Chatswood Stud officially ceased business earlier this week, ending the Willis family's 25-year association with the property near Seymour in Victoria.
Along with the two resident stallions, the property also played host to 180 mares as well as their foals from this season. With approximately 150 of those mares believed to be owned by clients, a significant relocation of stock from the property is still believed to be taking place.
The new owners of the property are not believed to be involved in the thoroughbred industry, meaning the 1000-acre property, which was offered for sale last year, will not be utilised as a horse stud.
Greg Willis former principal of Chatswood Stud
Greg Willis, who was the principal of Chatswood Stud up until this week, had battled much-publicised financial issues in recent times. On Monday, the property was acquired by liquidators via court order, bringing an immediate end to business with weeks of the breeding season still remaining.
Reward For Effort heads to Larneuk
The two stallions have already found new homes, with Larneuk Stud principal Neville Murdoch confirming Reward For Effort would join a roster at his Euroa-based farm that already features Endless Drama (Ire), Wandjina, Cluster and Wolf Cry.
"He's a very good horse. He's a very good proven winner-getter. He's got a nice syndicate behind him," Murdoch said of Reward For Effort.
Reward For Effort | Standing at Larneuk Stud
"I put my hand up and said I have the capabilities and I've got the farm, staff and vet. I will take him on. I have committed to running him until Christmas at this stage."
Murdoch said all current bookings to the stallion would be honoured this spring at his price of $11,000 (inc GST).
"We have taken him over as of today, and people who have previous bookings, they will be honoured on whatever terms the deal was done," he said.
"He's nice for our business. We don't have the big top end stuff, but we have good racegetters and nice stallions. The whole farm is a well-oiled machine and he fits into my profile."
"He's (Reward For Effort) nice for our business. We don't have the big top end stuff, but we have good racegetters and nice stallions. The whole farm is a well-oiled machine and he fits into my profile." - Neville Murdoch
"We’ve got a son of Snitzel, a son of Exceed And Excel, and sons of Street Cry, Fastnet Rock and Lope De Vega, so we have a really good cross-range of horses."
G1 Blue Diamond S. winner Reward For Effort, a son of Exceed And Excel, began his time at Chatswood Stud in 2011 and has since proven a prolific producer of winners, 338 in all, including eight stakes winners.
Inference finds new home at Cornwall Park
Inference, a Group 1-winning son of So You Think (NZ), was in his fourth season at stud, with his first crop set to hit racetracks this season. Cornwall Park, which started up its operation this year, at Toolern Vale, standing a quintet of stallions, will be his new home.
Inference | Standing at Cornwall Park Stud
He has served books of over 100 at his three previous seasons at Chatswood, while this season has stood at $6600 (inc GST). A winner of the G1 Randwick Guineas, he is the half-brother to Group 2 winner Dragon's Leap (Pierro) out of the stakes-placed Redoute's Choice mare Pontiana.
Cornwall Stud Managing Director Peter Boyle confirmed to TDN AusNZ that a deal had been done late on Thursday to bring Inference to Cornwall Park.
Cornwall Park, which began its operation this year, already stands Soul Patch, Johannes Vermeer (Ire), Danerich, Boom Time and Cliff's Edge.
End of an era
Alan Willis set up the original Chatswood Stud property at Avenel in 1972, where the family stood stallions such as Red God, Plush (NZ) and Prego (Ire).
In 1996, they relocated to the current property, beginning their time there by standing Flying Spur, who would be crowned Australia's Champion First Season Sire. Danzero and Geiger Counter (USA) also spent time as residents as did Invincible Spirit (Ire), who has become a massive influence in the Australian breeding industry.
Drone footage of Chatswood Stud property
Nic Willis, Chatswood Stud's former Sales and Nominations Manager, and son of Greg, made the following statement to TDN AusNZ.
"Chatswood Stud has ceased operation. It has been a complex, almost instant process which has impacted a lot of people," he said.
"My first thought is to personally send out a massive thank you to each of my clients for your support over the years. I’m currently doing my best to work with the new owners of the property to ensure an easy transition, and that the welfare of the horses remains paramount.
"It has been a complex, almost instant process which has impacted a lot of people." - Nic Willis
"I take solace in knowing our stallions, whom I regard as my best mates, will be well cared for at their new homes. Even though my official title has been ‘Sales and Nominations’ Manager, I’ve enjoyed being involved in every aspect of the stud. This is an amazing industry so, again, thank you for your support and kindness, and if you need me for anything at all, please don’t hesitate to get in touch."
It is believed there will be a dispersal conducted of the remaining Chatswood Stud stock in the coming weeks.
