Cover image courtesy of Yulong Stud
The episode opens with Aushorse News, where Yulong enjoyed a weekend of dominance both on and off the track. Their flagbearer Via Sistina (Ire) (Fastnet Rock) was crowned Australia’s Horse of the Year after a record-equalling seven Group 1 victories last season, while homebred Treasurethe Moment, by Alabama Express, stormed back to win the G1 Memsie Stakes. Fellow Yulong stars Magic Time (Hellbent) and Tycoon Star (Written Tycoon) also delivered feature victories, while Too Darn Hot (Dubawi) and Written Tycoon (Iglesia) added to their growing lists of stakes winners. Across the Tasman, Hello Youmzain’s (Fr) daughter Platinum Diamond (NZ) announced herself as a Thousand Guineas contender in New Zealand.
Via Sistina (Ire) | Image courtesy of Sportpix
Attention then turns to the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, where farms such as Silverdale are not only producing quality thoroughbreds but also creating a lifestyle that attracts families to live and work in the region. Owner Steve Grant highlights Silverdale’s commitment to training young industry participants through the Silverdale Academy, as well as fostering long-term staff by providing housing, education, and recreation opportunities. It’s a vision that blends world-class breeding with a supportive community environment, positioning the Highlands as a growing force in Australian thoroughbred breeding.
The show closes on a heart-warming note with Stud Dogs of Australasia, featuring Mango Messara, the blonde English Cocker Spaniel owned by Paul and Alice Messara. Energetic and affectionate, Mango is a constant companion on rides, bushwalks, and farm life, so much so that he even joins the horses on trails, treating them as part of his pack. His presence reflects the warmth and personality behind stud life, rounding out an episode that balances the triumphs of champions with the stories of people, places, and pets that make the thoroughbred world unique.
