Being
only the second son of the late Hinchinbrook to go to stud – and the first in
Victoria – Diamond Tathagata has already generated plenty of interest on social
media."We have had a great response so far and we are be looking to push him as much as possible in his important first season at stud," said Lester O'Grady of Mount Brown International.
"He is just a beautiful type in the flesh, a strong, well-set horse and we look forward to showing him off this afternoon.
"Twenty of our well performed, young broodmares, that have all won on the track, will certainly give him a great start, and we will be making the most of VOBIS Sires and the VOBIS incentives ($24 million) to push for mare owners to stay in Victoria and breed here."
Diamond Tathagata was a fast precocious two year-old that put his rookie trainer Mark Newnham on the map when winning the Group II ATC Skyline Stakes at his second start following a debut second to subsequent Golden Slipper winner She Will Reign in the $500,000 Inglis Nursery.
"He won the same race as his sire Hinchinbrook and is his equal in type and quality. He is walking in his father's footsteps," said O'Grady.
The Skyline has proven an influential race over the years as a vital lead up to the Golden Slipper and the honour roll of past winners features numerous successful stallions including our current reigning champion sire Snitzel, who is a three-quarter brother to Diamond Tathagata's sire Hinchinbrook.
Other Skyline winners to make their mark at stud include Strategic, Choisir, Casino Prince, All American and Manhattan Rain, while Exosphere and Valentia will have yearlings at the sales in 2019.
Diamond Tathagata will be standing at the introductory fee of $2,200 this season.
"A lot of people have told me we could be standing him for more, but my main aim is to get the mares, get the numbers, get them to the sales and get them on the track," O'Grady said.
"I want to offer breeders value, and then they will be back again next season."
Hinchinbrook started at a service fee of $16,500 and at the time of his death this year his fee had soared to $55,000 and he was fully booked.
"Hinchinbrook was able to rise through the ranks and I would like to think Diamond Tathagata has the credentials to do the same," O'Grady concluded.
For more information contact Lester O'Grady on 0484 783 583 or by email lesterogrady@outlook.com
