3 minute read
Group 1 winner to join New Zealand Stud-based at the conclusion of his racing career.
Group 1 winner Sword Of State (Snitzel) will stand at Cambridge Stud at the conclusion of his racing career.
Te Akau principal David Ellis has confirmed that the exciting young son of champion sire Snitzel (Redoute's Choice) has been secured for future stud duties by Cambridge Stud, in partnership with his current ownership.
The colt has won four of his five starts so far, including a six and a half length victory in the Slipper Stakes (Gr 3, 1200m) and he was last seen beating stablemate On The Bubbles (Brazen Beau) by three and a half lengths ARC Diamond Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m). The colt has accrued NZ$174,400 in career prize-money.
Cambridge Stud chief executive Henry Plumptre is looking forward to welcoming Sword Of State to the stallion roster following his racing career.
"The ease and times of Sword Of State's wins in New Zealand saw him installed as one of the favourites for the ATC Sires' Produce Stakes," Plumptre said.
"He was second favourite behind Anamoe when he was unfortunately withdrawn due to the unfavourable soft tracks in Sydney.
"He is the only Group 1-winning colt by Snitzel currently in training and he will be a terrific addition to Cambridge Stud and the New Zealand thoroughbred breeding ranks."
Bred by Sir Owen Glenn, Sword Of State was a $600,000 purchase by Te Akau boss David Ellis at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale last year from the Newgate Farm draft. The colt is out of stakes-placed Encosta De Lago (Fairy King) mare In The Vanguard, who is herself a daughter of 2004 Light Fingers Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m) winner Sharp (Danzero).
Ellis is pleased to continue his burgeoning relationship with Cambridge Stud, with Te Akau's Group 1 winner Embellish (Savabeel) already standing at the farm, and Cambridge Stud principals Brendan and Jo Lindsay enjoying racing a number of exciting horses through Te Akau's barn, including multiple Group 1 winner Probabeel (Savabeel).
"Sword Of State is a magnificent colt physically, with a superb temperament," Ellis said. "It's so important to have quality horses like Sword Of State for the New Zealand industry, colts that will perform at the highest level on the race track and then stand at stud.
"I have been committed to this goal for over a decade and we are proud to already have Embellish, who I likewise purchased, standing at Cambridge Stud.
"Brendan and Jo Lindsay have been involved in the ownership of Sword Of State from the time I purchased him. Their commitment to this industry is massive – they continue to invest and innovate and the industry certainly benefits from their passion.
"We will focus on campaigning Sword Of State in Australia in the new season and further enhancing the resume of this already valuable colt.
"His future racing will see him carry the black and gold colours of Cambridge Stud just like his multiple Group 1- winning stablemate Probabeel."
