A moment to take a breath to review 2017 before 2018 kicks off.
We started 2017 with 6 yearlings being prepared for the Melbourne Premier sale. Held at the end of February, we were able to just finish foaling down when the yearlings started to arrive. Seven to eight weeks preparation and we were very happy to achieve 5 sales and a top price of $350,00 for a Written Tycoon colt.
No time to waste as a further 7 yearlings arrived for their preparation for the VOBIS sale in mid-April. Good result with all 7 yearlings sold.
The Great Southern sale crept up and we had 4 lots, a mare, a stallion, a yearling and a weanling. All sold, with an excellent equal top sale price of $310,000, for yet another Written Tycoon colt.
During this period, the 2016 foal crop needed to be weaned, so over a couple of months 40 odd foals were parted from their mothers (a few of the mares I think were very happy to be rid of the pesky fellas!) and new mobs formed. This is where the role of the nanny mare should never be under estimated. They watch over these budding champions with so much patience, keeping them safe.
Pasture and fencing maintenance, and then the mares started arriving for foaling down and stallion services. There were 105 new arrivals, with 47 colts and 58 fillies, 98 thoroughbreds and a mixture of warmbloods, ponies, gypsy cobs and paints making up the other 7. Busiest week was 12 new arrivals, busiest night was 4 arrivals a couple of times.
And of course, there was great anticipation for the arrival of the first Dandino foals. People were not disappointed with a couple of Dandino doppelgangers arriving. He is really stamping his stock.
Plus, Jungle Ruler had his first runners and winner with Jungle Queen saluting at her first start and the Lago Delights are still winning around the country.
A great year, and we thank all our clients for their support.
2018 sees the first Warhorse (NZ) yearlings going to the sales, and more Jungle Rulers making it to the races. Our stallion for the past 6 seasons, Therock has departed to a new home. The yearlings have started to arrive for the 2018 Premier sale. So it starts again!