Sustained Success is No Coincidence

Tara Madgwick - Wednesday November 13

Producing tough, sound athletic racehorses is the goal of every thoroughbred breeder and when two such horses from the same farm come out and win the two richest races in Australia, you can’t help but wonder what factors are working behind the scenes to deliver such phenomenal success.

Vow and Declare shows a rare brand of strength and stamina to win this year's Melbourne Cup in a driving finish  - image Grant CourtneyHunter Valley nursery Kitchwin Hills have a long record of success having produced countless Group I performers such as Golden Slipper winner Phelan Ready and dual Group I winner Red Tracer, but their current stars have set the bar at an all-time high for those to follow.

$8million Melbourne Cup winner Vow and Declare, $14million Everest winner Yes Yes Yes and Group I winning $5.6 million earner Pierata all carry the KWH brand having been foaled and raised at Kitchwin Hills.

The talented trio, who are aged three, four and five, have won over $18million between them, a staggering amount, which explains why the quest to breed superior racehorses has never been more competitive.

Kitchwin Hills is situated in a unique environmentKitchwin Hills Stud Manager Mick Malone believes there is science behind the success of this picturesque farm that is the only thoroughbred stud situated in the unique Isis River Valley.

“The location of our operation in this valley has certainly been a huge factor to our success," said Mick Malone.

"For 370 million years, this valley has had a 20 trillion tonne marine derived limestone deposit (positioned at the top of the valley) leaching calcium through the ecosystem. 

“The benefits of calcium in relation to bone density is scientifically proven as being vitally important for the long-term health and soundness of performance horses.

“We recognise the reality of the situation in the incredible strike rate of horses raised on this farm.”


Limestone country is prized for producing thoroughbreds the world over with Coolmore Stud in Ireland situated in the heart of the Golden Vale on over 7,000 prime acres of Ireland’s finest limestone land, while the state of Kentucky in North America is geologically speaking, shaped by limestone.

Limestone outcrops in the Isis River ValleyLong ago, when the landscape of North America was vastly different and Kentucky was underwater, tiny bits of shells from marine creatures degraded over time to form a layer of limestone rich in calcium carbonate.

During the many years since then, acidic water has interacted with the limestone, dissolving it in places to release—among other things—calcium. Thus, the same process that has carved Kentucky’s world-renowned Mammoth Cave is responsible for providing calcium to Kentucky’s soil, feeding the fabled bluegrass and, in turn, the legendary thoroughbreds that have made this region the epicentre for world thoroughbred breeding.

South Australian based Mill Park Stud is another Australian owned enterprise that credits much of its success to the limestone country on which it is situated with the Watson family enjoying consistent Group I results for many years with star performers emerging from their paddocks such as Gold Guru, Fawkner, Happy Trails, Rebel Raider, Southern Speed and this year’s Victoria Derby winner Warning.

The Isis River flows through the valleyThe sort of sustained high-level success achieved by Mill Park and Kitchwin Hills is no coincidence with mother nature undoubtedly adding something special to the mix.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Super Seth 3YO Wins $100,000 Inglis Bonus
Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou know how to place a horse to advantage and did so accordingly with talented three year-old Super Seth gelding Sanctified, who broke his maiden at Canterbury on Wednesday and picked up a $100,000 Inglis Xtra bonus for his efforts.
$600,000 Ole Kirk Share Tops Inglis Digital September (Early) Online Sale
Shares in leading young stallions Ole Kirk and Southport Tycoon dominated bidding in today’s Inglis Digital September (Early) Online Sale, finishing as the two highest-priced lots.
Sires With Winners - Wednesday September 10
Here is the full list of 39 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
Promising Ole Kirk 3yo Regal Award Simply Too Good
Improving off a last start fifth behind Space Rider over 1200m at Moonee Valley, the Phillip Stokes trained Regal Award didn’t disappoint as the race favourite in Sportsbet BlackBook Plate (1300m) on the Sandown Hillside course on Wednesday, scoring with ease.
Yulong Double With Justify and Waller
The Yulong colours were in the winner’s circle at Canterbury on Wednesday carried by a pair of promising horses by Triple Crown hero Justify (USA) with a maiden win for three year-old colt Officiate followed by a super impressive return for lightly raced four year-old mare Mergeila.
Zoustar Mare Joliestar Confirmed for Everest
Chris Waller Racing have today confirmed their slot for this year’s $20million Everest will be filled by five year-old Zoustar mare Joliestar, who is set to resume in the Group II ATC Sheraco Stakes at Rosehill this Saturday.
I Am Invincible Stallion Chasing Black Type in NZ
Tardelli has the looks to match his rich pedigree, and his upcoming preparation will be focussed on adding a top level performance to boost his future stallion prospects.
Debut Farnan Winner for Pencarrow Stud
Three-year-old filly Passiflora showed promise at the trials and transferred that potential into raceday success when scoring on debut in the NZ Horse Ambulance 970 at Cambridge on Wednesday.
Balaklava Cup Victory For Puissance de Lune’s Inform Sav On Ice
Starting well in the market off the back of his solid recent form, the Darryl Carrison trained Sav On Ice was contesting his first black type race, and took home the prize, winning the Listed SAJC Balaklava Cup (1600m) on Wednesday.
Are You Sending a Mare to Cogburn?
Book 1 of the Keeneland September Yearling Sale concluded on Tuesday with the rise of exciting young sire Not This Time as a big player on the world stage well and truly illustrated with 22 of his yearlings selling at an average $805,682.