Ontrack Hunter Valley
HOST NOTES
GEORGE RYDER
George Edward Ryder (1905-1989), racing administrator, stud master and businessman, was born on 29 June 1905 at Tingha, near Inverell, New South Wales, fourth child of George Henry Ryder, tin-miner, and his wife Inez Evelyn, née Arentz, both born locally. Brought up in a slab hut with a pressed-earth floor, George was educated at Nullamanna Public School, leaving at age 13. He had a job transporting a dentist on his rounds on a motorcycle with sidecar. In about 1928 he moved to Cessnock. After driving a bus for a year he purchased one on time payment. During the 1930s he bought out most Hunter Valley rivals and his business grew into Rover Motors Pty Ltd, with forty-five buses in a modern fleet. He sold it in 1946 and invested in hotels, including Craigieburn Guest House, Bowral.
Gaining a pilot’s licence, Ryder expanded into aviation. While operating from Mascot airport he befriended Sir Charles Kingsford Smith. In 1939 he established the first passenger run between Sydney and Newcastle. Later he sold his aviation assets to Australian National Airways Pty Ltd. A talented amateur sportsman, he was an excellent tennis player and golfer, and also enjoyed billiards, shooting, polo and speedboat driving. He was president of Cessnock tennis and rugby league clubs.
On 7 September 1932 at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Cessnock, Ryder had married Dorothy Abbott Scott, a clerk. He entered horse racing in 1937 when he purchased a colt that he named Jan, after their daughter. Jan won at Newcastle and a smitten Ryder purchased more racehorses, which Bayly Payten trained at Randwick. A later horse, his best, was also named Jan. Trained by T. J. Smith, she dominated weight-for-age races at the 1953 Randwick Easter carnival. Apple Bay, winner of the 1955 Doomben Ten Thousand in Brisbane, was another notable horse to carry Ryder’s colours of pale blue, red diamond and sleeves, and yellow cap.
In 1946 with several partners Ryder acquired Woodlands Stud Farm Pty Ltd at Denman. By the 1960s, under Ryder’s management, it reputedly produced annually more individual winners than any stud in the world. Newton Wonder, a very successful sire, was followed by the imports Pipe of Peace, Sostenuto and King of Babylon, and the Australian-born Sky High. In 1970 Ryder sold Woodlands but almost immediately bought Kia Ora Stud Farm Pty Ltd at Scone. He championed the use of Australian-bred thoroughbred sires there until 1977.
Ryder had been an honorary representative of the Ministry of Munitions in the Hunter Valley during World War II. In 1943 the premier of New South Wales, (Sir) William McKell, wanted a representative from the area on the board of the new Sydney Turf Club. The jockey Maurice McCarten suggested Ryder, who then began his thirty-seven-year tenure—an Australian record. He served as treasurer (1943-47, 1963-72), vice-chairman (1972-77) and chairman (1977-80).
In the early 1950s Ryder advocated a rich race for two-year-olds to be run over six furlongs (1200 m) at Rosehill. The Golden Slipper Stakes was first run in 1957; its novel title came from the answer that Ryder’s wife gave when asked the perfect present for a baby. For the Slipper he insisted that fillies receive a seven-pounds (3 kg) handicap from colts, a kilogram more than customary in set-weights races. Other new provisions included first acceptances paid in the year of mating, followed by second and third acceptance payments, and the option to pay an exorbitant late entry fee. The Golden Slipper quickly became the STC’s signature race and is the only non-Melbourne contest among Australia’s ‘big four’ races. Ryder did much to provide more feature-race opportunities for fillies and mares.
During Ryder’s time the STC introduced numerous innovations to Australian racing including, in 1946, transportable barrier stalls. The photo-finish camera and saddlecloth numbers on jockey’s armlets soon followed. The STC recommenced, after twelve years, metropolitan midweek racing in 1954 and also trialled bookmaker-free race meetings. In 1970 Ryder established the successful Australian Racing and Breeding Stables Ltd, a not-for-profit syndication—Australia’s first—that made ownership possible for the non-wealthy. In 1983 it became a public company; he resigned as chairman the following year.
A gregarious man, Ryder was of average height with fair skin and blue eyes. His character was uncomplicated, down-to-earth, loyal, obstinate and humorous. He was fond of using figurative language. With little regard for ‘big noters’, he led the cause of ‘battlers’ in racing. He helped to gain entry to official grandstands for non-member owners. Although a member of the Anglican Church he was not a regular churchgoer. Survived by his wife and their daughter, Ryder died on 18 May 1989 at Elizabeth Bay, Sydney, and was cremated. The Group 1 race, the George Ryder Stakes, run at Rosehill, commemorated his services to racing. His portrait (1978) by Judy Cassab is held by the STC.
Super sleuth George Ryder conjured up yet another brilliant idea from a very fertile and inventive brain. He’s just introduced syndication of stallions to Australia enabling greater consumer participation and ostensibly also ‘affordability’ of superior bloodstock from both local and overseas supply markets. The USA had already forged the way in this as in many other entrepreneurial and commercial endeavours throughout the 20th century. Australia was playing ‘catch up’ with G E Ryder at the helm; a common theme in racing and breeding.
In 1971 George and his partners had sold Woodlands to an interesting International partnership between Lord Derby (UK) and Bob Kleberg of King Ranch, Texas (USA). The great days of domination of Sydney racing by the flagship D Chrsytal Snr, D Chrystal Jnr, Dr T Street and G E Ryder owners, trained by T J Smith at Randwick, ridden by G Moore ended forever. Woodlands became Derby-King Ranch for the time being. Perhaps the money tree had shed all its leaves? However the sale enabled George and a few remaining cohort to acquire the famous but jaded Kia Ora Stud in the Segenhoe Valley near both Scone and Aberdeen. Instantly George sprang into action with the syndication of both Gynsynd and Baguette for Kia Ora. The immediate and prescient future was assured.
George then excelled with his Australian Racing and Breeding Syndicate (ARABS). For only $500:00 per share anyone could buy into the portfolio. It allowed thousands of small players with limited means to both participate in and enjoy the exquisite thrill of thoroughbred ownership. At least that was the theory. Even I was sucked in. GER could be VERY persuasive! It actually worked; with some corollary benefits for the Ryder family. There usually were. Armed with some more ‘new money’ (other people’s) George acquired an impressive and select band of broodmares. He was good at this. He brought some of them with him from Woodlands. In racing and breeding George knew the score. His network and knowledge were unmatched. The ultimate ‘hussler’ Bobby Riggs would have been no match for G E Ryder on the tennis court, the golf course or the racetrack.
The ARABS syndicate was instantly successful. The distinctive colours of yellow-and-black diamonds showed up front and central in many races throughput NSW and even further afield. Pat Farrell from Muswellbrook was one of the principal trainers for the syndicate. George picked his team well. Star apprentice Wayne Harris’ name was on everyone’s lips. Winners began to flow regularly. Hungry appetites and slaked thirsts for new age success were assuaged; at least for the time being.
The major showcase for the syndicate became the Open Day at Kia Ora Stud allied with the Scone Race Club’s ARABS Cup Meeting at White Park Race Track in Scone. I can honestly claim title to the latter concept. At least 1000 ARABS patrons crowded into the Upper Hunter for the ‘big weekend’. By 1980 George had on-sold Kia Ora Stud to John Clift from ‘The Dip’ Stud at Breeza on the black soil plains between Quirindi and Gunnedah. ‘Gunsynd’ had made both names famous throughout the country. The ARABS secretariat office at Double Bay staffed by Ryder family members was also expensive to maintain. Cash flow was imperative. Some lifestyles are fiscally consumptive.
I have just rediscovered the ‘Galloping Around’ report in the Scone Advocate by Brian Russell of the ARABS Cup meeting April 1980. Brian’s ecstatic report featured the headline ‘Robert Thompson King of the ARABS’. Should that have been Sheikh? Robert certainly had a great day riding half the program with three winners in the six race card. The main race was the $2500:00 Mary Tange 2yo Sires Produce Stakes won by ‘Miss Bayreme’. Mrs Ron Tange always attended the races dressed immaculately featuring exotic Ascot-style hats. She and husband Ron were great supporters; and sponsors. The latter matter was not lost on G E Ryder!
Years later John Messara sniffed out an opportunity. He launched a successful takeover bid for all the ARABS bloodstock by the simple expedient of acquiring a majority shareholding. George Ryder did not see him coming. It was a sad day for him and his ‘family of ARABS’. The distinctive colours also went with the deal. They have been sported by some of Australia’s greatest racehorses in recent times. Miss Finland is a prime example. These are raced under the banner of John Messara’s Arrowfield Stud; now perhaps the most successful exponent in the nation? Many would argue convincingly that John is the present day ‘Sheikh of Racing’?
George Edward Ryder (1905-1989), racing administrator, stud master and businessman, was born on 29 June 1905 at Tingha, near Inverell, New South Wales, fourth child of George Henry Ryder, tin-miner, and his wife Inez Evelyn, née Arentz, both born locally. Brought up in a slab hut with a pressed-earth floor, George was educated at Nullamanna Public School, leaving at age 13. He had a job transporting a dentist on his rounds on a motorcycle with sidecar. In about 1928 he moved to Cessnock. After driving a bus for a year he purchased one on time payment. During the 1930s he bought out most Hunter Valley rivals and his business grew into Rover Motors Pty Ltd, with forty-five buses in a modern fleet. He sold it in 1946 and invested in hotels, including Craigieburn Guest House, Bowral.
Gaining a pilot’s licence, Ryder expanded into aviation. While operating from Mascot airport he befriended Sir Charles Kingsford Smith. In 1939 he established the first passenger run between Sydney and Newcastle. Later he sold his aviation assets to Australian National Airways Pty Ltd. A talented amateur sportsman, he was an excellent tennis player and golfer, and also enjoyed billiards, shooting, polo and speedboat driving. He was president of Cessnock tennis and rugby league clubs.
On 7 September 1932 at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Cessnock, Ryder had married Dorothy Abbott Scott, a clerk. He entered horse racing in 1937 when he purchased a colt that he named Jan, after their daughter. Jan won at Newcastle and a smitten Ryder purchased more racehorses, which Bayly Payten trained at Randwick. A later horse, his best, was also named Jan. Trained by T. J. Smith, she dominated weight-for-age races at the 1953 Randwick Easter carnival. Apple Bay, winner of the 1955 Doomben Ten Thousand in Brisbane, was another notable horse to carry Ryder’s colours of pale blue, red diamond and sleeves, and yellow cap.
In 1946 with several partners Ryder acquired Woodlands Stud Farm Pty Ltd at Denman. By the 1960s, under Ryder’s management, it reputedly produced annually more individual winners than any stud in the world. Newton Wonder, a very successful sire, was followed by the imports Pipe of Peace, Sostenuto and King of Babylon, and the Australian-born Sky High. In 1970 Ryder sold Woodlands but almost immediately bought Kia Ora Stud Farm Pty Ltd at Scone. He championed the use of Australian-bred thoroughbred sires there until 1977.
Ryder had been an honorary representative of the Ministry of Munitions in the Hunter Valley during World War II. In 1943 the premier of New South Wales, (Sir) William McKell, wanted a representative from the area on the board of the new Sydney Turf Club. The jockey Maurice McCarten suggested Ryder, who then began his thirty-seven-year tenure—an Australian record. He served as treasurer (1943-47, 1963-72), vice-chairman (1972-77) and chairman (1977-80).
In the early 1950s Ryder advocated a rich race for two-year-olds to be run over six furlongs (1200 m) at Rosehill. The Golden Slipper Stakes was first run in 1957; its novel title came from the answer that Ryder’s wife gave when asked the perfect present for a baby. For the Slipper he insisted that fillies receive a seven-pounds (3 kg) handicap from colts, a kilogram more than customary in set-weights races. Other new provisions included first acceptances paid in the year of mating, followed by second and third acceptance payments, and the option to pay an exorbitant late entry fee. The Golden Slipper quickly became the STC’s signature race and is the only non-Melbourne contest among Australia’s ‘big four’ races. Ryder did much to provide more feature-race opportunities for fillies and mares.
During Ryder’s time the STC introduced numerous innovations to Australian racing including, in 1946, transportable barrier stalls. The photo-finish camera and saddlecloth numbers on jockey’s armlets soon followed. The STC recommenced, after twelve years, metropolitan midweek racing in 1954 and also trialled bookmaker-free race meetings. In 1970 Ryder established the successful Australian Racing and Breeding Stables Ltd, a not-for-profit syndication—Australia’s first—that made ownership possible for the non-wealthy. In 1983 it became a public company; he resigned as chairman the following year.
A gregarious man, Ryder was of average height with fair skin and blue eyes. His character was uncomplicated, down-to-earth, loyal, obstinate and humorous. He was fond of using figurative language. With little regard for ‘big noters’, he led the cause of ‘battlers’ in racing. He helped to gain entry to official grandstands for non-member owners. Although a member of the Anglican Church he was not a regular churchgoer. Survived by his wife and their daughter, Ryder died on 18 May 1989 at Elizabeth Bay, Sydney, and was cremated. The Group 1 race, the George Ryder Stakes, run at Rosehill, commemorated his services to racing. His portrait (1978) by Judy Cassab is held by the STC.
Super sleuth George Ryder conjured up yet another brilliant idea from a very fertile and inventive brain. He’s just introduced syndication of stallions to Australia enabling greater consumer participation and ostensibly also ‘affordability’ of superior bloodstock from both local and overseas supply markets. The USA had already forged the way in this as in many other entrepreneurial and commercial endeavours throughout the 20th century. Australia was playing ‘catch up’ with G E Ryder at the helm; a common theme in racing and breeding.
In 1971 George and his partners had sold Woodlands to an interesting International partnership between Lord Derby (UK) and Bob Kleberg of King Ranch, Texas (USA). The great days of domination of Sydney racing by the flagship D Chrsytal Snr, D Chrystal Jnr, Dr T Street and G E Ryder owners, trained by T J Smith at Randwick, ridden by G Moore ended forever. Woodlands became Derby-King Ranch for the time being. Perhaps the money tree had shed all its leaves? However the sale enabled George and a few remaining cohort to acquire the famous but jaded Kia Ora Stud in the Segenhoe Valley near both Scone and Aberdeen. Instantly George sprang into action with the syndication of both Gynsynd and Baguette for Kia Ora. The immediate and prescient future was assured.
George then excelled with his Australian Racing and Breeding Syndicate (ARABS). For only $500:00 per share anyone could buy into the portfolio. It allowed thousands of small players with limited means to both participate in and enjoy the exquisite thrill of thoroughbred ownership. At least that was the theory. Even I was sucked in. GER could be VERY persuasive! It actually worked; with some corollary benefits for the Ryder family. There usually were. Armed with some more ‘new money’ (other people’s) George acquired an impressive and select band of broodmares. He was good at this. He brought some of them with him from Woodlands. In racing and breeding George knew the score. His network and knowledge were unmatched. The ultimate ‘hussler’ Bobby Riggs would have been no match for G E Ryder on the tennis court, the golf course or the racetrack.
The ARABS syndicate was instantly successful. The distinctive colours of yellow-and-black diamonds showed up front and central in many races throughput NSW and even further afield. Pat Farrell from Muswellbrook was one of the principal trainers for the syndicate. George picked his team well. Star apprentice Wayne Harris’ name was on everyone’s lips. Winners began to flow regularly. Hungry appetites and slaked thirsts for new age success were assuaged; at least for the time being.
The major showcase for the syndicate became the Open Day at Kia Ora Stud allied with the Scone Race Club’s ARABS Cup Meeting at White Park Race Track in Scone. I can honestly claim title to the latter concept. At least 1000 ARABS patrons crowded into the Upper Hunter for the ‘big weekend’. By 1980 George had on-sold Kia Ora Stud to John Clift from ‘The Dip’ Stud at Breeza on the black soil plains between Quirindi and Gunnedah. ‘Gunsynd’ had made both names famous throughout the country. The ARABS secretariat office at Double Bay staffed by Ryder family members was also expensive to maintain. Cash flow was imperative. Some lifestyles are fiscally consumptive.
I have just rediscovered the ‘Galloping Around’ report in the Scone Advocate by Brian Russell of the ARABS Cup meeting April 1980. Brian’s ecstatic report featured the headline ‘Robert Thompson King of the ARABS’. Should that have been Sheikh? Robert certainly had a great day riding half the program with three winners in the six race card. The main race was the $2500:00 Mary Tange 2yo Sires Produce Stakes won by ‘Miss Bayreme’. Mrs Ron Tange always attended the races dressed immaculately featuring exotic Ascot-style hats. She and husband Ron were great supporters; and sponsors. The latter matter was not lost on G E Ryder!
Years later John Messara sniffed out an opportunity. He launched a successful takeover bid for all the ARABS bloodstock by the simple expedient of acquiring a majority shareholding. George Ryder did not see him coming. It was a sad day for him and his ‘family of ARABS’. The distinctive colours also went with the deal. They have been sported by some of Australia’s greatest racehorses in recent times. Miss Finland is a prime example. These are raced under the banner of John Messara’s Arrowfield Stud; now perhaps the most successful exponent in the nation? Many would argue convincingly that John is the present day ‘Sheikh of Racing’?
WOODLANDS STUD SOLD TO HH SHEIKH MOHAMMED
PETER Snowden sensed something major was unfolding when an emotional Bob Ingham struggled to find the right words.
It was March 3 and Snowden had been summoned to Ingham's Liverpool office at short notice.
Only two days earlier, Snowden had announced his arrival as a new training force in Sydney racing when he led five winners for Ingham at Randwick.
The "Cerise Army" was on the march again, but Ingham was about to drop a bombshell.
He looked at Snowden then turned to his long-time company executive John Hexton to tell the trainer first: "We are selling up."
Snowden thought he must have misheard or misunderstood. Then finally Ingham chimed in.
"I'm a businessman and this is a business decision," Ingham explained.
Ingham, the most successful owner-breeder in Australian racing history with more than 5000 race wins including 83 at Group One level, had never thought about selling his thoroughbred empire.
But his good friends John Singleton and Lloyd Williams had recently made a joint offer of $300 million to buy Woodlands before Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's Darley Stud stepped in.
To put it simply, Ingham had been given an offer too good to refuse.
Although everyone was tight-lipped about the purchase price, The Daily Telegraph can reveal Sheik Mohammed's Darley Stud paid nearly $500 million to buy Ingham's entire Woodlands Stud racing and breeding empire.
For all their political and financial clout, Singleton and Williams didn't really stand a chance against the Sheik, who is the world's fifth richest man with an estimated personal fortune of $15 billion.
"Lloyd and I put in a substantial offer for Woodlands - we offered $300 million," Singleton said.
"We couldn't go much higher and Bobby, to his credit, didn't want to turn it into a 'Dutch auction'."
Williams said Sheik Mohammed's decision to buy Woodlands was a real vote of confidence in the Australian racing and breeding industry.
"The northern hemisphere financial markets are in chaos at the moment so for someone to come out and spend upwards of half a billion dollars is extraordinary," Williams said.
"Darley is effectively investing in infrastructure and making a long-term commitment to the Australian racing and breeding industry."
So Darley has secured the famed Woodlands racing empire that includes over 1000 of the nation's best-bred thoroughbreds, two magnificent studs at Jerry's Plains in the Hunter Valley and Cootamundra, two state-of-the-art stable complexes at Warwick Farm and Flemington and two pre-training complexes.
Racing industry insiders last night agreed this was the biggest purchase of its kind anywhere in world racing.
"Imagine the biggest shock you have ever had then times it by 10," Snowden said. "That's what it felt like to me that day.
"We were on such a high, all the stable staff was on a high, we had just won five races and this came completely out of the blue."
Ingham explained last night that the sale of his bloodstock business was not something he had been contemplating.
"But once approached by Darley, I decided it was an opportunity that I should accept," Ingham said.
"The sale is on a walk-in, walk-out basis. I will however be keeping our racing colours and will continue to race horses."
In a press release last night, Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said he had "long admired the love Australians have for the horse and for racing".
"The Ingham family has made a significant contribution to Australian racing and to the thoroughbred industry and I am looking forward to building on their success," Sheik Mohammed said.
Ingham was at pains to point out the jobs of all 230 of his Woodlands Stud staff were secure.
Trevor Lobb, Woodlands Stud's loyal servant, confirmed it was "business as usual" despite the Darley Stud sale.
"All the staff at Woodlands, both at the breeding properties and the racing stables, will remain in their current roles. Nothing will change," Lobb said.
"Peter Snowden will remain as trainer. The horses will continue to race in the cerise colours until the deal is finalised."
The purchase agreement is subject to approval by the Foreign Investment Review Board, a process that will take about four weeks.
Lobb said negotiations with Darley Stud had been ongoing for three weeks with the deal finalised last Friday.
Snowden then reflected on his last nine months, the most calamitous of his life.
First there was the announcement that John Hawkes and Bob Ingham were to split after 15 highly successful years.
Snowden, who was Hawkes' right-hand man, was then offered and accepted the role as head trainer at Crown Lodge.
Then the equine influenza outbreak shut down Sydney racing for the spring before Snowden's Warwick Farm training base was also virtually closed for World Youth Day track upgrades.
"It's been hard trying to get my head around this but I've known about it for three weeks now and I've come to grips with what it all means," Snowden said. "I'm glad that it is out in the open. I've been at Crown Lodge for 20 years now and Bob has been great to me and my family.
"I'm focusing now on just being professional and to keep doing my job the best I can for Bob Ingham and then my new boss (Darley Stud)."
PETER Snowden sensed something major was unfolding when an emotional Bob Ingham struggled to find the right words.
It was March 3 and Snowden had been summoned to Ingham's Liverpool office at short notice.
Only two days earlier, Snowden had announced his arrival as a new training force in Sydney racing when he led five winners for Ingham at Randwick.
The "Cerise Army" was on the march again, but Ingham was about to drop a bombshell.
He looked at Snowden then turned to his long-time company executive John Hexton to tell the trainer first: "We are selling up."
Snowden thought he must have misheard or misunderstood. Then finally Ingham chimed in.
"I'm a businessman and this is a business decision," Ingham explained.
Ingham, the most successful owner-breeder in Australian racing history with more than 5000 race wins including 83 at Group One level, had never thought about selling his thoroughbred empire.
But his good friends John Singleton and Lloyd Williams had recently made a joint offer of $300 million to buy Woodlands before Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's Darley Stud stepped in.
To put it simply, Ingham had been given an offer too good to refuse.
Although everyone was tight-lipped about the purchase price, The Daily Telegraph can reveal Sheik Mohammed's Darley Stud paid nearly $500 million to buy Ingham's entire Woodlands Stud racing and breeding empire.
For all their political and financial clout, Singleton and Williams didn't really stand a chance against the Sheik, who is the world's fifth richest man with an estimated personal fortune of $15 billion.
"Lloyd and I put in a substantial offer for Woodlands - we offered $300 million," Singleton said.
"We couldn't go much higher and Bobby, to his credit, didn't want to turn it into a 'Dutch auction'."
Williams said Sheik Mohammed's decision to buy Woodlands was a real vote of confidence in the Australian racing and breeding industry.
"The northern hemisphere financial markets are in chaos at the moment so for someone to come out and spend upwards of half a billion dollars is extraordinary," Williams said.
"Darley is effectively investing in infrastructure and making a long-term commitment to the Australian racing and breeding industry."
So Darley has secured the famed Woodlands racing empire that includes over 1000 of the nation's best-bred thoroughbreds, two magnificent studs at Jerry's Plains in the Hunter Valley and Cootamundra, two state-of-the-art stable complexes at Warwick Farm and Flemington and two pre-training complexes.
Racing industry insiders last night agreed this was the biggest purchase of its kind anywhere in world racing.
"Imagine the biggest shock you have ever had then times it by 10," Snowden said. "That's what it felt like to me that day.
"We were on such a high, all the stable staff was on a high, we had just won five races and this came completely out of the blue."
Ingham explained last night that the sale of his bloodstock business was not something he had been contemplating.
"But once approached by Darley, I decided it was an opportunity that I should accept," Ingham said.
"The sale is on a walk-in, walk-out basis. I will however be keeping our racing colours and will continue to race horses."
In a press release last night, Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said he had "long admired the love Australians have for the horse and for racing".
"The Ingham family has made a significant contribution to Australian racing and to the thoroughbred industry and I am looking forward to building on their success," Sheik Mohammed said.
Ingham was at pains to point out the jobs of all 230 of his Woodlands Stud staff were secure.
Trevor Lobb, Woodlands Stud's loyal servant, confirmed it was "business as usual" despite the Darley Stud sale.
"All the staff at Woodlands, both at the breeding properties and the racing stables, will remain in their current roles. Nothing will change," Lobb said.
"Peter Snowden will remain as trainer. The horses will continue to race in the cerise colours until the deal is finalised."
The purchase agreement is subject to approval by the Foreign Investment Review Board, a process that will take about four weeks.
Lobb said negotiations with Darley Stud had been ongoing for three weeks with the deal finalised last Friday.
Snowden then reflected on his last nine months, the most calamitous of his life.
First there was the announcement that John Hawkes and Bob Ingham were to split after 15 highly successful years.
Snowden, who was Hawkes' right-hand man, was then offered and accepted the role as head trainer at Crown Lodge.
Then the equine influenza outbreak shut down Sydney racing for the spring before Snowden's Warwick Farm training base was also virtually closed for World Youth Day track upgrades.
"It's been hard trying to get my head around this but I've known about it for three weeks now and I've come to grips with what it all means," Snowden said. "I'm glad that it is out in the open. I've been at Crown Lodge for 20 years now and Bob has been great to me and my family.
"I'm focusing now on just being professional and to keep doing my job the best I can for Bob Ingham and then my new boss (Darley Stud)."
DARLEY PURCHASES KELVINSIDE
As its 2002 southern roster is about to assemble, Darley has confirmed the purchase of Kelvinside Stud in the Hunter Valley as the base for its Australian breeding base from 2003.
Kelvinside was established almost 30 years ago by former jockey Hilton Cope, the 540 hectares facing the Hunter River at the southern end of the Segenhoe Valley. The Hunter region is the commercial heartland of Australian throughbred breeding.
When the Sheikh Mohammed led Darley set up its own southern operation two years ago, it leased the Collingrove Stud from the Sangster family's Swettenham outfit. The Hunter branch of Collingrove at Sandy Hollow differs from the main one at Nagambie in Victoria, the latter a joint venture of the Sangsters and the family of the late Colin Hayes.
For several years prior to trading in Australia as an entity, Darley leased individual stallions to farms in Australia and New Zealand, including Carnegie from 1997. Others include Jade Robbery, Medaaly and the still commuting Agnes World, Cape Cross, Lion Cavern and Saratoga Springs.
Singspiel didn't return and the subsequent late withdrawal of King's Best through injury left Darley with four stallions this spring. They're headed by freshman Fantastic Light, already booked out before at season cost of $35,000 -- plus the 10% Australian government's Goods and Services tax (GST). Also full is Carnegie at $60,000. He transfers from Trelawney in New Zealand's Waikato. Seeking the Gold son Lujain ($10,000) is another freshman, the roster rounded out Xaar, the swift Zafonic horse who debuted at Arrowfield in 2000.
Accompanied by Cape Cross and newcomer Bertolini, in transit to New Zealand's Cambridge and Rich Hill Studs, Fantastic Light, Lujain and Xaar have been at the Australian Quarantine station at Eastern Creek, west of Sydney, since Aug. 6. The will move onto their respective homes on Aug. 27. Carnegie is in quarantine outside Melbourne after a direct flight from Japan, his northern base at Shadai.
Darley's Australian operation will almost certainly expand next year under Oliver Tait. The former Kelvinside will become a shuttle stallion station with an increased roster as Darley positions itself as more of a southern rival of Coolmore and Vinery.
As its 2002 southern roster is about to assemble, Darley has confirmed the purchase of Kelvinside Stud in the Hunter Valley as the base for its Australian breeding base from 2003.
Kelvinside was established almost 30 years ago by former jockey Hilton Cope, the 540 hectares facing the Hunter River at the southern end of the Segenhoe Valley. The Hunter region is the commercial heartland of Australian throughbred breeding.
When the Sheikh Mohammed led Darley set up its own southern operation two years ago, it leased the Collingrove Stud from the Sangster family's Swettenham outfit. The Hunter branch of Collingrove at Sandy Hollow differs from the main one at Nagambie in Victoria, the latter a joint venture of the Sangsters and the family of the late Colin Hayes.
For several years prior to trading in Australia as an entity, Darley leased individual stallions to farms in Australia and New Zealand, including Carnegie from 1997. Others include Jade Robbery, Medaaly and the still commuting Agnes World, Cape Cross, Lion Cavern and Saratoga Springs.
Singspiel didn't return and the subsequent late withdrawal of King's Best through injury left Darley with four stallions this spring. They're headed by freshman Fantastic Light, already booked out before at season cost of $35,000 -- plus the 10% Australian government's Goods and Services tax (GST). Also full is Carnegie at $60,000. He transfers from Trelawney in New Zealand's Waikato. Seeking the Gold son Lujain ($10,000) is another freshman, the roster rounded out Xaar, the swift Zafonic horse who debuted at Arrowfield in 2000.
Accompanied by Cape Cross and newcomer Bertolini, in transit to New Zealand's Cambridge and Rich Hill Studs, Fantastic Light, Lujain and Xaar have been at the Australian Quarantine station at Eastern Creek, west of Sydney, since Aug. 6. The will move onto their respective homes on Aug. 27. Carnegie is in quarantine outside Melbourne after a direct flight from Japan, his northern base at Shadai.
Darley's Australian operation will almost certainly expand next year under Oliver Tait. The former Kelvinside will become a shuttle stallion station with an increased roster as Darley positions itself as more of a southern rival of Coolmore and Vinery.
ARROWFIELD STUD HISTORY
In 1989 Arrowfield made one of the single most important purchases in Australian bloodstock history when it selected and secured a majority interest in Danehill, who proved to be a global breed-shaping influence, and the sire of 89 Group 1 winners.
But Arrowfield had begun making waves in the Australian thoroughbred industry well before Danehill began re-shaping the breed and popularising the shuttling of stallions between hemispheres.
In 1985, young Sydney stockbroker John Messara – who had already won the 1983 Australian Oaks G1 with Starzaan – made two life-changing acquisitions. The first was the Arrowfield vineyard & winery at Jerry’s Plains; the second was a controlling interest in the listed company Australian Racing & Breeding Stables (ARABS), founded by leading administrator George Ryder whose brain-child the Golden Slipper features regularly in Arrowfield’s history. A year later ARABS gained majority ownership of Swettenham Stud, so becoming the breeder of future multiple champion sire Zabeel who carried the now-famous jockey cap over three conjoined diamonds brand.
ARABS officially became the Arrowfield Group Ltd in 1987 and proceeded to take over leading New Zealand farm Ra Ora Stud Ltd in 1988 – in the process acquiring the dams of Group 1 winners Pharaoh, A Little Kiss and Flying Spur. That same year, Arrowfield sold both Zabeel and multiple Group 1 winner Dr Grace as yearlings. Twelve months later Arrowfield twice set an Australasian record when selling fillies for $1.2 million & $1.25 million at the 1989 Inglis Easter Sale and made global headlines with the purchase of Champion French Sire Kenmare.
The exhilarating early years of Danehill’s Australian stud career followed, as his progeny began to dominate almost every category of competition and in 1995 propelled him to the first of his nine Australian General Sires’ Premierships. That year Danehill completed his sixth and final season at Arrowfield. Of his 422 named foals conceived there, 71 (a staggering 16.8%) were stakeswinners and 25 (5.9%) were Group 1 winners, among them 4 of his five Golden Slipper winners and a glorious colt who would be named Redoute’s Choice.
After relocating in 1996 to the stud’s present location near Scone, Arrowfield enjoyed success with the leading sire Snippets and launched the careers of three Champion Sire sons of Danehill: Danzero (who completed his stud career at Rosemont Stud and died in June 2020), Flying Spur (who retired in 2012 and died in May 2018) and the legendary three-time Champion Sire, Champion Broodmare Sire, sale-ring sensation and sire of sires Redoute’s Choice, who stood 19 seasons at Arrowfield and died in March 2019.
Arrowfield is home to the best sire son of Redoute’s Choice, the history-making Snitzel who arrived in 2006, was crowned Champion Sire of Australia in 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020 and continues to build his exceptional record as a sire, sire of sires & broodmare sire. Outstanding home-bred Not A Single Doubt (by Redoute’s Choice), the sire of 84 stakeswinners, retired from stud duties in January 2020 and remained in Arrowfield’s care until his death in June 2022.
Spear-heading a new generation of the Danehill dynasty are Champion 3YO Colt & 5-time Group 1 winner The Autumn Sun (by Redoute’s Choice) whose first crop already includes three individual Group 1 Classic winners.
Six-time Group 1 winner Dundeel (by High Chaparral) joined Arrowfield’s line-up in 2014 and is now a top 10 sire, with 9 Group 1 winners including the 2023 Sires’, Champagne & Golden Rose winner Militarize, 2024 dual Group 1 winner Celestial Legend & 2025 South Australian Derby winner Femminile.
In 2017, the Yoshida family’s sensational Horse of the Year Maurice (by Screen Hero) joined the roster, becoming Australia’s Champion Second Season Sire in 2022 after leaving Group 1 winners Hitotsu & Mazu in his first crop. He did not shuttle in 2020 but has returned every season since then.
New to the roster in 2020 were Group 1-winning 2YO & 3YO and now Group 1 sire Castelvecchio (by Dundeel) and, for one season only, Australia’s Champion Sire of 2020/21, Written Tycoon (by Iglesia). His 2021 Arrowfield-conceived crop has thrown 11 stakeswinners including 4 Group 1 winners: Lady Of Camelot (Golden Slipper), Velocious (Champion NZ 2YO), Captured By Love (NZ 1000 Guineas) & Private Life (Caulfield Guineas).
The latest additions to Arrowfield’s stallion line-up are home-bred triple Classic winner Hitotsu (by Maurice) whose first yearlings will be offered in 2026 and Champion 2YO Vandeek (by Havana Grey) who joins the Stud’s roster in 2025.
Past Arrowfield Group 1 sires include All American, Admire Mars (who shuttled from Japan for 4 seasons, 2021-2024), home-bred Beneteau (who died in 2013, leaving only two crops), Charge Forward, Dehere, Hussonet, Last Tycoon, Manhattan Rain, Shalaa, Snippets & Starcraft.
Arrowfield’s history also includes 86 Group 1-winning farm & sale graduates, among them:
♦ Horses of the Year Lankan Rupee, Makybe Diva & Weekend Hussler
♦ 7 Golden Slipper winners: Belle Du Jour, Catbird, Danzero, Estijaab, Flying Spur, Forensics & Miss Finland
♦ Champion 2YO & Champion 3YO Filly Miss Finland, Champion 3YOs Shoals & The Autumn Sun, Champion 2YOs Estijaab & Invader and Champion Mares Alverta, Kenedna & Sweet Idea
♦ Champion & Leading Sires Commands, Danzero, Flying Spur, Not A Single Doubt, Rafeef (in South Africa) & Zabeel (in New Zealand)
♦ Current Arrowfield stallions The Autumn Sun, Castelvecchio & Hitotsu
♦ Emerging young stallions Alabama Express, Anders, Ardrossan, Profondo, Stronger, Super Seth & Tagaloa
♦ And most recently, 2024 Randwick Guineas & Doncaster Mile winner Celestial Legend, 2024 Australian Oaks winner Autumn Angel, 2024 Flight Stakes, 2025 Surround Stakes & Coolmore Classic winner Lady Shenandoah, 2024 Caulfield Guineas winner Private Life & 2024 Coolmore Stud Stakes winner Switzerland.
Arrowfield is also a leading owner and has enjoyed Group 1 racing success with colts such as All American, Charge Forward, Dundeel, Flying Spur, Snitzel & The Autumn Sun; and fillies including Alverta, Miss Finland, Shoals, Stay With Me & Yearning.
In 2024/25 the Stud’s silks are carried with distinction by sensational filly Autumn Glow (trained by Chris Waller) & the Country Championships Final winner Know Thyself (trained by Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich).
In 1989 Arrowfield made one of the single most important purchases in Australian bloodstock history when it selected and secured a majority interest in Danehill, who proved to be a global breed-shaping influence, and the sire of 89 Group 1 winners.
But Arrowfield had begun making waves in the Australian thoroughbred industry well before Danehill began re-shaping the breed and popularising the shuttling of stallions between hemispheres.
In 1985, young Sydney stockbroker John Messara – who had already won the 1983 Australian Oaks G1 with Starzaan – made two life-changing acquisitions. The first was the Arrowfield vineyard & winery at Jerry’s Plains; the second was a controlling interest in the listed company Australian Racing & Breeding Stables (ARABS), founded by leading administrator George Ryder whose brain-child the Golden Slipper features regularly in Arrowfield’s history. A year later ARABS gained majority ownership of Swettenham Stud, so becoming the breeder of future multiple champion sire Zabeel who carried the now-famous jockey cap over three conjoined diamonds brand.
ARABS officially became the Arrowfield Group Ltd in 1987 and proceeded to take over leading New Zealand farm Ra Ora Stud Ltd in 1988 – in the process acquiring the dams of Group 1 winners Pharaoh, A Little Kiss and Flying Spur. That same year, Arrowfield sold both Zabeel and multiple Group 1 winner Dr Grace as yearlings. Twelve months later Arrowfield twice set an Australasian record when selling fillies for $1.2 million & $1.25 million at the 1989 Inglis Easter Sale and made global headlines with the purchase of Champion French Sire Kenmare.
The exhilarating early years of Danehill’s Australian stud career followed, as his progeny began to dominate almost every category of competition and in 1995 propelled him to the first of his nine Australian General Sires’ Premierships. That year Danehill completed his sixth and final season at Arrowfield. Of his 422 named foals conceived there, 71 (a staggering 16.8%) were stakeswinners and 25 (5.9%) were Group 1 winners, among them 4 of his five Golden Slipper winners and a glorious colt who would be named Redoute’s Choice.
After relocating in 1996 to the stud’s present location near Scone, Arrowfield enjoyed success with the leading sire Snippets and launched the careers of three Champion Sire sons of Danehill: Danzero (who completed his stud career at Rosemont Stud and died in June 2020), Flying Spur (who retired in 2012 and died in May 2018) and the legendary three-time Champion Sire, Champion Broodmare Sire, sale-ring sensation and sire of sires Redoute’s Choice, who stood 19 seasons at Arrowfield and died in March 2019.
Arrowfield is home to the best sire son of Redoute’s Choice, the history-making Snitzel who arrived in 2006, was crowned Champion Sire of Australia in 2017, 2018, 2019 & 2020 and continues to build his exceptional record as a sire, sire of sires & broodmare sire. Outstanding home-bred Not A Single Doubt (by Redoute’s Choice), the sire of 84 stakeswinners, retired from stud duties in January 2020 and remained in Arrowfield’s care until his death in June 2022.
Spear-heading a new generation of the Danehill dynasty are Champion 3YO Colt & 5-time Group 1 winner The Autumn Sun (by Redoute’s Choice) whose first crop already includes three individual Group 1 Classic winners.
Six-time Group 1 winner Dundeel (by High Chaparral) joined Arrowfield’s line-up in 2014 and is now a top 10 sire, with 9 Group 1 winners including the 2023 Sires’, Champagne & Golden Rose winner Militarize, 2024 dual Group 1 winner Celestial Legend & 2025 South Australian Derby winner Femminile.
In 2017, the Yoshida family’s sensational Horse of the Year Maurice (by Screen Hero) joined the roster, becoming Australia’s Champion Second Season Sire in 2022 after leaving Group 1 winners Hitotsu & Mazu in his first crop. He did not shuttle in 2020 but has returned every season since then.
New to the roster in 2020 were Group 1-winning 2YO & 3YO and now Group 1 sire Castelvecchio (by Dundeel) and, for one season only, Australia’s Champion Sire of 2020/21, Written Tycoon (by Iglesia). His 2021 Arrowfield-conceived crop has thrown 11 stakeswinners including 4 Group 1 winners: Lady Of Camelot (Golden Slipper), Velocious (Champion NZ 2YO), Captured By Love (NZ 1000 Guineas) & Private Life (Caulfield Guineas).
The latest additions to Arrowfield’s stallion line-up are home-bred triple Classic winner Hitotsu (by Maurice) whose first yearlings will be offered in 2026 and Champion 2YO Vandeek (by Havana Grey) who joins the Stud’s roster in 2025.
Past Arrowfield Group 1 sires include All American, Admire Mars (who shuttled from Japan for 4 seasons, 2021-2024), home-bred Beneteau (who died in 2013, leaving only two crops), Charge Forward, Dehere, Hussonet, Last Tycoon, Manhattan Rain, Shalaa, Snippets & Starcraft.
Arrowfield’s history also includes 86 Group 1-winning farm & sale graduates, among them:
♦ Horses of the Year Lankan Rupee, Makybe Diva & Weekend Hussler
♦ 7 Golden Slipper winners: Belle Du Jour, Catbird, Danzero, Estijaab, Flying Spur, Forensics & Miss Finland
♦ Champion 2YO & Champion 3YO Filly Miss Finland, Champion 3YOs Shoals & The Autumn Sun, Champion 2YOs Estijaab & Invader and Champion Mares Alverta, Kenedna & Sweet Idea
♦ Champion & Leading Sires Commands, Danzero, Flying Spur, Not A Single Doubt, Rafeef (in South Africa) & Zabeel (in New Zealand)
♦ Current Arrowfield stallions The Autumn Sun, Castelvecchio & Hitotsu
♦ Emerging young stallions Alabama Express, Anders, Ardrossan, Profondo, Stronger, Super Seth & Tagaloa
♦ And most recently, 2024 Randwick Guineas & Doncaster Mile winner Celestial Legend, 2024 Australian Oaks winner Autumn Angel, 2024 Flight Stakes, 2025 Surround Stakes & Coolmore Classic winner Lady Shenandoah, 2024 Caulfield Guineas winner Private Life & 2024 Coolmore Stud Stakes winner Switzerland.
Arrowfield is also a leading owner and has enjoyed Group 1 racing success with colts such as All American, Charge Forward, Dundeel, Flying Spur, Snitzel & The Autumn Sun; and fillies including Alverta, Miss Finland, Shoals, Stay With Me & Yearning.
In 2024/25 the Stud’s silks are carried with distinction by sensational filly Autumn Glow (trained by Chris Waller) & the Country Championships Final winner Know Thyself (trained by Paul Messara & Leah Gavranich).
MOST EXPENSIVE STALLIONS WORLDWIDE - 2025
1. DUBAWI
2002 b h Dubai Millennium - Zomaradah (Deploy)
Stands: Dalham Hall Stud, Newmarket, UK
2025 fee: £350,000
(covered 106 mares at a fee of £350,000 in 2024)
1= FRANKEL
2008 b h Galileo - Kind (Danehill)
Stands: Banstead Manor Stud, Newmarket, UK
2025 fee: £350,000
(covered 192 mares at a fee of £275,000 in 2024)
3. WOOTTON BASSETT
2008 b h Iffraaj - Balladonia (Primo Dominie)
Stands: Coolmore, Ireland
2025 fee: €300,000
(covered 223 mares at fee of €200,000 in 2024)
4. SEA THE STARS
2006 b h Cape Cross - Urban Sea (Miswaki)
Stands: Gilltown Stud, Ireland
2025 fee: €250,000
(covered 172 mares at a fee of €200,000 in 2024)
5. GUN RUNNER
2013 ch h Candy Ride - Quiet Giant (Giant’s Causeway)
Stands: Three Chimneys Farm, Kentucky, USA
2025 fee: $250,000
(covered 200 mares at $250,000 in 2024)
5= INTO MISCHIEF
2005 b h Harlan’s Holiday - Leslie’s Lady (Tricky Creek)
Stands: Spendthrift Farm, Kentucky, USA
2025 fee: $250,000
(covered 193 mares at a fee of $250,000 in 2024)
5= JUSTIFY
2015 ch h Scat Daddy - Stage Magic (Ghostzapper)
Stands: Ashford Stud, Kentucky, USA
2025 fee: $250,000
(covered 263 mares at a private fee in 2024)
8. CURLIN
2004 ch h Smart Strike - Sheriff’s Deputy (Deputy Minister)
Stands: Hill ’n’ Dale Farm, Kentucky, USA
2025 fee: $225,000
(covered 102 mares at a fee of $250,000 in 2024)
9. SIYOUNI
2007 b h Pivotal - Sichilla (Danehill)
Stands: Haras du Bonneval, France
2025 fee: €200,000
Covered 130 mares at a fee of €200,000 in 2024
10. LOPE DE VEGA
2007 ch h Shamardal - Lady Vettori (Vettori)
Stands: Ballylinch Stud, Ireland
2025 fee: €175,000
(covered 175 mares at a fee of €125,000 in 2024)
JAPAN
As ever, it is the Shadai Stallion Station that dictates the top end of the Japanese stallion market. At ¥20,000,000, the proven pair of Kizuna and Kitasan Black alongside the latter’s son Equinox are the most expensive stallions based in Japan. The figure equates to around £102,000, €122,000 or $128,000
Kizuna, who was Japan’s busiest sire of 2024 as the recipient of 218 mares, gained a deserved breakthrough in 2024 as Japan’s champion sire, making him the first son of Deep Impact to land the title and handing him a hefty fee rise from €12,000,000 (£61,000) in the process. Kizuna’s year pivoted around the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2,000 Guineas) winner Justin Milano, who was also runner-up in the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby). However, he was just one of 15 stakes winners during the year in total; next best by that metric is fellow Shadai stallion Maurice on 11.
Kitasan Black finished in 10th, his year highlight arriving in late December when 2yo Croix Du Nord maintained his unbeaten record in the G1 Hopeful Stakes at Nakayama. It is his place as the sire of Equinox, however, that makes him such a desirable proposition for breeders. Kitasan Black’s fee was doubled to ¥20,000,000 in the aftermath of Equinox’s championship career and he was one of Japan’s most popular stallions last season, covering 191 mares.
As for six-time G1 winner Equinox, he received a debut book of 203 mares at ¥20,000,000, the highest price ever afforded to a first-year Japanese stallion ($205k AUD)
AUSTRALIA 2025
Wootton Bassett has surpassed Redoute's Choice and Extreme Choice as the most expensive stallion to ever stand in Australia, after Coolmore announced on Thursday that his 2025 fee has been set at A$385,000 (inc GST).
A published fee of A$330,000 (inc GST) was the previous record, first set by Redoute's Choice when he stood at Arrowfield Stud in 2007 and 2008. Earlier this year, Newgate Farm announced that Extreme Choice ($330k for 2025) would match that fee in 2025, a significant increase on the A$275,000 (inc GST) he stood for in 2024.
Wootton Bassett returns to Australia having made an excellent start with his first crop of two-year-olds bred in the Southern Hemisphere, headed by G1 Golden Slipper runner-up Wodeton and State Visit, who filled the same position in the G1 Inglis Sires'. That first crop was conceived when Wootton Bassett stood for a fee of just A$71,500.
Zoustar 2025 $275k (2024 $275k, 2023 $220k)
I Am Invincible 2025 $220,000 (2024 $275k, 2023 $302k)
1. DUBAWI
2002 b h Dubai Millennium - Zomaradah (Deploy)
Stands: Dalham Hall Stud, Newmarket, UK
2025 fee: £350,000
(covered 106 mares at a fee of £350,000 in 2024)
1= FRANKEL
2008 b h Galileo - Kind (Danehill)
Stands: Banstead Manor Stud, Newmarket, UK
2025 fee: £350,000
(covered 192 mares at a fee of £275,000 in 2024)
3. WOOTTON BASSETT
2008 b h Iffraaj - Balladonia (Primo Dominie)
Stands: Coolmore, Ireland
2025 fee: €300,000
(covered 223 mares at fee of €200,000 in 2024)
4. SEA THE STARS
2006 b h Cape Cross - Urban Sea (Miswaki)
Stands: Gilltown Stud, Ireland
2025 fee: €250,000
(covered 172 mares at a fee of €200,000 in 2024)
5. GUN RUNNER
2013 ch h Candy Ride - Quiet Giant (Giant’s Causeway)
Stands: Three Chimneys Farm, Kentucky, USA
2025 fee: $250,000
(covered 200 mares at $250,000 in 2024)
5= INTO MISCHIEF
2005 b h Harlan’s Holiday - Leslie’s Lady (Tricky Creek)
Stands: Spendthrift Farm, Kentucky, USA
2025 fee: $250,000
(covered 193 mares at a fee of $250,000 in 2024)
5= JUSTIFY
2015 ch h Scat Daddy - Stage Magic (Ghostzapper)
Stands: Ashford Stud, Kentucky, USA
2025 fee: $250,000
(covered 263 mares at a private fee in 2024)
8. CURLIN
2004 ch h Smart Strike - Sheriff’s Deputy (Deputy Minister)
Stands: Hill ’n’ Dale Farm, Kentucky, USA
2025 fee: $225,000
(covered 102 mares at a fee of $250,000 in 2024)
9. SIYOUNI
2007 b h Pivotal - Sichilla (Danehill)
Stands: Haras du Bonneval, France
2025 fee: €200,000
Covered 130 mares at a fee of €200,000 in 2024
10. LOPE DE VEGA
2007 ch h Shamardal - Lady Vettori (Vettori)
Stands: Ballylinch Stud, Ireland
2025 fee: €175,000
(covered 175 mares at a fee of €125,000 in 2024)
JAPAN
As ever, it is the Shadai Stallion Station that dictates the top end of the Japanese stallion market. At ¥20,000,000, the proven pair of Kizuna and Kitasan Black alongside the latter’s son Equinox are the most expensive stallions based in Japan. The figure equates to around £102,000, €122,000 or $128,000
Kizuna, who was Japan’s busiest sire of 2024 as the recipient of 218 mares, gained a deserved breakthrough in 2024 as Japan’s champion sire, making him the first son of Deep Impact to land the title and handing him a hefty fee rise from €12,000,000 (£61,000) in the process. Kizuna’s year pivoted around the Satsuki Sho (Japanese 2,000 Guineas) winner Justin Milano, who was also runner-up in the Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby). However, he was just one of 15 stakes winners during the year in total; next best by that metric is fellow Shadai stallion Maurice on 11.
Kitasan Black finished in 10th, his year highlight arriving in late December when 2yo Croix Du Nord maintained his unbeaten record in the G1 Hopeful Stakes at Nakayama. It is his place as the sire of Equinox, however, that makes him such a desirable proposition for breeders. Kitasan Black’s fee was doubled to ¥20,000,000 in the aftermath of Equinox’s championship career and he was one of Japan’s most popular stallions last season, covering 191 mares.
As for six-time G1 winner Equinox, he received a debut book of 203 mares at ¥20,000,000, the highest price ever afforded to a first-year Japanese stallion ($205k AUD)
AUSTRALIA 2025
Wootton Bassett has surpassed Redoute's Choice and Extreme Choice as the most expensive stallion to ever stand in Australia, after Coolmore announced on Thursday that his 2025 fee has been set at A$385,000 (inc GST).
A published fee of A$330,000 (inc GST) was the previous record, first set by Redoute's Choice when he stood at Arrowfield Stud in 2007 and 2008. Earlier this year, Newgate Farm announced that Extreme Choice ($330k for 2025) would match that fee in 2025, a significant increase on the A$275,000 (inc GST) he stood for in 2024.
Wootton Bassett returns to Australia having made an excellent start with his first crop of two-year-olds bred in the Southern Hemisphere, headed by G1 Golden Slipper runner-up Wodeton and State Visit, who filled the same position in the G1 Inglis Sires'. That first crop was conceived when Wootton Bassett stood for a fee of just A$71,500.
Zoustar 2025 $275k (2024 $275k, 2023 $220k)
I Am Invincible 2025 $220,000 (2024 $275k, 2023 $302k)
