Photo: Supplied
In this week's Dunstan Horsefeeds Meet the Breeder, we catch up with Ross and Corinne Kearney who bred Listed Armacup 3yo Stakes winner Checkmate under their Okaharau Station Ltd banner.
Tell us the story of Checkmate?
Checkmate was born at the Rich Hill Stud, but he grew up at our farm in Okoroire.
He was good natured with us, but could get excitable when other horsed were around - especially fillies, hence he was castrated at 18 months old.
He always looked to have an easy stride as he and his paddock mates raced around.
We felt from an early age that he was a special horse.
Devon Oaks broke and pre trained him. Checkmate eventually ended up at Wexford Stables.
Andrew and Lance and their great staff have been incredibly patient with him and have developed him into what he is today.
How did you get into thoroughbred breeding?
Originally we had stock horses on our station in Northland, where Ross bred and broke the in the replacements. Then through the years we had the odd share in a couple of race horses.
Getting nearer to retirement we were looking for an interest outside of sheep and beef farming and racehorses had always been on Ross’s radar so we purchased our first mare.
How many mares do you breed from?
We breed from 6 – 7 mares per year.
What else do you have in your bloodstock portfolio? (foals, racehorses, stallion shares etc)
Currently we have eight mares, six yearlings, five 2year olds and six foals at foot. We have eight in some sort of racing preparation. And one stallion share.
Do you breed to race or breed to sell? If sell, how do you decide on what to retain and what to sell?
We are only breeding to race.
Do you seek advice on your breeding decisions?
We take advice on breeding from Stud masters but always make our own decisions.
What do you love about the thoroughbred breeding industry?
We absolutely love having horses here on our farm and watching our young ones develop. Its very special for us to be able to spell our racehorses here at home. Checkmate is currently home for a few days having a much deserved refresh, he is loving just being a horse, eating grass and chilling out.
What advice would you give someone entering the industry as a breeder?
For someone entering the Thoroughbred industry listen to advice, but make your own decisions
If you could make one mating with any mare and stallion (past or present), what would it be?
If we could do one mating with any stallion now, we would put Signorina back to Mongolian Khan.
