Business Model Change for Valachi Downs

Media Release - Thursday March 11

Valachi Downs is set to return to a boutique breeding and racing operation following a number of years of growth and business diversification.

“Kevin and Jo Hickman are refocusing Valachi Downs as a more private and smaller nursery and racing stable with the same goal of producing, selling and racing elite racehorses,” said Gareth Downey, Valachi Downs’ General Manager.  

The move will see the broodmare band reduced to around 70 with a reduction sale to be offered on Gavelhouse next week, while the Stud will no longer stand shuttle stallions.

“The consolidation is an exciting move for Valachi’s future, allowing laser-like focus on the elements of the business that Kevin and Jo love the most, which is producing a top-class thoroughbred,” said Downey.  

“A consequence of this is that our stallion roster will reduce to our three domestic stallions; Vespa, Zacinto and Savile Row. 

Valachi Downs will continue to stand  three domestic stallions including Vespa.

 “We are pleased for the New Zealand industry that Coolmore Stud has informed us of their intention to stand at least US Navy Flag in New Zealand following exceptional reviews from breeders from his first crop.”

Advertisement

Valachi Downs will sell approximately 50 mares with some foals at foot via New Zealand Bloodstock’s online auction website Gavelhouse Plus, with the auction set to go live on Wednesday 17th March 2021.

Following the bloodstock reduction, Valachi will also offer for sale the 100 acre pre-training property on State Highway 29, Matamata.

It is likely to hit the marketplace by deadline sale at the end of March through Bayleys Real Estate.

The Valachi racing stable is having a strong season with Needle And Thread most recently delivering an exciting runner-up performance in the G3 Sunline Vase. Stephen Auttridge and Kris Shailer will continue full steam ahead with the Mamamata-based stable.

News from Valachi Downs

Advertisment
More Reading...
Shamus Award Mare Chasing Another G1
Adverse weather has forced multiple Group One winner Quintessa to take an unorthodox route to next Saturday’s Gr.1 Livamol Classic (2040m), with the mare appearing at the Awapuni trials on Monday afternoon.
National Thoroughbred Week invites support through GoFundMe campaign
National Thoroughbred Week (NTW) is calling on the thoroughbred community and broader public to be part of history, with the launch of a GoFundMe campaign to help bring this inaugural celebration to life.
Sires With Winners - Monday October 6
Here is the full list of 38 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Hot Lots Day 1 - Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1
The Tattersalls October Yearling Sale (October 7 – 9) kicks off tonight our time and for those interested in the number one  yearling sale in Europe we are taking a look at some of the yearlings tipped to top each day and they include a colt from an Aussie G1 winner.
MM Gold Coast Horses In Training Sale Links
Tuesday saw the final breeze ups at the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions Horses In Training Sale which starts on Thursday so here’s our links to useful data including the pinhook report, with most lots having been sold previously.
Wootton Bassett G1 Double on Arc Day
The shattering loss of Wootton Bassett (GB) has been highlighted at Longchamp in France on Arc Day where the champion sire added two new Group I winners to his tally in 2YO colt Puerto Rico and the former Aussie owned 3YO colt Maranoa Charlie.
Wrote SW on Comeback Trail
Robbie Patterson had high Classic hopes for Read About It last season before his rising young star’s progress was halted by illness.
Everest Runner/New G1 Horse for Hellbent as Invincible Legacy Surges
Hellbent has made a solid start to the new season with 25 winners racking up over $2million in earnings and he will have a runner in the $20million The Everest in two weeks time with Magic Time confirmed for the Inglis slot, while at Randwick last Saturday he added another G1 performer to his tally.
Briasa Boost as More Youngsters Impress on HIT Sale Eve
The timing couldn’t be better for a sale page's pedigree boost, with Briasa announcing himself as one of Australia’s most exciting sprinters following his dominant victory in Saturday’s $1 million Group Two Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Randwick.
OTI Racing officially enters New Zealand market
OTI Racing is officially going trans-Tasman, with the Australian syndicator becoming a licensed New Zealand syndicator this week.