Welcome to Year Four
The spring of 2011 will be an exciting time for Patinack Farm, with the expansion of our breeding operation into the Queensland market and the addition of two outstanding dual Group 1 winners to our quality stallion roster.
The stunning landscape of the Gold Coast hinterland will play host to our new Queensland venture. The recently developed property to be known as Patinack Farm Canungra, is situated near the Gold Coast’s Scenic Rim and will incorporate three stallions and 150 broodmares in our first year.
The Patinack Farm philosophy of sourcing stallions from the top echelon of Australian and international racing has led us to acquire Classic winners Lope de Vega (IRE) and Monaco Consul (NZ) for the upcoming breeding season.
The new additions possess the key performance indicators that breeders have come to expect from a sire standing at Patinack Farm - brilliant racetrack ability, exceptional pedigree and outstanding type.
The first of three inaugural stallions to stand at our Queensland farm, Monaco Consul is by multiple Derby and Breeders’ Cup winning sire, High Chaparral (IRE). A dual G1 winner of the Victoria Derby and Spring Champion Stakes himself, Monaco Consul was head of the NZ Free Handicap (1600m+) for the ‘09/10 season.
Monaco Consul epitomises the word ‘classic’ – Classic pedigree, Classic performance, Classic looks. His dam is a sister to G1 winner Con Air and a half-sister to Australian Guineas winner and successful sire Military Plume. This is the immediate family of G1 winning sprinter Nicconi and 5-time G1 winner Niconero.
Monaco Consul was a standout middle distance performer from a 3yo crop that included So You Think, More Joyous, Denman, Trusting, Starspangledbanner and Shoot Out among others.
Lope de Vega, who is to stand in New South Wales, is the best son of Champion and Leading sire Shamardal to go to stud. Group 1 performed at two, Lope de Vega then emulated his sire by winning the French 2000 Guineas and French Derby at three.
Champion at 2 & 3 in Europe, Shamardal has sired 28 stakes winners (including 4 at G1 level) from only four crops of racing age and has established a real affinity with Australian broodmares - SH stakeswinners include Faint Perfume, Captain Sonador, No Evidence Needed, Shamoline Warrior, Marquardt and Happy Hippy.
Lope de Vega's dam, Lady Vettori, commenced her career with 5 successive victories, including the Prix du Calvados (G3) at two and is by French 2000 Guineas winner Vettori. His granddam is by Champion French Sire Kendor and a half-sister to three stakeswinners. Lope de Vega is inbred 3 X 3 to champion 2yo & successful sire Machiavellian (Mr Prospector).
With the news of Shamardal not returning to Australia in 2011, Lope De Vega looks well suited to pick up where he left off at a fraction of the price.
In setting our 2011 stallion fees we have been mindful of the sales results throughout the year and have noted the competitive nature of the market. Therefore, we are pleased to announce that we will not be increasing any of our service fees for the upcoming season. The present state of thoroughbred trading in Australasia, comparative to other parts of the globe, is a real indication of the resilience of the local industry - collectively we have been able to stabilise what was a volatile market.
The first crop of our three foundation sires Casino Prince, Husson (ARG) and Wonderful World will commence their racing careers in the latter part of the year and the initial reports from the breakers suggest we are in for an exciting time. We have an outstanding first crop of foals on the ground by our juvenile speedster Murtajill and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the first foals of our regally bred freshman stallion Raheeb.
The Patinack Farm $1m Breeders' Bonus is really starting to grab the attention of breeders and buyers alike and we believe this bonus scheme will provide some fantastic returns for those investing in the progeny of the Patinack Farm stallions. Broodmare owners will see the benefits of the bonus scheme initially in the sale ring and then on the racetrack, as they reap the rewards of their mare's successful offspring. While owners themselves, will see their prizemoney escalate when they welcome back winners at metropolitan racetracks in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland.
We would like to wish you all the very best of luck for the upcoming breeding season and look forward to discussing the breeding options for your mare.
Nathan Tinkler
Chairman.