3 minute read
Westbury Stud respond to economic situation.
Reliable Man (Dalakhani) heads the six-strong roster at Gerry Harvey's Westbury Stud in 2020, remaining at his 2020 fee of NZ$15,000 (plus GST).
The son of Dalakhani's (Darshaan) progeny have enjoyed a lucrative season on the track headed by his daughter Miami Bound, who landed the Kennedy Oaks (Gr 1, 2500m) and Wakeful Stakes (Gr 2, 2000m) in the spring, while his son Kinane landed the Frank Packer Plate (Gr 3, 2000m) at Randwick.
The top price paid for a Reliable Man yearling at Karaka was NZ$330,000 for the colt out of Oh So Royal (Danzero) - who was purchased by the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Westbury Stud's general manager Russell Warwick said that during the current global crisis it was important for breeders to be able to support the industry.
"It is imperative for breeders to mate their mares this year, as the long term future of the New Zealand Industry is dependent on mares being bred and as many foals as possible being born in 2021," said Warwick.
"Under the difficulties breeders are faced with, we have taken a proactive approach this year to ensure that the service fees of our stallions provide our clients with value and the ability to breed a good horse at a realistic cost, while they must have an opportunity to make a profit should they choose to sell.
"In respect of the horse numbers (the foals born or about to be born) the pathway for the next two racing seasons is set to a degree, but the future foal crops which will affect yearling sales and the number of horses which will be available to race from the 2023-24 season and beyond, will fall upon the decisions made by breeders mating their mares in 2020."
Tarzino (Tavistock) - whose first runners will hit the track next season - will stand for NZ$12,000 (plus GST), down from NZ$15,000 (plus GST). A total of 33 yearlings sold by the sire at the sales in 2020 for an aggregate of NZ$2,462,650 at an average of NZ$74,625 - with with a top lot of $230,000, a colt out of Eau de Parfum (Redoute's Choice), purchased by DGR Thoroughbred Services in partnership with Mick Price Racing at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling in January.
Meanwhile, El Roca's (Fastnet Rock) fee has been reduced from from NZ$9,000 (plus GST) to NZ$8,000 (plus GST), despite him being represented by his first elite level winner this season courtesy of Travelling Light's Levin Classic (Gr 1, 1600m) victory in January.
Redwood (High Chaparral) and Swiss Ace (Secret Savings) will both stand for NZ$8,000 (plus GST), down from NZ$10,000 (plus GST), while Telperion (Street Cry) will stand at an unchanged fee of NZ$5,000 (plus GST) in 2020.
