Thompson enthusiastic about the move into the state and is looking forward to the start of the 2021 breeding season

Antony Thompson’s Widden Stud announced in February that the historic NSW-based stud farm would be taking up the reins of former Sun Stud property at Riddells Creek in Victoria. Thompson saw the expansion into Victoria as an advantageous means of growing the Widden brand and looks forward to standing 12 stallions at their Victorian base in 2021. With Star Witness (Starcraft) and Nicconi (Bianconi) relocating from Widden’s Hunter Valley home, while Russian Camelot (Camelot) and Doubtland (Not A Single Doubt) make their debut at Stud in Victoria, the 2021 breeding season lis off to a positive start.

“The response we’ve had from the Victorian horse community has been amazing, beyond the positive feedback we’ve received from the breeding industry, it’s been encouraging to hear from trainers and race clubs as well – we’re all really enthusiastic about the move,” said Thompson.

“Our decision to launch Widden Victoria was based on an opportunity we saw to expand our brand on a conveniently situated, well established horse property with an existing client base and superb facilities.

“As with New South Wales, there are great initiatives in the Victorian racing and breeding industry, and we’re pleased to have a presence in both states.” 

Positivity in the Victorian breeding industry is at an all-time high. 

“It’s an exciting time for Victoria thanks to the conscientious efforts made by Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria to reinvigorate the breeding industry,” continued Thompson. 

“They’ve had some sympathetic ears in government which has garnered the necessary support and their efforts are finally starting to pay dividends, with the breeding industry benefiting as a result.” 

Eight stallions previously based at Sun Stud will continue to stand at Widden Victoria this spring. Joining them are dual-Group One winner Russian Camelot and Group-winning juvenile, Doubtland.

Russian Camelot is the first son of Camelot (Montjeu) to stand at stud in Australia, and as could be expected, he has been well received by breeders. 

“He’s a high-class horse with plenty of brilliance and that was no more apparent than in his impressive defeat of the older horses as a two-year-old,” said Thompson. 

“The consensus among breeders, owners and trainers is that they are pleased to see him stand in Victoria, and the broad support we’ve seen so far is a real endorsement to the horse as he starts his stud career.” 

Joining him is Group-winning juvenile Doubtland, one of only two sons of Not A Single Doubt (Redoute’s Choice) standing in Victoria in 2021 - his barnmate Squamosa the other - and Thompson is optimistic that of the existing Sun Stud roster, National Defense (Invincible Spirit) will also develop into a successful young sire for the operation. 

The son of Invincible Spirit (Green Desert) has produced two winners to date from his first Northern Hemisphere-bred crop, including Twilight Gleaming who finished runner-up in the Queen Mary Stakes (Gr 2, 5f) at Royal Ascot.  

“National Defense is a stallion with an interesting profile, being by Invincible Spirit, and to see that filly win so well on turf, that was quite exciting!

“If we can unearth a decent young stallion from the  Sun roster, it would certainly be a terrific result.”  

Adam Henry, previously employed by Sun Stud, joins Widden Victoria in the nominations team, and believes the 2021 roster offers something for everyone. 

“We have never had a more diverse stallion line-up, allowing us to cater to a broad spectrum of mares and meet breeders’ needs, whatever the desired outcome of their prospective matings,” said Henry. 

“Whether you want to breed a two-year-old, sprinter, miler or middle-distance horse, we have all the bases covered. 

“Irish National Stud shuttler National Defense is off to a flyer in the Northern Hemisphere, while Fiorente and stalwart Bel Esprit continue to produce a consistent stream of winners. Palentino boasts an unbeaten two-year-old  from his first crop, Squamosa and Ready For Victory have both proven they can sire smart horses and Thronum will have his first two-year-olds running in the spring.

“Along with proven Group One-producers Magnus, Nicconi and Star Witness, as well as exciting freshman sires Russian Camelot and Doubtland, we have a horse that will suit your budget and your type.”

Nicconi will stand for $27,500 (inc GST) this season while Star Witness is being offered for $16,500. Already proven producers of Group One winners, the pair has been well received by breeders in Victoria. 

“Nicconi and Star Witness are both proven Group One producers and have naturally been very popular with Victorian breeders,” continued Henry.  

“Nicconi is responsible for the World’s fastest horse in six-time Group One winner Nature Strip, while Star Witness’ brilliant filly Global Glamour racked up a couple of Group Ones before selling for $1.55 million in 2019. They can both get a sales horse too, and are nicely priced to be commercial options for breeders.” 

Russian Camelot meanwhile is set to cover a commendable first book of mares. Born and sold in the Northern Hemisphere, the son of Camelot became the first northern hemisphere-bred horse to win the Australian Derby (Gr 1, 2400m). 

“Russian Camelot was an incredible athlete, the highest rated three-year-old by Timeform and never missed a place at Group One WFA level,” he said. 

“To give away six months in age to his rivals and win two Group Ones in his first seven starts is a remarkable achievement. He has impressed notable judges with his quality during inspections and has a decent book of mares lined up for the season.” 

For breeders looking to produce two-year olds, he was unbeaten at the same age and trained on to win as a three-year-old at Group Two level. 

“Undefeated two-year-old Doubtland is by leading juvenile source Not A Single Doubt, from the family of Rory’s Jester, who sired 55 stakes winning juveniles,” he said. 

“Doubtland was a $1.1m yearling, so he is obviously an attractive type whose ability to dominate at two by winning a Kindergarten by four-lengths and then train on to victory in the Group Two Danehill as a three-year-old, only adds to his credentials. 

“He has found favour with those looking to breed fast, early horses and there are plenty of breeders in that category. It's an exciting time to be involved at Widden Victoria and we are really looking forward to the start of the breeding season.”  

For the first time in over 40 years, a Victorian-based stallion will be crowned champion Australian sire, cultivating state support, with local breeders favouring Victorian-based stallions for the upcoming season. 

 “Victorian stud farms are certainly making a compelling case for breeders to keep their mares in the state,” said Henry.  

“Collectively, this must be the strongest line-up of stallions to have stood in Victoria and I believe we are in for a bumper year in terms of mares served. Success breeds success and with more breeders supporting the local product, stud masters can confidently invest in high quality bloodstock. We are definitely heading in the right direction and the future looks bright.”     

Victorian-based buyers flexed their power at recent yearling sales, spending just shy of $58 million at last month’s Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale, some $4 million more than NSW-based purchasers, reaffirming Henry’s view that there is plenty to be positive about.  

“The industry as a whole is extremely buoyant at the moment. Record prize money levels and the strength of trade at the auction houses has been incredible. With Racing Victoria recently announcing that $280 million plus in prize money will be on offer for the 2021/22 season, there’s plenty to be positive about.” 

Henry, who was employed at Sun Stud for six years, echoes Antony Thompson’s sentiments that the announcement of Widden’s expansion into the Victorian market was enthusiastically received by the local breeding and racing community.

“The Widden name is synonymous with longevity and success and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Antony knows what it takes to run a quality operation and he is implementing Widden procedures on the Victorian farm. We have top people, a first-class stallion roster and excellent facilities.” 

In May, Widden announced that in collaboration with Matt Upton they would be adding pre-training and spelling to their growing list of services. Just 50km from Flemington, the facilities on offer at Widden Victoria’s pre-training division include a high-speed treadmill, water walker, 1600 metre sand track and starting gates.  

“We’re eager to get going as the farm is rejuvenated and ready for action. We look forward to offering a range of services from agistment and breeding, to spelling and pre-training in partnership with well-respected horseman, Matt Upton,” added Henry.