SELFIES were all the rage with high profile stallion Sebring at the famous Widden Stud, in the Widden Valley, which was my first port of call for the recent Hunter Valley stud visits.
With a back drop of Widden’s famous ‘cat’s ears’ mountains, new flashy bay stallion Outreach was keenly observed by breeders among its eight horses on parade.
But first I began my visits near Tamworth, where near black stallion Arlington stands at Tamalee Stud located off the Gunnedah Road.
Backed by his owners’ support, the stakes racing son of Red Ransom is looking for his first crop three-year-olds to show the way this season.
While his half-brother Savabeel has already stamped his status as champion New Zealand sire, Arlington also has the looks of his $1.05 million Magic Millions yearling sale price tag.
Then came new sire and the first sire at Murrulla, Wingen, for owners Tim and Celie Nolan – Office Bearer.
The only stallion to stand in Australia produced from a Street Cry mare, Office Bearer can boast for broodmare owners using the bay in 2016, that there is a potential $100,000 breeders’ bonus on offer.
Emirates Park’s sires dazzled on a parade ring which overlooks the breath-taking valley view above Murrurundi.
While Emirates’ young gun sire Dream Ahead was among Australia’s leading first crop sires last season, Al Maher, Artie Schiller, youngster Mulaazem and their elder statesman Danewin all looked in fine fettle.
I was fortunate to visit showplace Arrowfield Stud near Scone twice. While their Smart Missile gained champion Australian first crop sire last season, it was interesting to view their three new boys – Real Impact, and Redoute’s Choice sons Scissor Kick and Panzer Division.
But of course there is always an instant hush over the crowd when seeing Australia’s home-bred multiple champion sire Redoute’s Choice, now 20 years old and sire of several successful sireline branches.
This year I joined a bus crew of festive breeders/clients from Byerley Stud, a thriving Sandy Hollow property and a hive of healthy breeding mares, foaling, and agistment.
A magnificent day unfolded beginning at Vinery, its 10 stallions gleaming including wonderful stalwart Testa Rossa, with Newgate Farm and Arrowfield following.
Coolmore Stud at Jerrys Plains played host to large crowds at its parades, and also had a spiritual blessing for the upcoming serving season.
A short rain burst did not deter the 150 odd crowd which descended upon Yarraman Park, near Scone for its annual cocktail party during the recent Hunter Valley stallion parades.
Yarraman’s stallion manager Matt Lawler had his two champion Australian first crop sires – I Am Invincible and Hinchinbrook, dazzling.
Both stallions are now also represented with stud sons; I Am Invincible – with Brazen Beau at Darley, Victoria and Super One at Newgate Farm, Aberdeen, and Hinchinbrook with Press Statement at Vinery Stud, Scone.