More than 150 people attended the inaugural Stallion Parade held by Bombora Downs Thoroughbred Services at the Bombora Downs Stud at Bittern on the Mornington Peninsula.
The weather Gods smiled kindly on the gathering as the strong winds from previous days became a slight breeze and the sun shone brightly on the lake side (there is a swan) venue. Attendees were greeted with a show bag containing the latest Stallions Brochure along with some mementos and were able to have coffee, tea, and a selection of finger foods and cake, prior to the commencement of the parade.
The MC for the parade was the principal of Bombora Downs, Christoph Bruechert who gave a short history on how the farm started and how it has grown during its 13 years in operation. Then the stars of the show arrived.
First to be introduced was the new boy of the farm, the Group 2 winning, Group 1 placed international, Dandino (GB) by one of the world’s top stallions, Dansili (GB). Dandino (GB) won or placed in 18 Group or Stakes races from 37 attempts and his “turn of foot” was emphasised during Chris Blomeley’s speech. There were a number of people impressed in the crowd with how well put together this boy was and how well he has let down into a magnificent looking stallion.
Next to parade was second season sire, Warhorse (NZ). He is the best performed son of sprint star General Nediym. Warhorse (NZ) was a Group 1 winner at 2 resulting in him being named NZ Champion 2yo for 2012. He then trained on to be a Group winner in his Classic year and a weight-for-age performer up to the age of 5. His NZ trainer, Jason Bridgman was able to tell the gathering, that 
he realised the horse was special from the first time he stepped into his yard and how the horse’s temperament and “blistering turn of foot” enabled him to win races from some impossible positions.
The third boy out was crowd favourite Jungle Ruler, showing that he could be a thorough gentleman throughout the showing. Christoph was able to pass on his enthusiasm for the stallion, predicting a 70% winners to runner’s ratio for the stallion’s progeny. Christoph stressed that Jungle Ruler’s sons and daughters were showing his sometimes fiery disposition from an early age which would only bode well for the determination to win in their races.
Last to parade was the son of Fastnet Rock, Therock, now in his 5th season at Bombora Downs. Christoph was able to explain that Therock stood his first season in Western Australia, and from a hand full of runners, has been able to produce 2 winners, with another being very competitive at city class. His progeny take time, but for the “breed to race” breeders in the crowd, Christoph emphasised that Therock could produce the goods.
The parade wound up with 3 generations of Jungle Ruler sired progeny. First was the 2yo, Kodama (from Bella Coureuse) currently in work with Matt Laurie, followed by a yearling, Korak out of the Street Cry mare Cheron Maree and another crowd favourite the 3-day old foal from the Centaine mare, Centopia.
At the completion of the parade, sparkling, beer and wine were on offer, along with sandwiches. This enabled the gathering to mingle with Bombora Downs staff, to have any questions answered, or to find out first hand information on the stallions and the services on offer at the stud. Overall a great day was had by all. If you missed the event, private viewings of any of the stallions are available by appointment. Please ring the office on (03) 5983 6802 or Christoph direct on 0419 534 961.