Written by Bren O'Brien
Hunter Valley's stallion farms have altered their stallion parade formats in 2020, with a six-day open house format to replace the usual one or two-day parade days.
The format replicates that used at Kentucky and Newmarket during their annual broodmare sales periods and will run from Tuesday August 18 until Sunday August 23.
Each stud will put its own arrangements in place of how their parades will be conducted, whether it be by invitational appointment or at fixed times through each day, but the format will allow studs to successfully comply with any COVID-19 protocols that may still be in place, and ensure social distancing.
Maurice (Jpn) parades at Arrowfield Stud
The studs believe that the new format will allow breeders to inspect stallions more closely, with a better chance to speak with staff from the relevant studs. With crowds distributed across the days, it will also allow breeders to set their own schedule, subject to the timetables set by the studs.
"Parade week is an important annual event for the Hunter Valley and sees a large influx of visitors each year," a statement from the Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association said.
"Parade week is an important annual event for the Hunter Valley and sees a large influx of visitors each year." - Hunter Thoroughbred Breeders Association
"Our leading stallion farms have together shown great initiative by allowing breeders the continued opportunity to visit these wonderful properties and see their impressive array of stallions. We hope that breeders from around the country can safely and responsibly travel to the Hunter in August and enjoy these open days."
There will be plenty of interest in the new stallion arrivals at the major Hunter Valley studs ahead of the 2020 breeding season.
Brutal (NZ) (yellow cap) | Standing at Newgate Farm
Newgate will debut Brutal (NZ), Cosmic Force and Tassort, while Coolmore also has a trio of freshmen in Calyx (GB), Magna Grecia (Ire) and Yes Yes Yes.
Arrowfield will debut Castelvecchio, with Written Tycoon making his first appearance in the Hunter Valley having moved from Victoria, while Exceedance will create plenty of interest at Vinery, as will Microphone and Too Darn Hot (GB) at Darley.
Pierata debuts at Aquis; Murrurundi, Zousain has joined Widden Stud's roster, while Unite And Conquer will be on display at Kingstar.
The stars of the parades will be stallions of the calibre of three-time Australian champion Snitzel at Arrowfield, along with Exceed And Excel at Darley, Fastnet Rock at Coolmore and I Am Invincible at Yarraman Park.
Details of the arrangement of the stallion parade formats will be confirmed by the individual studs over the coming weeks.
