Rosemont Stud will throw open the gates to its impressive Gnarwarre Stud in Geelong on Saturday, August 10 for an 11am sharp parade of their high quality stallion draft for 2019.
Starspangledbanner is expected to have settled in by then and be the star attraction along with new arrival Shamus Award. Evergreen Starcraft and exciting young sire Nostradamus will round out the parade.
Starspangledbanner returns after a couple of seasons standing in Australia back at his major owner Coolmore in the Hunter Valley and will be a sight for sore eyes for Rosemont's Anthony Mithen.
"We can't wait to have him back at the farm. He is almost fully booked so it will be great to show the breeders that are supporting him what a lovely horse he is. He has had a good season in Ireland and has arrived into quarantine in Melbourne and he is expected to come through the gates in the first week of August," Mithen said.
Shamus Award's arrival into the Victorian breeding ranks rates as a major coup. With major owner Sean Buckley keen to have the son of Snitzel closer to his base in Victoria, Rosemont negotiated the deal to relocate the now G1 sire to their Geelong base.
"It's an amazing opportunity for Victorian breeders. The way he is going I can assure breeders he will not stay at his current fee ($11,000) in the seasons to come. In fact, there was a discussion about raising his fee this year, but we felt we needed to honour the bookings that we had already taken at $11,000. He will cover a limited book and there are very few spots left. I would think that when breeders see him parade, he will be chockablock," he said.
"We are very grateful for Sean Buckley and Viv Oldfield's support with the horse and hope their trust will be well-placed here in Victoria. He is low flying with quality horses popping up in town all over the country. His winners to runners ratio is off the charts and of course he is now the G1 sire of Mr Quickie, our Qld Derby hero. He's a lot of horse for just $11,000."
Evergreen stallion Starcraft will once again stand under the "Toss The Boss" conditions where breeders can choose whether they want a colt or filly. If they get what they want, they pay the reasonable service fee of $8800. If they don't get the foal they wanted (colt or filly) they pay no fee.
"We think this will be the last year we offer this structure, so I would encourage breeders to get involved. We want to look after Starcraft, so this will most likely be the last year of the deal."
There is much excitement surrounding the first runners in the new season for Nostradamus with some street corner stable whispers suggesting they will run early. Dealing down on the $8800 might see some Rosemont clients right in the box seat if the scuttlebutt turns to reality.
"I know Philip Stokes has a very high opinion of one of the fillies we have given him. She is out of an Octagonal mare and if their had been races for yearlings, she might have already had a couple of starts. It's really exciting for all of us.
The stallion parade is open to all, but RSVPs for catering purposes are essential. Contact the Rosemont office on 52206501 or simply emailoffice@rosemontstud.com.au if you plan on attending. The parade will be followed by a BBQ lunch with the races on the big screen.
