Cover image courtesy of Trackside Photography
The world of thoroughbred breeding is fiercely competitive, yet some farms continue to stand out with their unwavering ambition and proven results. This week on Bred to Win, the spotlight falls on two remarkable players: Ridgmont Farm in Australia and Cambridge Stud in New Zealand. Both have carved impressive paths — one with a rising presence, the other with a legacy of excellence — but each shares the same goal: to breed champions.
Ridgmont Farm has continued its emergence as a rising force in the Australian breeding landscape. Farm owner Mitch Cunningham has expressed his ambitious vision, aiming to establish Ridgmont as a farm recognised for breeding tough, sound, and athletic individuals that trainers actively seek out.
Cunningham has also highlighted the importance of teamwork, noting that real progress stems from junior staff who play a vital role on the farm. With expert guidance from seasoned professionals like Chris Phillips and Jim Clarke, Ridgmont has built a robust team that works cohesively. Describing the dynamic, Cunningham remarked, “It's a perfect symphony with what we’ve got between the three of us.”
Mitch Cunningham | Image courtesy of Ridgmont Farm
The episode also celebrated Stefi Magnetica’s (All Too Hard) remarkable success, a Group 1-winning mare destined to become a valuable broodmare for Ridgmont Farm. Bloodstock advisor Jim emphasised the farm’s hands-on approach, explaining that having horses like Stefi Magnetica spell on-site allows investors to stay closely involved in their progress.
Equally impressive was Cambridge Stud’s standout performer, Waitak (NZ) (Proisir), who claimed the Group 2 Japan Trophy in New Zealand. The son of Proisir has demonstrated versatility, winning at Group 1 level over 1200 metres while excelling in staying trips. Proisir’s reputation as a sire of both sprinters and stayers continues to shine through standout progeny like Waitak.
Waitak (NZ) winning at Tauranga | Image courtesy of Kenton Wright (Race Images)
Looking ahead, Bred To Win teased its upcoming Australian Easter Yearling Sale preview, airing at the slightly later time of 8:30pm AEDT. The special feature will showcase top-class stallions, the offspring of celebrated race mares, and future stars set to parade for the first time on television. The excitement is building as Riverside in Sydney prepares to unveil the industry's finest young talent on April 6 and 7.
