Cover image courtesy of Coolmore

Sunday evening saw Coolmore Stud unveil its much-anticipated 2024 fees and stallion roster. Bursting with a blend of established stallions and promising newcomers and featuring international superstars alongside the freshly added G1 Golden Slipper victor Shinzo, the lineup promises something for every breeder.

Commenting on the 2024 fees, Coolmore's nominations and sales Tom Moore said, “Our current roster encompasses a strong mix of proven stallions and seriously exciting young horses for the future."

The 2024 roster is spearheaded by the Home Affairs and So You Think (NZ) who will stand this spring at $82,500 (inc GST) each. However, most of the 13-strong lineup will see a reduction in their 2023 breeding season fees.

Moore added “The calibre of our stallions give breeders a fantastic opportunity to produce a top-class racehorse while we believe the fee levels offer them every chance of a great return in the sales ring.”

Justify (USA) and Fastnet Rock are exceptions in the 2024 lineup.

Last week, Coolmore issued statements stating that Justify will not shuttle to Coolmore’s Hunter Valley establishment in 2024 and will instead be available to breed to in Southern Hemisphere from his Kentucky base at Coolmore’s Ashford Stud.

Coolmore’s Tom Magnier commented in a press release, “It’s a similar situation to Frankel in England where they serve mares to the southern hemisphere time.” He added, “We will be sending up some of our best mares and giving our clients here the opportunity to send their mares to him too.

“Many of the mares who might have visited Justify here have already been booked into our Golden Slipper winner Shinzo, whose retirement was announced a few days ago. We have had a fantastic response to him from our clients.”

Meanwhile, the legendary Fastnet Rock, who has called Coolmore home since 2005, has been retired from stud duty after a lengthy, hugely successful, and influential career.

Shinzo popular, as future bright for Affairs and Legacy

Earlier in April, Coolmore announced the G1 Golden Slipper Shinzo, a son of the four-time Champion Sire Snitzel had been retired to Coolmore Stud to stand for an introductory fee of $55,000 (inc GST).

In addition to his Golden Slipper heroics, Shinzo also won the G3 Pago Pago S. Shinzo, also packs plenty of pedigree power on his dam side. He is a son of the More Than Ready (USA) mare Samaready, an outstanding producer and runner. Her career highlights include victories in the G1 Blue Diamond S. and the G1 Moir S.

Shinzo is a full brother to the R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic victress Exhilarates.

"We are delighted to welcome Shinzo back to the farm. He’s a fantastic-looking individual and the Golden Slipper has an unmatched record as a sire-making race."

Home Affairs, a son of Australia’s reigning Champion Sire I Am Invincible and the Flying Spur mare Miss Interiors, will stand for a reduced fee of $82,500 (inc GST), down from his 2023 fee of $99,000 (inc GST).

The Coolmore team are thrilled to witness the first crop of Home Affairs offered at the upcoming weanling sales. Home Affairs has 20 lots catalogued in the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Weanling Sale and six weanlings catalogued in the 2024 Inglis Australian Weanling Sale.

“The first foals by Home Affairs will be presented at sales in the coming weeks and we do not recall a sire we have received so much positive feedback on.

“That combined with having covered some illustrious mares in his first year at stud such as, Booker, Shout The Bar and Sunlight will ensure he has an exceptional chance to match his racetrack success in the barn.”

An outstanding sprinter, Home Affairs made his mark early, claiming the G2 Silver Slipper S. as a juvenile. As a 3-year-old, he secured victories in the Listed Heritage S. and stamped his dominance over his generation in the G1 Coolmore Stud S. Returning in the autumn, Home Affairs dethroned his stablemate Nature Strip (Nicconi), a sprinter of the highest class, in the G1 Lightning S.

Unsurprisingly, Home Affairs garnered strong support in his first two seasons at stud, serving an opening book of 203 mares and 189 mares last season.

Another young stallion, whose first crop turn two in August is King’s Legacy, a dual Group 1-winning son of the breed-shaper Redoute’s Choice, will stand the 2024 breeding season at a reduced fee of $22,000(inc GST).

The first crop of King’s Legacy grossed $8,261,110 from 78 of the 98 offered sold. They averaged $105,911 with a median of $90,000. Achieving a top price overall of $775,000 for a colt sold at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

King’s Legacy has covered 428 mares across his three seasons at stud.

“Dual Group 1-winning 2-year-old King's Legacy will also have his first runners this year having being well-supported in his first year at stud and the early indications from the breakers could not be more positive.

“He is standing for $22,200 (inc GST) this year which in the early spring could look to have been the value play of the year.”

International superstars return

Coolmore Stud is set to welcome back a trio of international superstars to its Hunter Valley operation this season. Headlining the group is the sire sensation Wootton Bassett (GB), whose prominence continues to soar. He will stand for a to be confirmed fee at a later date.

Wootton Bassett boasts an impressive record, having sired 40 stakes winners globally, including one Australian stakes winner from his handful of imported runners. His first Southern Hemisphere-conceived crop will turn two in August, and his progeny have been highly sought after.

In 2024, 73 out of 83 Wootton Bassett progeny offered for sale were sold, with a total gross of $27,349,640, averaging $374,652 and a median of $275,000. Notably, he achieved a top price of $2.1 million for a filly and $1.6 million for a colt.

Last season, Wootton Bassett covered 131 mares, which included Group 1 winners Srikandi (Dubawi {Ire}) and Spright (Hinchinbrook). Already, Wootton Bassett is making a mark as a sire of sires, with his son Almanzor (Fr) producing 17 stakes winners.

“We are delighted to be able to confirm that Wootton Bassett is returning in 2024. He is now having his first runners in Europe following his move to Coolmore and they could not have started more strongly with Camille Pissarro winning so impressively in Ireland on Saturday for Aidan O'Brien.

“Given the reception his first yearlings received in the sale ring here this year we have every confidence they will be able to match their European success on the track here in the coming months.”

Also returning to the Hunter Valley this season is the 2021 European Horse of the Year, St Mark’s Basilica (Fr). Breeders will have the opportunity to access his bloodline at a reduced fee of $38,500 (inc GST).

The son of Siyouni (Fr) demonstrated his exceptional talent on the racetrack, covering 116 mares in 2023. St Mark’s Basilica claimed victory in six prestigious races, including the G1 Prix du Jockey Club, the G1 Irish Champion S., the G1 Eclipse S., the G1 Dewhurst S., and the G1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains, showcasing his champion qualities.

Rounding out the returning shuttlers is Churchill (Ire). The Champion Miler by Galileo (Ire) will stand for a fee of $19,800 (inc GST).

Churchill is responsible for 19 stakes winners worldwide, including three Group 1 winners. Four of his stakes winners have come in the Southern Hemisphere, headed by one of his Group 1 winners Attrition, who won the G1 Toorak H. and was placed in the G1 Australian Guineas.

The son of the legendary Galileo has also sired runners the calibre of Blue Rose Cen (Ire), a four-time Group 1 winner and the brilliant colt Vadeni (Fr).

Churchill has covered 747 mares in his six Southern Hemisphere seasons.

Young guns

Among the proven producers are several young stallions with their first runners or foals due.

The Everest winner Yes Yes Yes first juveniles hit the track this season, resulting in a winner and three stakes performers. Yes Yes Yes will be available for a reduced fee of $19,250 (inc GST).

Yes Yes Yes served a book of 149 mares last season.

Remaining at an unchanged fee of $13,750 (inc GST) is the blazingly fast Acrobat, a son of the retired Fastnet Rock. Acrobat has covered an impressive 366 mares over two seasons, with 178 mares covered last spring.

Despite having raced only once, Acrobat showcased his talent by winning the R. Listed Inglis Nursery in a faster time than Extreme Choice, Mossfun (Mossman), She Will Reign (Manhattan Rain), and Wild Ruler. It was evident that Acrobat was something truly exceptional right out of the gate.

However, the son of Fastnet Rock was retired due to an unfortunate accident.

Best Of Bordeaux's first foals are eagerly anticipated for the upcoming spring. The son of Snitzel will be available for a reduced fee of $19,250 (inc GST), down from his initial fee of $27,500 (inc GST).

As a tough and talented runner, Best Of Bordeaux boasts an impressive racing record, having secured victories in the G2 Roman Consul S., the G2 Silver Slipper S., and the G3 Canonbury S. He was also placed in the G1 Golden Slipper.

In his debut breeding season, Best Of Bordeaux attracted the attention of 124 mares, indicating strong early support from breeders.

Proven producers

Completing the 2024 Coolmore Stud roster are the proven producers, Starspangledbanner, So You Think (NZ), Pride Of Dubai, and Pierro, all of whom have enjoyed a fruitful season.

Just this past Saturday, Starspangledbanner was represented by the $1 million The TBV VOBIS Platinum Showdown victor, Stanley Express. Despite initial fertility challenges, the son of the late and former Coolmore stallion Choisir has proven to be an exceptional sire.

The son of Choisir backed-up his Saturday deeds on Sunday, when his son Beauty Eternal upset the Champion Golden Sixty (Medaglia D'Oro {USA}) in the G1 FWD Champions Mile at Sha Tin in Hong Kong.

Starspangledbanner stands out as one of the few Coolmore stallions to receive a fee hike this season, with his fee set at $44,000 (inc GST). To date, he has sired 39 stakes winners globally, including seven Group 1 winners, among them the globetrotting G1 Cox Plate winner, State Of Rest (Ire). Last season, the son of Choisir served 116 mares.

"Starspangledbanner enjoyed his second high-profile Group 1 success within the space of a month when his Australian-bred son Beauty Eternal landed the G1 Champions Mile at Sha Tin today (Sunday).

"Meanwhile, California Spangle ran second in the G1 Chairman's Sprint Prize on the same card having won the G1 Al Quoz Sprint at Meydan last month."

Pride Of Dubai, a son of Street Cry (Ire) will be available to breeders for $22,000 (inc GST) down from $27,500 (inc GST).

The dual Group 1 winner has been in the headlines through the deeds of his star daughter, Pride Of Jenni. Showcasing the toughness and tenacity of his progeny she won two Group 1s during Cup week in the space of seven days.

In the autumn, Pride Of Jenni claimed The All-Star Mile and put on a display in the G1 Queen Elizabeth S.

Overall, Pride Of Dubai has sired 23 stakes winners and four individual Group 1 winners.

So You Think, who is responsible for last year’s The Everest winner Think About It, will be available for $82,500 (inc GST) down from $99,000 (inc GST).

The Champion racehorse has proven an exceptional stallion siring 56 stakes winners and 11 individual Group 1 winners. He served 164 mares last season.

Pierro, a son of the recently deceased Lonhro, has also received a fee decrease. Pierro will serve the 2024 breeding season for a fee of $55,000 (inc GST).

The multiple Group 1 winner made headlines and broke records at the 2024 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale when his daughter from the Champion mare Winx (Street Cry {Ire}) was sold for $10 million - a world record for a yearling filly.

Pierro has sired 36 stakes and six individual Group 1 winners. He served 100 mares last spring.

Table: 2024 Announced Stallion Fees for Coolmore

Cover image courtesy of Rosehill Gardens Racecourse

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What do we now know about how the proposed sale of Rosehill came about?

A parliamentary order recently made previously undisclosed documents available, so we now know that the following timeline took place:

October 25, 2023: ATC officials met with NSW Planning Department Officials, where it was outlined by the ATC that “racing would continue” at Rosehill.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that documents showed the ATC had engaged with consultants to prepare plans that would have around 3,000 homes built surrounding the Rosehill track.

The ATC informed the department that Rosehill and Randwick remained the club’s “premier race venues” and “there is definitely no plan to relocate” and “racing would continue” at Rosehill even if the surrounding development went ahead.

The Herald went on to report that the very same presentation included two options for Canterbury Racecourse; one to create 900 new homes by moving the existing carpark and the second to relocate the course and create space for 4000 new homes.

October 30, 2023: Premier Chris Minns then met with ATC Head of Memberships and Corporate Affairs Steve McMahon.

Minns had previously stated this was the first time he had heard of the Rosehill redevelopment proposal.

November 8, 2023: The ATC formally lodged its proposal with the government.

The Herald reported that emails between the NSW Cabinet Office show that the proposal had already been given a code name – Project Wattle – before the meeting had taken place.

November 15, 2023: The government sent the ATC a memorandum of understanding.

November 17, 2023: Racing NSW’s Chairman at the time, Russell Balding, and current CEO, Peter V’Landys met with the NSW Government.

In this conversation the idea of redeveloping Horsley Park as a training venue was discussed, as was ATC governance reform that would include restructuring the ATC Board and ensuring revenue derived from the sale would go to the entire NSW racing industry – not just the ATC. The sale funds would likely be managed by Racing NSW.

Racing NSW also requested that Kembla Grange racecourse be “transferred under freehold or long-term lease to Racing NSW” as an “industry asset”.

December 7, 2023: The ATC hold a press conference with the NSW Government announcing the “once-in-a-generation” opportunity to develop Rosehill Racecourse.

So, what’s the political concern with this timeline?

Aside from the optics of poor transparency by the ATC, Racing NSW and the NSW Government, there are quite stringent guidelines that an ‘unsolicited proposal’ must follow. The primary guideline being that, as the name suggests, it must be unsolicited.

NSW State Opposition housing spokesperson Scott Farlow suggested to the Herald the timeline of events raised questions under the state’s unsolicited proposals guidelines.

“Under the unsolicited proposal process, it is imperative the government remains impartial in the process, but instead the premier called the proposal a ‘once in a generation opportunity’ and has been its biggest proponent ever since,” Farlow said.

The Unsolicited Proposals process, detailed on the NSW Government's website, lays out stringent criteria to safeguard fairness and integrity. A pivotal requirement is the “maintaining impartiality” clause, ensuring “fair and impartial treatment will be a feature of each stage of the assessment process.” This directive aims to ensure proposals are assessed on their own merits, devoid of any undue influence or predisposition, thereby upholding the decision-making process' integrity and serving the public's best interest.

However, the approach to Rosehill Gardens' redevelopment sparked debate over whether these principles are being adhered to.

Minns has insisted the right process has been followed as guidelines allow the government to engage with a stakeholder before a formal proposal is lodged.

When will the ATC Member vote take place? Or, rather, will an ATC Member vote take place?

ATC Chairman Peter McGauran told a members’ forum at Randwick earlier this year that the decision to sell Rosehill Racecourse would remain with the members, after the question was directly asked by respected owner Frank Cook.

“There could be no decision made legally,” said McGauran. “Because the disposal of core assets of the ATC is governed by the Registered Clubs Act, which requires a vote of members, a majority vote above 50 per cent.

“I can say with certainty, the board can’t sell. So you may rest assured on that basis under the Act, and nor would we attempt to. So under the Act, only members can sell core land. The board can sell non-core land, such as the car park. The core land is defined as anything to do with training or racing.”

He reiterated this stance to the Herald:

“The fiduciary and duty-of-care obligations of the ATC directors meant we could not make the decision to reject a $5 billion opportunity by ourselves,” he said. “It is a decision that had to be referred to members.”

Minns’ has also been widely quoted in the media as stating:

“That decision will have to be decided by members of the ATC, not the NSW government.”

But…

It now appears that Members may have been fed false confidence about the certainty of their rights being upheld, as there are methods that could be adopted to bypass a vote.

Independent MP Mark Latham asked questions around the requirement for ATC members to approve the proposal, following the news that the due diligence for the sale of Rosehill was being conducted by Racing NSW, rather than the ATC.

Latham asked:

“Will you insist that this vote is taken, rather than the Australian Turf Club handing over the project to Racing NSW, through the Trustee and Racing NSW exercising its power under the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Act to sell Rosehill without reference to the Australian Turf Club Membership?”

A written reply from Upper House Leader Penny Sharpe on behalf of the Premier was tabled:

“The Australian Turf Club - as the landowner of Rosehill Racecourse - will make its own decisions related to the consultations it needs to undertake with its membership", the response read.

What is next? When will ATC Members be consulted again?

On April 8, McGauran sent an email to all ATC Members stating next steps as the NSW Government forms an Assessment Panel which may request additional information from the ATC. Then if this first stage is approved by the NSW Government, the next step is the formation of a ‘’Detailed proposal’’.

“This step will take some time,” McGauran wrote. “During which we will undertake Due Diligence involving a range of financial and planning experts, members and racing stakeholders. Racing NSW will support the cost of the Due Diligence and will undertake their own analysis.”

Under the unsolicited proposals process, all proposals submitted are kept confidential at Stage 1 of the assessment process.

If the proposal enters Stage 2, information should be made publicly available. The NSW Government website states: “Transparency refers to the preparedness to open a project and its processes to scrutiny, debate and possible criticism. This also involves providing reasons for all decisions taken and the provision of appropriate information to relevant stakeholders.”

To enter Stage 2, the ATC will need to sign a ‘Participation Agreement’ with the NSW Government, which guarantees a ‘commitment to following an open book approach to discussions’ and a ‘prohibition on lobbying’.

However, disclosure to members is still not guaranteed.

As the NSW Government website states, “In some cases, Proponents may request that proposals are not listed, if this would pose significant risks to commercial negotiations or IP. The Government considers each request and may agree not to disclose a proposal.”

Whilst many unknowns remain up in the air as ATC Members wait to see what will unfold next, there is an uneasiness growing - will member rights be respected at all?

Or, as voiced by Latham will “Racing NSW exercise its power under the NSW Thoroughbred Racing Act to sell Rosehill without reference to the Australian Turf Club Membership”?

The Save Rosehill group has been formed by concerned members to ensure members rights are preserved and encourages all members to participate by voting when asked.

At A Glance

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The 2024 Inglis HTBA Yearling Sale saw 224 lots catalogued, a decrease from the 300 catalogued in last year’s sale. The current clearance rate stands at 74 per cent, with 150 yearlings sold. In comparison, the 2023 sale saw 219 lots sold at a clearance rate of 82 per cent.

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The 2024 Inglis HTBA Yearling Sale grossed a total of $2,932,000, below the 2023 edition which saw a total gross of $4,500,500, despite having 76 fewer horses catalogued. The average currently sits at $19,547, with a median of $10,000, slightly below last year’s average of $20,550 and median of $12,000.

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Newgate Farm’s Group 1-producing sire Tassort emerged as the leading sire of the 2024 Inglis HTBA Yearling Sale. Tassort was represented by three lots grossing $225,000, averaging $75,000 with a median of $60,000. The overall top price of the sale, $150,000, was achieved for Lot 300.

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The top price of $150,000 was significantly below last year’s recorded top price of $280,000.

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Kingstar Farm, based in Denman, finished as the leading vendor, selling 14 of its cataloged lots for a gross of $477,500. Kingstar Farm recorded an average of $34,107 and a median of $22,500. The top price achieved was $120,000 for Lot 119, a colt by its resident sire Time To Reign.

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JCS Thoroughbreds and P Moffatt concluded the 2024 Inglis HTBA Yearling Sale as the leading buyer, spending $160,000 on two lots. They recorded an average and median of $80,000, with a top price of $90,000 for Lot 59, a colt by Brutal (NZ).

The 2024 Inglis HTBA Yearling Sale concluded on Sunday, with a top price of $150,000 handed over for a colt (Lot 85) by Newgate Farm’s second-season sire Tassort.

Speaking at the conclusion of the sale, Inglis’ CEO - Bloodstock and Sales Sebastian Hutch told The Thoroughbred Report, “The 2024 Inglis HTBA Yearling Sale concluded within a reasonable range of the equivalent last year. All the key metrics are within the same stage 12 months ago.

“We had 16 lots realise $50,000 or more compared to 21 last year. Admittedly, we had a significantly larger catalogue 12 months ago, which can facilitate more higher-priced lots.

“The average, median and the clearance rate are within a few percentage points of last year. I mean the reality is we’re pleased with the buyers engaged at the sale but we’d like to be able to deliver a better set of metrics for our vendors. Ultimately, the buyers came, they appraised horses, and they bought what they liked and it was more difficult for vendors to meet the market with those horses that didn’t find favour with the majority of buyers.

“The market is judging what they perceive to be the lesser horses harshly. That’s understable in an environment where people operating at the value end of the market have no shortage of choice of stock to invest in.

“For people regularly looking at yearlings, they are regularly offered through the Inglis Digital Sale and that’s also the option for people to invest in and trade horses throughout the year. So, in terms of the supply and demand equation those people are blessed with ample supply and then that affects their demand at certain levels of the market.

“I think there will be people that go away from the sale who’ve had some fantastic results and I don’t doubt for a second that there’ll be people who bought a really good racehorse today. However, the reality is that there are challenges in this part of the market, and they’ll be some tough decisions to make for people who are participating at this level of the market.”

Young Newgate sires popular at HTBA

Newgate Farm’s rising stars, Tassort and Brutal (NZ), received a warm reception for their offspring on Sunday's showcase.

Tassort, a son of Brazen Beau and recently announced to stand the 2024 breeding season with a fee of $38,500 (inc GST), a significant leap from last year's $11,000 (inc GST), proudly sired the highest-priced yearling of the sale, Lot 85.

Additionally, Tassort was also crowned the leading sire at the 2024 Inglis HTBA Yearling Sale.

Gallery: Newgate Farm’s rising stars, Tassort and Brutal, received a warm reception for their offspring on Sunday's showcase, standing at Newgate Farm

Presented by Riversdale, Lot 85 swiftly garnered the attention of Kennewell Racing and Group 1 Bloodstock (FBAA) who secured the bid.

This colt is the first foal from the winning Snitzel mare, Raahiyah, who is from the family of the G2 Edward Manifold S. and G2 AV Kewney S. winner, Badawiya (Al Maher).

Tassort has kicked off his stud career in style, boasting six individual winners of 11 races. Among his notable progeny stands the accomplished G1 Sires’ Produce S. victress, Manaal, who also achieved victories in the G3 Gimcrack S. and the G2 Sweet Embrace S.

His companion in the barn, Brutal (NZ), has also showcased promise in his stud career, with five individual winners under his belt.

Lot 59, a colt by the G1 Doncaster H. victor was presented by Rheinwood Pastoral who fetched $90,000 from JCS Thoroughbreds and P Moffatt.

Lot 59 is the third offspring from the Manhattan Rain mare, New Summer Night, a five-time race winner herself. She is a daughter of the Listed winner, Beauty School (Royal Academy {USA}) and from the family, which includes the illustrious G1 Golden Slipper victor, Farnan.

Also leaving an impression was Cosmic Force, represented by Lot 43, a colt offered by Mane Lodge, who was snapped up by Cody Morgan Racing for $50,000.

Time To Reign leads the way for Kingstar Farm

The team at Kingstar Farm were all smiles as Lot 119, a colt by its resident sire Time To Reign, fetched $120,000 from Tullimbar.

Time To Reign, a half-brother to the G1 Golden Slipper and G1 Moir S. victress, She Will Reign (Manhattan Rain), is set to be represented by his debut runners this spring.

Lot 119 is the second foal from the well-related Dream Ahead (USA) mare, Sweet Bouquet. She is a half-sister to the G2 Skyline S. victor, Santos, and the G3 Yukan Fuji Sho Ocean S. winner, Melagrana (Fastnet Rock). Notably, the G3 Chairman’s S. victor, Sebonack (Capitalist), also shares a close familial tie.

Kingstar Farm clinched the title of leading vendor at the 2024 Inglis HTBA Yearling Sale, selling 14 of its catalogued lots for a gross of $477,500. Their yearlings fetched an impressive average of $34,107, with a median of $22,500.

Hellbent filly popular

Widden Stud presented Lot 147, a filly by Yarraman Park Stud’s Hellbent, the sire of the recent G1 All-Aged S. victress Magic Time and the G1 Robert Sangster-placed Benedetta.

The bay filly was sold for $115,000 to Payne Racing. She is the ninth foal from Another Sunday (Redoute’s Choice), who is the dam of the G3 Magic Night S. placed Blanc De Blanc (I Am Invincible).

The filly hails from the family of the dual Group 1 winner King’s Legacy, the Group 1-winning and the multiple Group 1-placed Oohood (I Am Invincible) and the outstanding sire Not A Single Doubt.

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