Studs, Stallions And Visitors Put Their Best Feet Forward For Week Of Festivities
Sydney Morning Herald
Friday September 1, 2006
FOR the past week, among the rolling hills of the Hunter Valley, a battle has been raging - the battle of the studs.
It's been a ripper, with many of Australia's leading breeders, trainers, bloodstock agents, socialites and media representatives lured to the luxurious, high-profile studs to enjoy world-class hospitality.The major players are Arrowfield, Coolmore, Darley, Woodlands and Widden studs, with a highlight the stallion parades for those breeders who have been unable to decide on a partner for their broodmares or just want to see how their selected sire is progressing.It's once again the time to inspect the shuttle stallions, which have just come out of quarantine ready to enjoy huge harems of Australia's elite matrons, with the coverings beginning on September 1.In recent years the studs have spent mega-dollars upgrading their stallion brochures, posting them off worldwide to breeders, agents and the media. And then comes Inglis & Son sales time at Easter with the studs spending up on wining and dining clients during week-long parties in lavish marquees.Last weekend it was again a battle of the marquees by the big three - Arrowfield, Coolmore and Darley - with all three tents the size of football fields. Darley's parade was scheduled for 3.30pm on Saturday. Arrowfield began its extravaganza at 10.30am on Sunday with Coolmore having sessions on Sunday at 10.30am and 2.30pm.Earlier Widden Stud, further down the road in the Widden Valley, had several open days and Antony Thompson reported the response was tremendous. Many made Widden their Saturday morning stop-over before heading off to Darley.The same applied to Bob Ingham's Woodlands Stud at Denman whose stallion parade was conducted by William Inglis director Jonathan D'Arcy with 350 guests enjoying a barbecue and refreshments.Darley's soiree was mind-boggling, with Australian manager Ollie Tait welcoming the 850 guests then proceeding at 4pm with an excellent commentary of the 18 stallions which represent Sheik Mohammed in Australia this year. The party animals were still going strong at 8.30pm with many heading across to the local pub. Next day, the sun was shining for Arrowfield's morning in Scone and owner John Messara was beaming with the roll-up of 900 - its biggest turn-out yet. Radio announcer Alan Jones welcomed the crowd on Messara's behalf and his opening statement summed up the weekend when he declared Arrowfield's setting "as good as anything offered in the world" referring to the Kentucky hullabaloo in the US.Messara took over the microphone to welcome his loyal band of breeders before moving to the parade ring to view his eight-strong stallion band, highlighted by Australia's No.1 stallion Redoute's Choice, which commands a $275,000 service fee, and 2006 debutants Starcraft and Snitzel. Unfortunately, I didn't make the Coolmore gala day on Sunday but its boss, Michael Kirwan, said the two sessions brought in 1400 guests, passing its best previous figures. Coolmore has 16 stallions for 2006 and MC James Bester, a renowned bloodstock adviser, took around 60 minutes to run through them. I was able to enjoy the Coolmore hospitality at Jerrys Plains on Tuesday on what is regarded as media day with the Irish-owned stud flying in representatives from Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane for its stallion parade.I went from Coolmore to Woodlands Stud later in the afternoon to view its line-up of stallions spearheaded by Lonhro, his dad Octagonal and Viscount.Overall from Saturday to Tuesday I saw 48 top-line stallions - some old and some new. The stallions that really impressed - and I've selected just one from each stud visited - were: * Dubawi (Darley Stud): The newcomer sired by Sheik Mohammed's favourite racehorse Dubai Millennium. A stunning individual which is likely to produce sprinter-milers and has thrived since being retired. * Starcraft (Arrowfield): First time I saw him in the flesh since winning the 2004 AJC Derby and he is a magnificent chestnut standing 16.2 hands. Has let down brilliantly and his book of mares suggests he'll be a winner. * Fastnet Rock (Coolmore): Began his stud career in 2005 serving close on 200 mares. His foals are attracting rave reviews and it is amazing how much he has progressed in his new career. A couple of days earlier I saw a colt foal at Motto Farm which is a half-brother to Railings by Fastnet Rock and he was really something special. * Viscount (Woodlands): He's another home-bred sire which impresses more each time you look at him. His three-year-olds are running hot and Viscount is going to be an integral part of Australian breeding for years to come.Attention breeders: If you're lucky enough to score an invitation to the Hunter Valley in 2007, then go into training at least a month beforehand ... and expect to experience "booze lag" for several days afterwards.johnhollysenior@yahoo.com.au
© 2006 Sydney Morning Herald