Cover image courtesy of Keeneland
John Stewart recounted his weekend at Rosehill, where he witnessed Storm Boy’s performance and reflected on the unique atmosphere compared to American racing days. “I just really like the atmosphere here and see us definitely being back.
“It was similar to the atmosphere of the (Kentucky) Derby, but different. The crowds weren't as large because the Derby gets crazy with over 100,000 people which can be too many people.”
Breeding strategies down under
Transitioning to the topic of breeding, John shared insights into his recent visit to Coolmore Australia and his interest in acquiring bloodstock from the upcoming Inglis Easter Yearling Sale. His strategic approach to breeding, particularly focusing on acquiring fillies with strong bloodlines has him keeping a keen eye on a number of star fillies in the “green book”.
Highlighting stallions like I Am Invincible and Fastnet Rock, Stewart is keen to acquire some blue-blooded yearlings from some of our greatest sires with the view of racing them in Australia before bolstering his broodmare band.
"We're trying to build the families up. Some of the fillies will race here with the idea of taking them back to the US to eventually breed after their racing career,” Stewart elaborated.
"We're trying to build the families up. Some of the fillies will race here with the idea of taking them back to the US to eventually breed after their racing career.” - John Stewart
Long before Fastnet Rock’s red letter weekend when he sired the G1 Ranvet S. winner Via Sistina (Ire) and the dams of G1 Golden Slipper and G1 George Ryder S. victors Lady Of Camelot (Written Tycoon) and Veight (Grunt), Stewart has always held a keen eye on the world-class sire. Acquiring the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf winner Pizza Bianca (USA) (Fastnet Rock) for US$3 million at last year’s Fasig-Tipton’s The November Sale.
As recently as the weekend, Stewart tracked down yet another well-related descendant of the great sire in the form of Lilas Canopus (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}), who is out of a three-quarter-sister of Fastnet Rock in Donnadane (Danehill {USA}).
John Stewart | Image courtesy of Fasig-Tipton
With 34 yearlings from Fastnet Rock mares and a further five direct descendants by the sire sensation, Stewart will be spoilt for choice at the upcoming Easter sale.
Preserving racing heritage
Though not related to Fastnet Rock, Stewart mentioned a specific filly that resonates with his dedication to upholding racing traditions. This filly, a prized offspring of the great Winx (Street Cry {Ire}), embodies Stewart's commitment to conserving racing heritage not only in America but Australia too. He firmly believes that the Winx filly must be preserved within the Australian racing community, safeguarding the sport’s legacy for future generations to come.
Lot 391 - Pierro x Winx (filly) | Image courtesy of Inglis
“Winx is a horse that I think is special for the Australian people. And with Winx having trouble, having foals in the past, I think it needs to stay here in Australia. And I know that I like to collect prized fillies and mares, and I know the Japanese breeders do as well.
“Winx is a horse that I think is special for the Australian people. And with Winx having trouble, having foals in the past, I think it needs to stay here in Australia.” - John Stewart
“I fear if the Japanese breeders are to buy her, I think they'll run her here, but I think she'll end up breeding in Japan. I would be willing to step in if I need to buy the filly and make sure that she stays here in Australia.”
International expansion
Reflecting on the possibility of expanding his operations, Stewart is contemplating the idea of sending American horses beyond their classic year to compete in Australia, fostering international competition and enriching the racing landscape.
“Stewart is contemplating the idea of sending American horses beyond their classic year to compete in Australia, fostering international competition and enriching the racing landscape.”
“I think there is an opportunity to send some of the longer distance horses down here. It would get some of the American bloodlines down into Australia, and then to have some of that international competition going.”
While instances like the triumph of Con Te Partiro (USA), a dual Group 1 winning mare sired by Scat Daddy (USA), demonstrate American horses success in Australia, it's uncommon for owners based in the United States to purposefully send their horses to race in Australia.
It’s that out of the box thinking that will see John Stewart leave his mark on the industry, Australia unlikely to be untouched.
