Cover image courtesy of Inglis
There is a natural rhythm to breeding and selling, and for Lemrac Lodge, that rhythm is gathering pace. The small, family-owned operation at Winchelsea South has steadily built a profile through the Inglis Great Southern Weanling Sale, where results both on the track and in the ring suggest a formula that is working.
The Thoroughbred Report caught up with Megan Kirsopp-Cole of Lemrac Lodge to hear about the momentum that has built quickly since offering their first weanlings at this sale in 2023, that draft featured the excitement machine and unbeaten Well Written (Written Tycoon).
From quiet beginnings to big results
What Lemrac Lodge has achieved in a relatively short time is significant. Their association with the sale has produced not only commercial success but also elite racetrack performance, headlined by Kiwi superstar filly Well Written.
A graduate of their very first weanling draft in 2023, Well Written has elevated the farm’s profile dramatically, while last year’s Inglis Great Southern Weanling Sale saw Lemrac Lodge reach new heights when their Ole Kirk filly out of Rainy Daze (Commands) topped the sale at $475,000 to Wilrace.
It marked unfamiliar territory for the operation — but also validation.
Ole Kirk x Rainy Daze filly | Image courtesy of Inglis
“I just want to pinch myself about what we have achieved in the past few years. The only disadvantage is how are we going to follow that up, having had a Group 1 winner come off the farm and top the sale,” Kirsopp-Cole said.
“I don't know that we can, but of course we aim to keep doing well, keep getting bigger and better, but gosh, we've achieved a bit and it’s a hard one to topple.”
The 2025 sale-topper, was a filly rich in pedigree and presence. A half-sister to Group 3 winner Vegadaze (Lope De Vega {Ire}), she is out of Rainy Daze, a full sister to Listed winner and Group-placed Deltona (Commands), and from the family of Champion 3-year-old colt and three-time Group 1 winner Riff Rocket (American Pharoah {USA}).
The result carried extra significance given the backstory. Rainy Daze had been purchased for just $12,000 via the Inglis Digital April (Late) Online Sale in 2024, making the return all the more remarkable.
For Megan Kirsopp-Cole, it was a moment that reinforced years of work and belief.
Megan Kirsopp-Cole | Image courtesy of Inglis
The Well Written effect
If the sale-topper confirmed Lemrac Lodge’s commercial capability, Well Written has become the ultimate advertisement for their horsemanship.
Undefeated in six starts as a 3-year-old in New Zealand, the filly claimed the Group 1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas among a string of elite performances, including the R. Listed NZB Kiwi, R. Listed Karaka Millions 3YO, G2 Auckland Guineas and the G2 Soliloquy Stakes.
Her rise has been deeply personal for the team behind her.
Well Written | Image courtesy of Race Images South
“Well Written came out of our first weanling draft, the first we had ever done, so it was an amazing start. My daughter Jorja - she’s 21 now, so she was only about 18 then. She does all the work on the farm with me, and we share the work at the sales.
“We put our heart and soul into it and we're reaping the rewards, which is nice.
“Following Well Written, it's just been unbelievable. It's exactly what we do it for, there's no words to describe.
“I still actually cannot believe what she (Well Written) has done. It's been fantastic.” - Megan Kirsopp-Cole
“I still actually cannot believe what she has done. It's been fantastic.”
Bought for $32,500 at the Inglis Great Southern Sale under Benji King’s Foxhill Thoroughbreds banner, Well Written later changed hands for $80,000 via Gavelhouse Plus before embarking on her unbeaten run.
“It's only been a good few years and then to top the sale last year - it’s kind of everything we have dreamed of. We love our horses and love our life.
“You have your aims in life and as horse breeders, to breed a Group 1 winner and then prepare a sales-topper - everything's just a bonus from here on in,” Kirsopp-Cole summarised diplomatically.
The 2026 draft
Lemrac Lodge returns in 2026 with a select draft of eight weanlings - six colts and two fillies, representing a blend of proven and emerging sires.
Names such as Maurice (Jpn), Brazen Beau and Brutal (NZ) sit alongside the in-form Lucky Vega (Ire) and a group of exciting young stallions including Profiteer, Cylinder and Tiger Of Malay.
While the draft may lack the headline stallion power of previous years, confidence remains in the quality of the individuals.
“We haven't got the sort of big stallions this year, but we've certainly got some nice horses, so we'll see how we go,” Kirsopp-Cole said.
Lot 290 - Lucky Vega (Ire) x Zoulah colt | Image courtesy of Inglis
“We have some really nice horses for this year - probably the standout is the Lucky Vega colt. He's just put together so well. He's a November foal, so it is tricky. We've actually got three November foals and I know that's going to be hard work at a weanling sale.
“But the colt is so well put together and the comments we keep getting — he walks so well and he is so athletic. Maybe he could be the next Well Written; he is by one of their stallions.
“The colt (Lot 290) is so well put together and the comments we keep getting — he walks so well and he is so athletic. Maybe he could be the next Well Written; he is by one of their stallions.” - Megan Kirsopp-Cole
“He is also out of a five-time-winning Zoustar mare that was stakes placed, so he has a bit of pedigree there also to back it up. He is just a smart, smart individual.
“But otherwise we've got some really nice-moving, athletic animals that, fingers crossed, people like.”
A good feel at Oaklands
Early inspections have mirrored the energy of previous years, with strong buyer engagement providing encouragement ahead of the sale.
“Just like last year, where it was crazy busy - and this year I'm finding we're right up with our numbers, so we love that.
“I'll always support the sale. I'm only about an hour and a bit away, and I don't want to travel my babies far.”
The farm behind the results
Set between Geelong and Colac, Lemrac Lodge benefits from fertile country that plays a key role in raising young stock.
The environment, often likened to New Zealand conditions, has become a quiet advantage.
“Often when people come to my farm, they say it’s very New Zealand-like. The farm grows grass like you wouldn't believe, like in New Zealand.” - Megan Kirsopp-Cole
“Often when people come to my farm, they say it’s very New Zealand-like. The farm grows grass like you wouldn't believe, like in New Zealand.
“We are only about 100 acres, but we're on some seriously good land and it's paying off to do what we're doing.”
Lemrac Lodge team | Image courtesy of Inglis
That foundation - combined with a hands-on, family-driven approach, continues to underpin the operation’s upward trajectory.
“I'm really happy with the way the sale is looking. Will Stott helps with everything and is great, and I love supporting the sale.
“So that is what we're doing, and will continue to do so.”
