One of Queensland's most prominent thoroughbred breeding properties is set to re-launch as Telemon Thoroughbreds in June when the lease to current occupant Sun Stud expires.
Since it was first developed in the 1990's, Telemon has earned an enviable reputation. Situated on 240 acres of practically fully irrigated prime land within the headwaters of the Logan River, the farm has been home to notable stallions such as Success Express, Mossman, Written Tycoon and Bel Esprit.
The renowned elevated paddocks have produced an amazing output of outstanding performers for a farm of boutique scale including glamour filly Gold Edition, Queensland racing immortal Buffering and more recently the star sprinter and emerging sire Zoustar. In an historic arrangement with Godolphin Australia, multiple G2-winning sprinter and Golden Slipper runner-up Sidestep will become the highest-rated son of the world's foremost sire of two year-old talent, Exceed And Excel, standing in Queensland.
Telemon owner Dan Fletcher said, "It's our privilege to offer a horse the calibre of Sidestep. He'd be one of the best two-year-olds to stand up here in my time. The other horses that were at a similar level at two include Written Tycoon, General Nediym, Show a Heart and Brave Warrior and they all made a massive impact."
Managing Director of Godolphin in Australia Vin Cox said, "It's a really exciting opportunity for all breeders in Queensland. I know the quality of the farm where he'll be standing from my time in Queensland so that was a huge attraction."
"There's absolutely no doubt Sidestep is a terrific chance to make it and with his first yearlings currently entering the racing systems we thought it made sense to position him in a market where we know he will be embraced."
Telemon General Manager in waiting Joe Heather needs no introduction to Queensland breeders and will commence his role on June 1."I can't wait to get started. When the owner of the farm told me Sidestep will be standing at the farm I was over the moon. With his credentials, and large initial crops of Hunter Valley foals on their way through various leading stables including Godolphin's, he's a huge chance and Queensland breeders will love him," Heather said.
Telemon and Godolphin have committed to make him available to Queensland breeders for a minimum of the next two seasons. Breeders supporting Sidestep this season will be guaranteed they can access the horse in 2019 without paying an increased fee.
Darley stallions Head of Sales Alastair Pulford explained, "We think the opportunity is ripe to offer Queensland a genuinely elite colt. It's vital that breeders who support the horse have some comfort as well as incentive that he will be standing in Queensland for a minimum of two years."
"Those of us familiar with the horse know he's a fantastic type. He's very correct, has great scope as well as width, and looks exactly what he is: an elite, precocious athlete."
"He's been paraded at our recent Australian and European Stallion parades, all of which are available on YouTube, so Queensland breeders don't have to wait to see him. We encourage everyone to go online, I'm sure they'll be very excited," Pulford said.
"I think Queensland Breeders can get behind Sidestep with confidence. We've been very aggressive with his fee, and at $7,700 he's amazing value and he has huge upside," said Dan Fletcher
Sidestep will return from his European shuttle duties in mid-August, and Telemon will be making further announcements in relation to their Open Day as well as when the horse will be available for inspection.
Sidestep will stand in Queensland at a fee of $7,700.
www.telemonstud.com.au
Joe Heather: 0413 712 465 from 1 June
Dan Fletcher: 0428 754 547
