Stud's Supersire Stocks Soar
Newcastle Herald
Friday April 8, 2005
SUPERLATIVES dominate talk of the Upper Hunter's horse studs, but with Redoute's Choice standing at stud at Arrowfield near Scone the excitement is palpable.
It is not just the monetary figures associated with the horse.His lineage leaves those in the know in awe and those who just love racing simply in love.Redoute's Choice was sired by Danehill and he achieved a record price at last month's Easter yearling sales in Sydney when one of his progeny fetched $2.5 million.In media speak, he is the new supersire. And the records do not stop there.Continued Page 2New legend at the studsFrom Page 1 Redoute's Choice will command a service fee of $220,000, a 500 per cent increase on his $44,000 fee last season.Redoute's Choice served 213 mares last season, but Arrowfield's John Messara said the horse's book was not yet finalised for this season.Bloodstock agents and auctioneers William Inglis and Son managing director Reg Inglis conceded he did not expect Redoute's Choice to emerge so strongly and assume Danehill's mantle so quickly.Danehill, a global racing and bloodstock legend, served 3300 mares. By his death in May 2003, his progeny had earned more than $141 million in racing."It was the strongest market we've ever seen in Australia at a yearling sale . . . ," Mr Inglis said. " . . . to find another horse to come along so quickly and dominate the market like Redoute's Choice has done is unheard of." As Danehill's progeny become fewer all eyes will be on the offspring of Redoute's Choice.His 35 yearlings sold at the sales at an average of $611,714. Muswellbrook bloodstock commentator Brian Russell said that although few breeders could afford Redoute's Choice, the region would benefit from his reputation.Mr Russell said 70 stallions came into Australia annually under the "dual hemisphere" system pioneered by Danehill's arrival from Ireland in the 1990s.The king is dead, the succession is assured, long live the king.
© 2005 Newcastle Herald