The world’s oldest family-owned and run thoroughbred stud farm, Widden Stud is to write a memorable new chapter in 2021 with its move into the Victorian marketplace.
Widden Stud will take over the 450-acre Sun Stud with an option to purchase the Kerrie complex and will offer all eight current stallions with Nicconi and Star Witness also expected to take up residence at the Victorian operation.
“The Widden brand is synonymous with longevity and success at the highest level in thoroughbred racing and breeding and we saw an opportunity to expand into a growing Victorian market,” said Thompson, a seventh generation member of his family to breed thoroughbreds in the Widden Valley.
“I have always thought there was an opportunity to expand the Widden brand and we have certainly looked at other properties and other opportunities in various states and different locations.
“It is something that I’ve thought about for a while and I believe that we do have the people, horses and systems to be able to expand what we do interstate.”
“It is something that I’ve thought about for a while and I believe that we do have the people, horses and systems to be able to expand what we do interstate.” - Antony Thompson
While the past year has presented a unique environment, Thompson believed it was the ideal time for Widden to spread its wings.
“If anything, it has made us realise just how fortunate we are to be in such a great industry in a wonderful part of the world. It has made us understand what great opportunities there are,” he said. “It really has given us the confidence to do this and be proud of it.
“Despite the challenges we have faced as a country in the past 12 months due to the pandemic and the ensuing economic uncertainty, our breeding and racing industries have proven remarkably resilient and our yearling sales this year have demonstrated the strength of the Australian market.
Watch: Widden Stud's Victorian Announcement
“Given these factors, we believe there has never been a more favourable time to invest in a strategy that will see Widden Stud emerge as a premier source of thoroughbreds in Victoria as well as New South Wales.
“With establishments in both states we will be offering commercial services including a stallion station, mare agistment, pre and post-natal care, foaling and weaning, as well as yearling handling and sales preparation."
A Victorian home
Sun Stud is home to the stallion barn where unbeaten star Black Caviar (Bel Esprit) was conceived and Champion Sprinter Redzel (Snitzel) sold under the Eliza Park banner as a weanling.
“We could not have wished for a better outcome, it is a privilege to have Widden as the custodians of our farm and stallions,” Sun Stud Principal, Danielle Cheng, said.
“We could not have wished for a better outcome, it is a privilege to have Widden as the custodians of our farm and stallions." - Danielle Cheng
David O’Callaghan, Stud Stud’s Bloodstock Advisor added: “There is no doubting the significance of Widden Stud’s announcement, a world-class brand with unparalleled history coming to Victoria, this is a huge vote of confidence.”
The new enterprise will operate as Widden Stud Victoria, with the existing stallion band including Magnus, Bel Esprit, Fiorente (Ire), National Defense (GB), Palentino, Ready For Victory, Squamosa and Thronum all retained.
Thompson said it was highly likely both Nicconi and Star Witness would also further their careers in Victoria.
Gallery: It is highly likely that both Nicconi and Star Witness (pictured) would further their careers in Victoria.
“The first two Group I races run in Victoria this year were won by sires that will stand on our Victorian roster this spring,” Thompson said.
He was referring to Nicconi’s son Nature Strip in the G1 Lightning S. and Streets Of Avalon (Magnus), who triumphed in the G1 CF Orr S.
“Star Witness and Nicconi both won their major Group I races in Victoria and their progeny continue to excel on Melbourne tracks,” Thompson said.
“Star Witness and Nicconi both won their major Group I races in Victoria and their progeny continue to excel on Melbourne tracks." - Antony Thompson
“They made obvious appeal as candidates to send south - we predict they will fill a productive niche in the market.”
Thompson believed Sun Stud’s following and the facilities on offer were second to none.
“Sun Stud has a very good client base as well in Victoria and very loyal breeders. They have been successfully promoting and launching its stallions and we can really tap into that with the new stallions we bring,” he said.
“It’s a lovely farm and a beautiful stallion complex with lots of stables and yards, water walkers and the yearling complex. It’s a walk-in situation where we can step straight on and have the Sun Stud mares and stallions on the farm.
National Defense (GB) parading for the late George Smith | Image courtesy of Sun Stud
“Our mares going to the stallions will be based there and there will be plenty of movement between our two operations.
“This is the first time in the history of Widden that we’ve ever put our brand on anything else that hasn’t been in the Widden Valley.
“It was a big decision, but certainly a good opportunity and from we are, we see the benefits of expanding what we do and trying to duplicate the success we have had.”
Welcome news
Widden’s expansion has been warmly received by Thoroughbred Breeders’ Victoria.
“I am excited that a farm of Widden’s longevity and success will be operating from Sun Stud’s famous Riddells Creek property and look forward to Nicconi and Star Witness joining our ranks,” President James O’Brien said. “I’m sure both stallions will be well-received and supported by Victorian breeders.”
Simon Vivian, of Inglis Victoria, was also delighted to learn of the expansion.
“Widden is a seventh-generation family-owned farm with a great reputation of producing some of Australasia’s finest stallions,” he said.
“Its entry will be a massive boost to the Victorian market, a move I think will be embraced by the industry.”
Widden Stud will be offering 19 yearlings at the upcoming Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale and Thompson said his team welcomed interested parties to discuss the services that will be made available to the Victorian breeding and racing community.
