Approximately 250 breeding enthusiasts, many from out of the district, attended the annual NZTBA Waikato Branch stallion parade over the weekend.
Sponsored by JLT Bloodstock Limited, the parade which ran over two days featured 40 stallions resident at 10 studs.
According to the Waikato NZTBA Branch President Keith Lunn the numbers were way above the numbers that have attended in the past.
“It was great to see such a large turnout I know the studs were happy, I think the number of new sires was a big attraction and there seems to be a lot of people interested in breeding their mares,” Lunn said.
It began in Matamata at Waikato Stud where their new stallion Tivaci(AUS) was the headline act and very well received. And everyone enjoyed seeing a champion sire like Savabeel(AUS) parade. Pins(AUS), Rock’N’Pop, Ocean Park , Sacred Falls and Rios were also on show.
The next stop was Mapperley Stud who have increased their stallion roster this year with the addition of Puccini, who joined Contributor(IRE), Complacent(AUS) and He’s Remarkable as residents.
There was plenty of interest at the next stop in Rich Hill Stud’s new stallion Vadamos(FR), and spectators seemed to like what they saw in the son of Monsun(GER), his barn mates Proisir(AUS), Shocking(AUS) and Jimmy Choux were also paraded before lunch was served at the stud.
“We took quite a few bookings on the day for Vadamos, which is quite unusual but a positive sign,” stated Rich Hill’s John Thompson.
“He was very well received and is now very close to having his book closed at 150 mares”.
“There seemed to be a lot of enthusiasm amongst the guests at the parade and a lot of chatter about breeding mares this season.”
Following lunch, the next stop was Brighthill Farm where Zabeel’s Group One winning son Preferment was paraded. He too attracted a lot of attention and positive comments. Perfectly Ready(AUS) and Dalghar(FR)were also paraded at Brighthill.
The final stop on Saturday was at Cambridge Stud where Tavistock, Power, Burgundy and Keeper were viewed, and this was followed by afternoon tea, refreshments and a lot of socialising.
On Sunday morning the parade began at Highview Stud, where their new stallion Wrote(IRE) was paraded along with Bullbars(AUS).
Windsor Park Stud in Ohaupo was the next destination where eight stallions were paraded including the three new first season sires Rageese(AUS), Turn Me Loose and Vanburgh(AUS). They were joined by Rip Van Winkle(IRE).
“It was a very good turn out this weekend and really exciting to see a lot of young people on the parade,” enthused Windsor Park stud manager Rodney Schick.
“Also there was a number of breeders from Taranaki, Wellington and even the South Island. We took a few bookings on Sunday which is great, as often a lot of the bookings don’t come until after the parade”.
“There was a lot of interest in our three new horses, and Turn Me Loose is flying, he has a good book of mares already and is close to being full.”
Lunch was served at The Oaks Stud after they had paraded Darci Brahma, Roc de Cambes and Niagara(AUS), with the next stop being Chequers Stud to view Battle Paint(USA).
During lunch, the Waikato Branch presented their inaugural awards known as the ‘Four Seasons Awards’, presented to breeders who have achieved notable success throughout the season below Group level, both locally and internationally.
The awards were presented to Alan Hayward for the achievements of Battle Time and Farm Boy, Peter and Darryl Hollinshead for the success of Ecuador. Frank and Faye Drummond for El Pescado and El Pistola and Vicki and Terry Pascoe for Alibi’s performances in Singapore.
The final destination for the weekend was Novara Park who paraded Sweynesse(AUS) and Jakkalberry(IRE) before afternoon tea and refreshments concluded the event. – Michelle Saba
For more photos of the stallion parades and Award presentations, visit the Facebook pages of ‘NZTBAWaikato’ or the ‘New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association’.
