Photo: Supplied
In our Dunstan Horsefeeds Meet the Breeder interview this week, we catch up with Sarah Devcich who bred impressive Listed O'Leary Fillies Stakes (1340m) winner, Hitabell.
Tell us the story of Hitabell?
I came across Anahita on Gavelhouse. She was out of a family we had had a lot to do with and unfortunately ‘Visique’ who was from the same family had passed away.
At the time we were looking for a mare to send to Embellish and she seemed to fit the bill.
I purchased her for $1000 much to Marc’s dismay! Six months later we were anticipating a ‘colt’ as she was advertised to be carrying! However, a filly foal was born!
How did you get into thoroughbred breeding?
I got into the industry through good friends who offered me a two week holiday job. Little did I know 28yrs later I would still be in the thoroughbred industry and own a property.
Before owning Henley Park, I had worked on stud farms in the Waikato and thought it would be fun to part of breeding horses.
I had grown up on a dairy farm so it was similar but obviously the mares where abit more ‘high maintenance’!
How many mares do you breed from?
We had upto five broodmares at one point and had a fair bit of luck. Managing to bred Norzita a dual group 1 winner and Australian 3yo filly of the year. Also Beauty Flash who won a Hong Kong Mile.
We are down to one mare as pin hooking weanlings to yearlings has become the business’s main focus.
What else do you have in your bloodstock portfolio? (foals, racehorses, stallion shares etc)
These days are business has lead us to concentrate on pin hooking.
Do you breed to race or breed to sell? If sell, how do you decide on what to retain and what to sell?
We try to breed to sell, although a nice filly from a commercial mare is always considered for a racing career in our colours.
Do you seek advice on your breeding decisions?
Matching a stallion with a mare on type is something I believe in. Pedigrees are considered but from experience a good type is always easier to sell.
Best breeding advice you have received?
It’s not always easy but trying to think ahead when the foal will be a yearling or two year old and will they be of value to a buyer. Sometimes timing is everything!
What do you love about the thoroughbred breeding industry?
Breeding horses is a lottery and they come in all shapes and sizes. Everyone has a different view on a horse for good or bad.
What advice would you give someone entering the industry as a breeder?
Entering the breeding industry is exciting, take advice from people you trust and may have had success. It doesn’t have to be difficult, keep it simple.
If you could make one mating with any mare and stallion (past or present), what would it be? Anamoe is real favourite of mine! Any well bred mare would do… maybe Via Sistina !!
Finish this sentence: The best part of being a thoroughbred breeder is… is the anticipation of the new arrival and know you have had a part to play in the process.
