This year the Gr.1 New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Stakes (1600m) will be run for the 48th time.
The Fibre Fresh-sponsored feature, which each year attracts a strong field of quality sprinter/miler female racehorses, will be run at Te Aroha’s April 6 meeting and is an opportunity for members of the New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders Association to get together at the annual Waikato Branch organised event.
“The Breeders’ Stakes has a great history being the only Group One race restricted to fillies and mares,” New Zealand Thoroughbred Breeders’ Association President John Thompson said.
“It always attracts a very good field and has been won by some great mares that have had great influence such as Tudor Light, Ballroom Babe and Gold Hope.
“It is a day important to breeders and a chance for members from all over the country to get together, catch up and celebrate the thoroughbred industry.”
All members in attendance will be in with a chance to win a free stallion service to Highview Stud stallion Wrote (High Chaparral).
The Gr.1 Breeders Cup Juvenile Turf winner has his first crop on the ground and the foals could not have impressed stud master Brent Gillovic more.
“We couldn’t be happier, they are really nice, athletic and correct horses,” Gillovic said.
“They are very well-stamped in the mould of their sire.
“He has a beautiful temperament and we have just started to wean a couple of mobs and the Wrotes are nice horses to do anything with and we are excited for the future.”
This is not the first time Gillovic has provided the stallion service and was keen to support the day as a means of giving back to the industry and to further promote Wrote.
“I did this many years ago with Danroad and this year I was approached by Keith Lunn, president of the local breeders’ association, and I was happy to do it with Wrote as it is good to put back into the industry,” Gillovic explained.
“He has been well received and I felt this was also a good way to get some publicity going in to his third year. Hopefully it keeps him in breeders’ minds.
“He covered 83 mares the first year and 87 the season just gone. The quality of mares he got this last season was a lot higher and it is great for a horse with a $5,000 service to fee to get some really nice mares.
“When we gave the Danroad service away it was won by Murray Hardy and the Sunlight Trust boys. It was the first time I had really met them and we finished up good friends and they ended up taking a share in the horse. If we can repeat that it would be great!”
Thompson was appreciative of the support from Highview Stud and encouraged all members to attend the meeting.
“I would like to thank Brent Gillovic for his generous donation of the service to Wrote,” Thompson said.
“I would like to see as many people as possible at the meeting and everyone will be looked after well by the Breeders’ Association and the Te Aroha Jockey Club.”
There will be a marquee by the parade ring on the day with lunch provided and spot prizes to be won.
For more information contact Keith Lunn at the Waikato Branch of the Breeders’ Association on
029 914 5740 or email nztbawaikatob@gmail.com- NZTBA
