Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Two of the most influential forces in the Australian thoroughbred industry, Coolmore and Newgate, have combined to secure the future of Wodeton, with the colt set to stand at Newgate Farm in 2026 following the farm’s acquisition of an interest alongside Coolmore and partners.
A son of the internationally renowned Wootton Bassett (GB), Wodeton quickly established himself among the most highly regarded young horses in Australia, competing at Group 1 level during both his 2 and 3-year-old seasons.
Bred by John Camilleri’s Fairway Thoroughbreds, who will remain involved as a co-owner throughout his stud career, Wodeton was a standout from the outset. Even before stepping onto a racetrack, he had captured significant attention, becoming the highest-priced colt from the first Australian crop of Champion Sire Wootton Bassett when purchased by Tom Magnier for $1.6 million from the Segenhoe Stud draft at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Early brilliance carried through to three
Wodeton made an immediate impression on debut, producing a scintillating performance as a January 2-year-old at Rosehill. Under James McDonald for trainer Chris Waller, he surged clear to win by just under four lengths to defeat The Magic Man (Showtime), an impressive display that propelled him to favouritism for the G1 Golden Slipper.
While he did not add another win at two, his class was consistently evident. He placed in both the G2 Todman Stakes and G2 Silver Slipper Stakes, before finishing an unlucky second in the G1 Golden Slipper behind Marhoona (Snitzel), charging home from the rear. He rounded out his juvenile campaign with a fourth placing behind the new Yulong stallion Vinrock in the G1 Sires’ Produce Stakes at Randwick over 1400 metres.
At three, Wodeton again competed at the highest level without adding to his win tally, but continued to underline his quality. He placed in the G1 Golden Rose Stakes behind Beiwacht (Bivouac), was runner up in the G3 San Domenico Stakes, third in the G3 Eskimo Prince Stakes, and finished fourth in the G2 Run To The Rose.
Wodeton | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
He retires to stud with six placings at stakes level, a metropolitan victory and earnings of $1,361,275.
Newgate Managing Director Henry Field said Wodeton had long been held in the highest regard.
“Chris Waller was adamant from an early stage that Wodeton was one of the best juveniles he has ever trained,” Field said.
“Chris Waller was adamant from an early stage that Wodeton was one of the best juveniles he has ever trained.” - Henry Field
“As a 2-year-old, the stable made it clear in no uncertain terms that he simply breathed different air. He demolished a quality field on debut and was denied Golden Slipper glory by the narrowest possible margin. He was the highest-rated colt of his generation and came within a nose of Australian racing immortality.
“In the Golden Slipper itself, he was desperately unlucky. He was held up at a crucial stage before charging home once clear, and there is little doubt that with uninterrupted running he wins the race.”
Henry Field | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
Pedigree blends global strength with proven speed
Wodeton is from the first Australian-bred crop of the late Wootton Bassett, the Group 1-winning juvenile who has developed into an outstanding international sire, producing 87 stakes winners including 21 at Group 1 level. His sons at stud include Almanzor (Fr), Wooded (Ire), Royal Patronage (Fr), Camille Pissarro (Ire) and Henry Matisse (Ire).
Almanzor has already demonstrated the strength of the sire line in the Southern Hemisphere. Now permanently based at Cambridge Stud, he has sired 30 stakes winners, including four Group 1 winners across both hemispheres.
Almanzor (Fr) | Standing at Cambridge Stud
Wodeton’s dam, Fiera Vista, is a dual-winning daughter of Exceed And Excel and a half-sister to dual Group 2 winner Empress Rock (Fastnet Rock), the dam of Listed winner Dynasties (Sebring).
His second dam, Empress Jade (Encosta De Lago), was also a two-time winner and is a half-sister to Hong Kong Horse of the Year, Champion sprinter and dual Group 1 winner Silent Witness (El Moxie {USA}). Another half-sister, Sister Madly (Redoute’s Choice), was a three-time Group winner and Group 1-placed performer.
The family continues to produce commercial appeal. Tom Magnier purchased Wodeton’s half-brother by I Am Invincible for $1.15 million at last year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. Now a 2-year-old named First Act (I Am Invincible), he adds further depth to the page. Fiera Vista also has a Too Darn Hot (GB) weanling filly that was conceived in Great Britain and was again served by Too Darn Hot last spring.
Wootton Bassett (GB) | Image courtesy of Coolmore
Newgate Stallion Director Bruce Slade believes Wodeton profiles as an ideal commercial stallion prospect.
“We couldn’t be more excited to secure Wodeton,” Slade said.
“He was an absolutely sensational yearling and one of the most admired colts to walk through a sales ring that year.
“Physically, he is a magnificent horse and his pedigree is equally compelling. He is by the globally prepotent Wootton Bassett out of an Exceed And Excel mare, whose dam is by Encosta De Lago and from one of John Camilleri’s outstanding families.
“He (Wodeton) is by the globally prepotent Wootton Bassett out of an Exceed And Excel mare, whose dam is by Encosta De Lago and from one of John Camilleri’s outstanding families.” - Bruce Slade
“He is the complete package - an elite juvenile, an exceptional physical specimen and a colt with a pedigree that gives him every opportunity to succeed as a commercial stallion.”
Bruce Slade | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
Full circle for Field
The partnership carries added significance for Henry Field, whose early career included time with Coolmore following his involvement in the inaugural Darley Flying Start program. His experience spanned Ireland, America and Australia, working across stallions, yearlings and bloodstock.
Having founded Newgate in 2010, the opportunity to stand a horse like Wodeton in partnership with Coolmore represents something of a full circle moment.
“I feel genuinely honoured that the Magnier family has given us the opportunity to be involved with Wodeton,” Field said.
“I feel genuinely honoured that the Magnier family has given us the opportunity to be involved with Wodeton.” - Henry Field
“Coolmore gave me extraordinary opportunities in the early stages of my career, and I will always be grateful for that. To now stand a horse of Wodeton’s quality alongside them is incredibly meaningful to me.”
A shared vision going forward
Coolmore principal Tom Magnier welcomed the continued association with Wodeton as he transitions to stud duties at Newgate.
Tom Magnier | Image courtesy of Inglis
“There is no doubting Wodeton possessed extraordinary natural ability,” Magnier said.
“He was one of the most beautiful yearlings you could wish to see and, importantly, he is by Wootton Bassett, a stallion who is very close to our hearts.
“He (Wodeton) was one of the most beautiful yearlings you could wish to see and, importantly, he is by Wootton Bassett, a stallion who is very close to our hearts.” - Tom Magnier
“Henry has been encouraging us for some time to work together on Wodeton and, given his belief in the horse, the relationship between our farms and our long-standing friendship, we felt this was the perfect opportunity.
“By combining the strengths of both operations, we believe Wodeton will be afforded every opportunity to fulfil his considerable potential as a stallion.”
Wodeton will stand at Newgate Farm in the Hunter Valley in 2026 at an introductory service fee of $16,500 inc GST.
