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...
First foal Arrives for Mo’Unga
The Kelly family of Newhaven Park have taken an educated gamble on champion New Zealand sire Savabeel and have already struck paydirt with exciting young sire Cool Aza Beel siring Group I winning 2YO Cool Archie and now it’s time for Mo’Unga to make his mark.
Zoustar's Breeders Cup Winner Starlust Arrives at Riverstone
Zoustar’s Breeders Cup winner Starlust has arrived at his new home, Riverstone Lodge in the Hunter Valley with the stud posting video of his arrival.
Aussie Globetrotting Mare Now Calls Woodside Home
Woodside Park have released a list of their quality mares set to visit new recruit Celestial Legend this spring and one of them is Aussie bred Group II winner Nafaayes, who produced a promising 2YO winner overnight in the UK.
Olentia Sells for $2.6million to top MM August Virtual
Group II winning Zoustar mare Olentia was always seen as the likely sale-topper of the Magic Millions August Virtual Sale and she duly sparked interest with Olly Tait of Twin Hills Stud securing the mare on behalf of his international client Wathnan Racing for $2.6million.
Zoustar 7YO on Comeback Trail
Joliestar is not the only good Zoustar carrying the colours of Cambridge Stud as Lance Noble has his eye on a major early season prize with one of the few older members of his stable.
First Foal for Criterion
The first foal born at Newgate Farm this spring is a special one indeed.
Sires With Winners - Tuesday August 5
Here is the full list of 24 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Elite Broodmare Band Booked to Celestial Legend
Woodside Park Stud is proud to announce they are sending an outstanding group of broodmares to visit their exciting young sire Celestial Legend. 
Breednet Distance Sire Tables Highlight Some Home Truths
The end of season is a great time to look back and assess what has happened in terms of sire results and what may happen in the future and more importantly what all of that might mean for Australian racing.
G2 Winning Mare chasing G1 Success
Classy mare Val Di Zoldo will have the opportunity to test her talents at the highest level this term after resuming with a tidy trial at Taupo on Monday.