Rare Gems

Tara Madgwick - Monday January 7
When $7million earner Criterion retired to Newgate Farm at a fee of $35,750 in 2016, much was expected of the superstar son of Sebring, but three years on we arrive at Magic Millions and instead of a bumper draft of stunning youngsters to rival his top end peers Vancouver and Pride of Dubai, we find just two yearlings to be offered for sale.

Well documented fertility issues have made a commercial stud career all but impossible for Criterion, who remains at Newgate on a fee on application basis.

 



In his first season, Criterion covered 70 mares and produced just 14 foals, two of which are in the Magic Millions.


One look at them makes us all realise what might have been for the feisty chestnut who contested a Golden Slipper and a Melbourne Cup with Group I wins in the ATC Australian Derby, Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Rosehill Guineas and MRC Caulfield Stakes falling in between.

Lot 560 Colt Criterion x Exceleine, by Exceed and Excel – Newgate Farm




Second foal of metro winning Exceleine, who traces in tail female line to legendary matriarch Best in Show from the Monroe branch that has produced stallions Domesday and Xaar (GB)

Lot 807 Filly Criterion x Miss Beauty World, by God's Own – Kitchwin Hills




Second foal of a winning half-sister to Group winners Lite 'n' in my Veins, Hi World, Loveyamadly and Ducimus.

Criterion covered 27 mares in 2017 and had 12 foals born last year. He covered just 15 mares last spring.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Cool Archie Return Delayed
The highly anticipated return to the races for exciting colt Cool Archie has been put on ice with co-trainer Chris Munce revealing the colt has an issue.
G2 Eight Carat Attracts Star Fillies
Graham Richardson and Rogal Norvall’s star filly Lollapalooza is set to be joined in the Gr.2 Hallmark Stud Eight Carat Classic (1600m) at Ellerslie on Boxing Day by her rapidly emerging stablemate Fleeting Star.
One to Watch – Newcastle
A debut winner for Farnan has an interesting background, bred in Queensland and sold as a weanling before becoming a pinhook winner at the Adelaide Magic Millions and now being trained at Newcastle where he won today.
West is Best - Outstanding Perth Magic Millions Yearling Catalogue Online
The cream of the Western Australian yearling crop has been assembled for the 2026 Magic Millions Perth Yearling Sale and the quality packed catalogue is now online. 
Magic Millions 2026 Magazine Now Online
The Magic Millions magazine is now online featuring a terrific mix of stories for the racing fan and horse lover ahead of the racing canival and yearling sale next month in the Gold Coast.
2026 Magic Millions Order of Entry 2YO and 3YO Updated
Racing Queensland have today released order of entry updates for the rich $3million Magic Millions 2YO Classic and 3YO Guineas to be run at the Gold Coast on January 17 with the top two juvenile contenders both by Too Darn Hot (GB).
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia announces 2026 Next Crop Committee
Thoroughbred Breeders Australia (TBA) is pleased to announce the appointment of the 2026 Next Crop Committee, a national group of passionate and forward-thinking industry participants committed to supporting the next generation of Australia’s thoroughbred industry.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday December 16
Here is the full list of 16 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Pedigree Pointers – Karaka 2026
The 2026 NZB National Yearling Sales (January 25-29) offers buyers the cream of the New Zealand crop and in the weeks leading up to the sale we’ll go looking for pedigrees of interest for a myriad of reasons.
First Foal for Criterion
The first foal born at Newgate Farm this spring is a special one indeed.