Written by Trent Masenhelder
Valachi Downs has sold its Matamata-based thoroughbred stud to Lib and Katrina Petagna’s breeding business Elsdon Park
Kevin and Jo Hickman have sold Valachi Downs, their boutique thoroughbred stud, located in Matamata, Waikato – the heartland of New Zealand’s thoroughbred breeding industry.
Kevin and Jo Hickman have sold Valachi Downs | Image courtesy of Valachi Downs
Leviathan owners and breeders Lib And Katrina Petagna, who run the nearby Elsdon Park, have purchased the property and expect to take over in a couple of months.
The Hickmans said they are delighted to hand over the property to such passionate and successful breeder-owners, and they wish Lib and Katrina every success.
Valachi Downs will undertake a final dispersal of its bloodstock via a series of sales managed by New Zealand Bloodstock between mid-June and the end of July, with further details regarding the dispersal sales to be released over the coming days.
Lib Petagna | Image courtesy of NZ Racing Desk
Lib Petagna told TDN AusNZ he and his wife are thrilled to purchase such an iconic farm.
“It’s a privilege to own that property, it’s a beautiful property and the Hickman family have done an amazing job developing it,” Petagna said.
“Hopefully we can continue the development of the property and go on to bigger and better things.”
Petagna said their decision to secure Valachi Downs was largely a result of his growing broodmare band.
“It all came about rather quickly; it got to the stage the number of mares I had was too many with my share in Blandford Lodge, where I’m 50-50 with the Bax family, Graham and Helen-Gaye.
“It all came about rather quickly; it got to the stage the number of mares I had was too many with my share in Blandford Lodge…” - Lib Petagna
“I was looking to expand, so it’s worked out really well.
“Graham and Helen-Gaye and the Bax family are buying me out of Blandford Lodge and I can move my interests across to Valachi Downs.
“We will start selling from this summer under Elsdon Park as our own brand.”
Petagna said the opportunity to buy Valachi Downs was too good to pass up.
Valachi Downs | Image courtesy of Valachi Downs
“It’s about 12 kilometres out of Matamata and it’s beautiful rolling country,” Petagna explained.
“There’s some flats, there’s some rolling country and there’s a few steeper banks, as well.
“It’s got everything you want, basically.
“The Hickmans have been gradually developing the property; there’s stallion barns, a new office… it’s a really well-done property and a credit to them and their staff.”
“The Hickmans have been gradually developing the property; there’s stallion barns, a new office… it’s a really well-done property and a credit to them and their staff.” - Lib Petagna
Valachi Downs is home to three stallions; Zacinto (GB), Vespa and Savile Row (NZ).
Petagna, who has raced a number of top-quality horses, including triple Group 1 heroine Lucia Valentina (NZ) (Savabeel), Group 1 victress Sofia Rosa (NZ) (Makfi {GB}) and Group 3 winner Lost And Running (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}), said he won’t be standing any stallions this coming season, but that may change in due course.
“I’ll just move across to the farm and consolidate interests,” he said.
“It’s certainly something I would look at in the future, but not for this season, for sure.”
Petagna hopes to be well ensconced at Valachi Downs by the start of the breeding season.
