Aquis Farm unveiled the two foundation stallions of its new Victorian venture with a stallion parade on Sunday afternoon.
The Seymour property is a new venture in 2019, joining the established farms in the Hunter Valley in New South Wales and Canungra, Queensland.
The new venture received a tick of approval on Sunday, with stallions Lean Mean Machine and Siege Of Quebec both enthusiastically received by Victorian breeders.
Siege Of Quebec in the rain
“It’s about 8 degrees and raining, but it was a fabulous parade,” Aquis CEO Shane McGrath said.
“This is a very exciting chapter in our development and growth. Victoria is a market we’ve been keen to be a part of for a while, and it’s very exciting that we’ve been able to make it happen.
“One of our key principles is to support people who support us, whether it’s breeders, share-holders or anyone else, and we’re also one of the biggest yearling buyers on the market. It’s a long-term plan and a commitment to the Victorian industry.
“One of our key principles is to support people who support us, whether it’s breeders, share-holders or anyone else." - Shane McGrath
“It was great to introduce the stallions to Victorian breeders today and get such an enthusiastic response. The two horses have been here since July, and they’ve settled in extremely well.”
Lean Mean Machine is the first son of Zoustar to stand at stud. His introductory service fee has been set at $17,600 including GST.
Gallery: Lean Mean Machine
It was the Zoustar factor that made Lean Mean Machine an ideal candidate for the new Victorian venture. While that superstar stallion is now based at Widden Stud in New South Wales, he had previously stood at Victoria’s Woodside Park Stud.
“Victorian breeders have seen first-hand the benefit of Zoustar and what he’s capable of,” McGrath said. “The partnership that owns Lean Mean Machine were big advocates of the idea of bringing Zoustar’s best-credentialled son to stand at stud in the state.
“Victorian breeders have seen first-hand the benefit of Zoustar and what he’s capable of." - Shane McGrath
“We’re already seeing a lot of support for him from breeders.”
Lean Mean Machine also has strong pedigree credentials on the dam side. She’s Meaner (Falvelon) won at stakes level and is a half-sister to the Group 1 performer Love Conquers All (Mossman).
Trained by Chris Waller, Lean Mean Machine won three races including the G2 BRC Sires’ Produce S. and the G2 Run to the Rose, and he ran third behind star filly Sunlight in a Zoustar trifecta in the G1 Coolmore Stud S.
She's Meaner
His barnmate Siege Of Quebec will stand for $9,900.
By Fastnet Rock, he is a full-brother to multiple stakes winner Bull Point and is closely related to Group 1 winners Criterion (NZ) (Sebring) and Comin’ Through (Fastnet Rock).
Siege Of Quebec was trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott and won four races, headed by the G3 Bill Ritchie H. He also placed in the G1 All Aged S. and G1 Toorak H.
Gallery: Siege Of Quebec
“He’s an outstanding individual,” McGrath said. “He was a 2-year-old winner, a Group winner and a multiple Group 1 performer.
“He retired from racing with his best performance, his placing behind Pierata (Pierro) and Osborne Bulls (Street Cry {Ire}) in the All Aged S. Those are two absolutely crack sprinters, both heading towards the Everest, with Pierata likely to be one of the favourites and running in our slot.
“Victorian breeders are happy to wait and see stallions before making their bookings, which should play into Siege Of Quebec’s favour.
“At $9,900, I think he offers great value. He’ll be getting a lot of support from our mares.”
Gallery: faces at the Aquis stallion parade
