZ$10,000

9

105,201

114,160

A$8,800

1

20,000

30,000

Zebedee

2011

A$17,600

0

0

0

A$16,500

5

88,000

105,000

A$16,500

11

52,658

52,500

Zoffany

2012

A$8,800

15

38,966

24,000

A$8,800

19

64,395

70,500

0

0

0

Zoustar

2014

A$44,000

89

179,382 157,000

A$44,000

30

272,440

223,750

anzbloodstocknews.com Thursday, March 1, 2018

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Thursday, March 1, 2018 racingpost.com/bloodstock

INGLIS MELBOURNE PREMIER YEARLING SALE

‘She was just a bloody nice filly’ – a superstar’s journey from sales ring to the track Tim Rowe on the early life and auction, a decade on, of wondermare Black Caviar

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LICKING through the 2008 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale catalogue, it was a connection to Group 1-winning sprinter Magnus (Flying Spur) that first drew Peter Moody’s eye to lot 520.

The then trainer was looking for new recruits for his Caulfield stable but could never have imagined the impact the Swettenham Stud-consigned Bel Esprit (Royal Academy) filly, who would later be known as Black Caviar, would have on his career and the life of his family.

Under Moody’s diligent eye, Black Caviar put together a remarkable undefeated career spanning 25 starts, becoming known simply as ‘The Mare’ as she blasted her way into Australian sporting immortality.

When Moody looked at lot 520’s page, he will have seen that the brown filly was the first foal out of Helsinge (Desert Sun), a daughter of another classy sprinting mare, the Group 2 winner Scandinavia (Snippets).

Helsinge was also a half-sister to Moody’s 2007 The Galaxy (Gr 1, 1100m) winner Magnus, a son of Flying Spur (Danehill) raced by breeder Robert Crabtree who was retired to stud in 2008 after finishing runner-up in the KrisFlyer International Sprint (Gr 1, 1200m) in Singapore and eighth in the King’s Stand

Stakes (Gr 1, 5f) at Royal Ascot in June of that year.

He had finished third in the previous running of the King’s Stand and as coincidence would have it, his retirement came only months after Black Caviar had joined Moody’s stables and begun her early education.

Recalling that momentous sale now a decade in the past, Moody said that after having his interest piqued by the Magnus link, it was the powerful frame boasted by Black Caviar during parades at Oaklands Junction that continued the intrigue.

“My first attraction was that she was closely related to Magnus, who was a good sprinter I had trained the previous few seasons, and she was a big, strong girl,” Moody says.

“She had a couple of faults.

She was back in one knee and slightly offset, but only in a small way, and she had a terrific action about her.

“She had a very good presence about her, moved well and carried herself well enough that I thought she could overcome her physical faults.

She presented well at the sales and was just a bloody nice filly.

The fact we paid $210,000 for her, which was considerably more than the average the Bel Esprits were making that year, suggested that I really liked her.”

In 2008, when Bel Esprit’s oldest progeny were three-year-olds, Black Caviar was the second most expensive yearling sold by the then Eliza Park Stud-based stallion at $210,000. The most expensive Bel Esprit of that year changed hands at the following Australian Easter Yearling Sale when

Black Caviar signs off an unblemished career with victory number 25 in the TJ Smith Stakes at Randwick in 2013

Freyer Bloodstock went to $460,000 to secure a filly from the Eliza Park Stud draft. By Scandinavia, she was a three-quarter sister to Black Caviar.

Helsinge, who died in January 2017, was the second foal out of Scandinavia but never raced. As well as being a half-sister to now Group 1-producing stallion

Magnus, she was a half-sister to Group 2 winner Wilander (Exceed And Excel), Group 2-winning juvenile Scandiva (Fastnet Rock) and the Listed winner Arctic Flight (Flying Spur).

“She coped with everything at the sales, which is what you want to see from them, and the rest is history, as they say,” Moody says.

It was the late Tim Jones who led Black Caviar through the sales ring, having been a vocal supporter of the yearling throughout her preparation, and Swettenham Stud principal Adam Sangster recalls: Black Caviar captured the imagination of racegoers the world over during her 25-race undefeated career

“Tim was always very complimentary of her and he wanted to put her through the ring, which he did. He always said, ‘Adam, you want to have a look at this filly’.

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ANGSTER said it was an honour to be associated with the champion unbeaten mare, whose statue takes prominence in the Victorian country town of Nagambie near where she was bred.

“She was a very powerful unit with a great walk and certainly kept the imagination of the buying bench,” Sangster says. “Troy Corstens was underbidder and he has been a great supporter of Swettenham and the VOBIS scheme and Black Caviar was the glamour girl for that.

“In retrospect it was an honour to have her, not knowing how good she was going to be at the time.”

Bred by Gilgai Farm’s Rick Jamieson, Black Caviar was conceived on a $20,000 (including GST) service fee in 2005 and born on 18 August 2006. Reflecting on those early days, Jamieson described her as an intelligent filly who stood out from other foals in a paddock at the farm.

“She was always an obvious yearling as she grew out. She was a fairly solid girl,” he says.

“The one thing I really liked was her temperament. Most yearlings play and jump and carry on but she was never like that in a paddock. She would just put her head down and eat.

“You could see that through her racing career. She was so mild you could put kids on her back. Usually good fillies have got a bit of anger in them, but she wasn’t at all.”

That attitude and presence carried through to the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale and ultimately saw her exceed her $100,000 reserve.

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anzbloodstocknews.com Thursday, March 1, 2018

Black Caviar’s 22nd success at Royal Ascot in the 2012 Diamond Jubilee Stakes

Wins 23 (Flemington) and 24 (Moonee Valley, left) for Black Caviar to the delight of her adoring public

“I had a $100,000 reserve on her and I was surprised she made $210,000, so I was pretty happy about it,” Jamieson says.

“When I sell I put it behind me and I’ve never regretted selling her. I’ve had a great run with the family and the owners who bought into the horse have been fabulous. It’s a bloody good story.”

To this day Jamieson remains in awe of the way Moody and connections handled Black Caviar’s racing career, which attracted the attention of the non-racing public and mainstream media around the world.

Since Black Caviar retired, only Chris Waller with his star mare Winx (Street Cry) can claim to come close to the challenges Moody was faced with while training the unbeaten mare.

“I tell you, you can’t understate Peter Moody’s handling of the mare. Really,

you can give credit to Peter for her unbeaten record. The job he did with her was absolutely outstanding,” he says.

“I don’t know how he did it with the pressure he was under.”

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LACK CAVIAR’S sire Bel Esprit, who was trained by John Symons from Macedon Lodge, now occupied by Melbourne Cup-winning owner Lloyd Williams, won twice at Group 1 level including the 2002 Blue Diamond Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m).

Jamieson believed Helsinge was a good match for the son of Royal Academy (Nijinsky) and sent her to him three times during a breeding career that also saw her visit Casino Prince twice, one of which resulted in the four-time Group 1 winner All Too Hard.

“I have a particular model

and I’m a genetic breeder. I thought the mating was right for her. I got a bit of flak for that because some thought Helsinge should have gone to a more obvious commercial stallion,” he says.

“Helsinge was a big, strong mare who was a good 16 hands. She was dominant.

Where a stallion would normally stamp the type of foal born, she was the one stamping them and everything out of her has been similar.”

Jamieson, who has also bred Group 1 winners The Quarterback (Street Boss) and Caulfield Cup (Gr 1, 2400m) winner Jameka (Myboycharlie) in recent years, has a sister to Black Caviar, the unraced Naturale, in foal to Not A Single Doubt (Redoute’s Choice) and an unraced sister to All Too Hard among his broodmare band.

Named Brigite (Casino Prince), she is in foal to Cable Bay (Invincible Spirit).

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Thursday, March 1, 2018 racingpost.com/bloodstock

From Manfred to Winx...

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anfred, foaled in 1922, was one of the first champions ‘raised and grazed’ on the land now farmed by Coolmore at Jerrys Plains. Manfred won the Cox Plate, Caulfield Cup, AJC Derby, VRC Derby, Champagne Stakes and Caulfield Stakes amongst a host of top-class races during his illustrious career.

The precedent set by Manfred has been followed many times over the years. In recent years, the likes of Vancouver, Catchy, Pride Of Dubai, Inference, Mighty Boss and Pinot have joined our honour roll of Group One-winning graduates and in 2017 another graduate, champion racemare Winx made history by winning her third consecutive Cox Plate at Moonee Valley.

It’s something to consider when attending the yearling sales.

• ADELAIDE • AIR FORCE BLUE • AMERICAN PHAROAH • CHOISIR • FASTNET ROCK • NO NAY NEVER • PIERRO • PRIDE OF DUBAI • RUBICK • SO YOU THINK • STARSPANGLEDBANNER • VANCOUVER • Michael Kirwan, Colm Santry, Sebastian Hutch, Paddy Oman, Sam White or Tom Moore. Tel: 02 6576 4200.

New Zealand: Gordon Calder Tel:+64 218 41612. www.coolmore.com