Australian’s Champion Sire Zoustar holds firm at $275,000 in 2026

Cover image courtesy of Widden Stud

Widden Stud unveiled service fees for a diverse roster of 18 stallions across its New South Wales and Victorian operations. A clear priority for the farm is balancing quality with accessibility, ensuring breeders - particularly those in the middle market, can access strong stallion options at competitive prices.

With the global economy remaining uncertain and many breeders feeling the squeeze, Widden Stud's 18-strong roster is designed to offer flexibility and opportunity. Across both states, the focus is firmly on delivering quality stallions at realistic price points, particularly for those operating at the lower to middle end of the market.

Table: 2026 Announced Stallion Fees for Widden Stud NSW (All fees inc. GST)

Table: 2026 Announced Stallion Fees for Widden Stud VIC (All fees inc. GST)

Zoustar at the top of the tree

The stud’s long-time flagship stallion Zoustar holds his fee for 2026, an impressive show of consistency given the son of Northern Meteor (Encosta De Lago) is the reigning Australian Champion Stallion and currently sits second on this season’s general sires’ list behind Snitzel.

Now a rising 16-year-old, Zoustar continues to produce elite results. He has sired nine individual stakes winners of 15 stakes races this season, with Grand Larceny becoming his 80th stakes winner in Saturday’s G3 John Hawkes Stakes at Morphettville.

The world’s leading sire of winners in 2025, Zoustar has carried that momentum into 2026, with his progeny being led by five-time Group I winner and $9 million earner Joliestar.

Australia’s reigning older sprint queen is now set to take on the world stage at Royal Ascot in June, where she will contest the G1 Queen Elizabeth Jubilee Stakes over 1200 metres down the famous straight.

“Zoustar is at the height of his powers and maintains excellent fertility with his recent books of mares surpassing the quality of all that have gone before,” said Antony Thompson.

“Last year we welcomed mares from many of the very best stud farms in the country to be covered by Zoustar and they included The Everest and four-time G1 winner Bella Nipotina in her first season at stud, Medaglia Valore, the dam of Campione D’Italia and Autumn Glow’s dam, Via Africa.”

That dominance has also been reflected in the sales ring, where Zoustar’s progeny remain among the most sought-after in Australasia.

“This year he produced six yearlings selling for $1million or more and averaged more than $544,000 from 57 yearlings, underlining the extraordinary commercial appeal.” Thompson said.

Jacquinot makes his mark in the ring

The first yearlings of Jacquinot have made a strong impression at the sales in 2026, reflecting his racetrack credentials as a winner of both the G1 Golden Rose and the G1 CF Orr Stakes.

At Magic Millions Book 1, 16 yearlings sold for an average of $218,125, highlighted by a colt out of Bonheur (I Am Invincible) that made $425,000.

Equally encouraging was where those yearlings landed, with leading stables showing strong support.

“Champion trainer Ciaron Maher purchased three of his top five-priced yearlings which speaks volumes for their quality, and we can’t wait to see them on the track next season,” said Thompson.

“The feedback from breakers and trainers has been incredibly positive, and reports continue to flow in. His value this year is exactly what the market is looking for, and he represents a great option for breeders.”

Jacquinot stands at a reduced fee of $19,800 (inc. GST) down from a fee of $19,800 (inc. GST), offering clear value for a dual Group 1-winning stallion who has already been well received by the market.

Trapeze Artist a great proven option at $22,000

Trapeze Artist has continued his outstanding season, further boosted over the weekend when he sired his second Group 1 winner, Panova, who was an impressive winner of the G1 Australasian Oaks at Morphettville in the hands of James McDonald for Champion trainer Chris Waller.

He has now sired eight Australian stakes-winners this season, behind only his sire Snitzel and Zoustar, aside from Panova, he has sired the juvenile stakes winners Spicy Miss, Chilly Girl and Where’s the Circus, along with other stkes winners Piggyback, Pinito, The Crimson Pirate and Group-winning sprinter Disneck.

A defining trait of Trapeze Artist is his versatility. This season alone he has produced 2-year-old Group winners, an Oaks Group 1 winner over 2000 metres, and previously a G1 Caulfield Guineas winner in Griff.

“Trapeze Artist’s success has been building for some time, and his fee reflects the value he offers this season. Breeders will be incredibly well-placed sending mares to him.”

Despite his strong results, Widden has positioned him as an accessible option, with a reduced fee of $27,500 (inc. GST) in 2026.

Breeders have great opportunity in the middle market

Widden’s middle-market offering remains a key strength of the roster. Zousain drops to $22,000 (inc. GST), while Written By (Written Tycoon) holds at $22,000 (inc. GST) and Supido remains at $9900 (inc. GST).

Zousain, very much in the mould of his sire Zoustar, continues to deliver consistent results. He has added two new stakes winners this season in Catch the Glory and Verzain, the latter doubling her stakes tally in the G3 Breeders’ Stakes at Morphettville on Saturday.

Gallery: Some of Widden’s middle-market stallion offering, images courtesy of Widden Stud

He is also making his presence felt internationally, particularly in Hong Kong, where he has sired four winners this season, including the unbeaten Salon S, trained by Frankie Lor with four wins from four starts at Sha Tin.

His commercial appeal remains strong, with yearlings selling for $375,000, $300,000, $260,000, $250,000 and $220,000, alongside another 15 yearlings making $100,000 or more.

Supido is also building momentum. From just six runners in his current 2-year-old crop, he has already produced standout juvenile Unit Five, winner of the 2026 R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic, suggesting further depth to come. With stronger books behind him, he looks well placed for an upswing.

Anders, Portland Sky, Rebel Dane and Sweet Ride round out the New South Wales roster, all at affordable fees and offering breeders a mix of proven and emerging options.

Anders now has 3-year-olds and has produced two stakes winners this season, including promising stayer Single Choice, winner of four races including the Group 2 MRC Autumn Classic, with Group I targets ahead.

Portland Sky’s first crop includes impressive winners Daryte and Portland Rose, while Rebel Dane has produced the promising stakes winner Rebel Tuesday from his largest 2-year-old crop to date.

Gallery: Some of Widden’s middle-market stallion offering, images courtesy of Widden Stud

“We have a strong group of value stallion options who continue to perform. They offer breeders flexibility across pedigree and commercial appeal, while still producing quality yearlings and giving breeders the opportunity to race their own stock.” Thompson said.

Southport Tycoon heads the Victorian lineup

Southport Tycoon, a dual Group 1 winner at three and four, will stand his second season at Widden Victoria at a reduced fee of $33,000 (inc. GST), down from $38,500 (inc. GST).

The son of Written Tycoon made a strong start at stud, covering 127 mares in his first season and generating positive momentum heading into 2026.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the level of support he received, particularly the quality of mares in his first book. The excitement around his first crop of foals is building, and he is an exceptionally well-credentialed stallion. We look forward to him attracting another strong book this season.” Thompson said.

Victoria roster gives plenty of options

The Victorian roster continues Widden Stud's theme of value and variety, with eight stallions offering a mix of proven performers and emerging sires. Outside of Southport Tycoon, all stand at accessible fees, providing breeders with multiple pathways.

Russian Camelot (Ire), Doubtland and Dirty Work are all delivering encouraging results with their early crops.

“It is exciting to see the promising results from their first two crops to race. Breeders have supported them well, and they are continuing to return value both in the sales ring and on the track.” Thompson said.

Gallery: Stallions standing at Widden Stud Victoria, images courtesy of Widden Stud

Russian Camelot’s stakes performer Beyond Question reportedly sold to Hong Kong for $1 million, while city winner Strangethingdesired continues to progress.

Dirty Work’s juveniles have again performed strongly, highlighted by stakes winner Never Ordinary in the Listed Dequetteville Stakes.

Doubtland remains popular in the sales ring, with a top colt selling for $320,000 and 16 individual winners this season. All three stand at $11,000 (inc. GST).

King Colorado enters his third season with strong early signs from his first crop and remains at $13,200 (inc. GST).

“The support we have received for King Colorado, both from shareholders and breeders, has given him an exceptional start. The quality of his first crop is expected to drive an increase in mare numbers again this season, particularly at such strong value.” Thompson said.

Nicconi, Bruckner and Gold Standard complete the roster.

Nicconi continues to deliver commercially and on the track, with standout sales including a $500,000 filly and a $300,000 colt this year and he looks proven value at $13,200 (inc. GST).

“Nicconi is a marvel. While his book is now carefully managed, he remains incredibly fertile and continues to deliver exceptional results for his supporters. He will cover a book of 50 mares this year, and for breeders seeking proven commercial success, it is hard to pass by a sire at this fee averaging over $100,000 at the yearling sales this season.” Thompson said.

Gold Standard is represented by his largest crop of 2-year-olds, building on the success of Sheeza Belter and the $1 million VOBIS Showdown winner Big Wigs, while Bruckner’s first yearlings have been well received.

“We all knew what a good-looking yearling Bruckner was, having been a top lot at the Premier Sale. To see Nick Ryan pay $120,000 for a colt out of Anuddawinna is very encouraging. In a tough market, the value on offer is clear, and the quality around his race record is undeniable.” Thompson said.

Gallery: Gold Standard and Bruckner, standing at Widden Stud

Both Gold Standard and Bruckner stand at the value fee of $5,500 (inc. GST).

“Our focus this year is firmly on the breeder, ensuring they have access to the best value options within the Widden roster. The team is happy to assist with mating plans, whether for sale or breed-to-race objectives, and we encourage breeders to reach out,” Thompson said.