This week in Dunstan Horsefeeds Meet the Breeder, we catch up with Cambridge Stud principals Brendan and Jo Lindsay after a very successful week with Ceolwulf (Tavistock) winning the Gr.1 TAB Epsom and the following weekend Luberon (Embellish) taking out the Gr.3 Sweynesse Stakes.
How did you get into thoroughbred breeding?
J’Adane is a mare that has a special place in our hearts. She was from the last crop of Danehill and we purchased her as a yearling at Karaka. While she only won one race, she was Group placed seven times in New Zealand, Queensland and Victoria and was beaten a nose in the Gr.1 Kelt Capital Stakes. When she retired, we bred from her and she produced three Group winners – Von Tunzelman, Prince Jabeel and Sherrif – so she was an important part of our journey into breeding.
How many mares do you breed from?
Around 150 mares each year
Do you seek advice on your breeding decisions?
We don’t make any decisions without input from our CEO Henry Plumptre. When it comes to mating the mares we have a team at the farm including Henry, Cam, Bevan and Scott that look at all the pedigrees and help us to make those decisions.
Best breeding advice you have received?
Quality breeds quality
What do you love about the thoroughbred breeding industry?
The excitement of choosing a mating, waiting 11 months for a foal to arrive then following the foal for the next two years to find out if they are going to be successful on the track or not. It’s the expectation along the way that makes it so exciting.
What advice would you give someone entering the industry as a breeder?
Patience, patience and more patience!
Proudest moment as a breeder?
Pinarello winning the Gr.1 Queensland Derby was an extra special win. We raced his mother Zonza and she won a Gr.3 in Australia. To then breed and race a Gr.1 winner out of her by Tavistock and for it to be Leith Innes’ final ride was an awesome experience.
Describe the feeling of breeding a Group One winner and stakes-winner with stallions you stand and have stood.
Breeding any winner feels good but breeding one by your own stallions has that added satisfaction as it is the ultimate reward for decisions you have made in the past.
Finish this sentence: The best part of being a thoroughbred breeder is…
Always being able to chase the dream
