|
|
||||
|
|||||
Open
Day - 27th August, 2000 |
|||||
| It was an early morning in an
overcast late winter morning that heralded one of the highlights on the Victorian
thoroughbred breeders' calendar. Many people felt the disruption of their usual
Sunday morning sleep-in just a little more, as it was the first day of Melbourne's
daylight saving, when we all put our clocks forward one hour to allow us to get the most
out of the warmer summer months. This year it is early in readiness for that big
event in Sydney in mid-September, The Games of the XXV11 (27th) Olympiad.
The entrance to the stud complex has been made something special by the signs naming the Collingrove Group 1 winners, they include Testa Rossa. Isca, Road to Success, Blackfriars and Blevic. It is a great touch and creates a feeling of expectation, which is satisfied when you first step foot on this truly beautiful property. The Nagambie area has received two inches of rain during the week previous to this open day, which restricted access to the garden area.
Despite the early start 10.15a.m., Collingrove was alive with the atmosphere created by an enthusiastic crowd. The 'live radio broadcast of the mornings procedures with speakers strategically placed around the grounds, provided a happy dialogue and made everyone part of the action.
Collingrove Stud in Australia is jointly owned by two world recognised racing identifies - international owner/breeder Robert Sangster and leading Hong Kong based trainer David Hayes, son of the late legendary trainer and racing visionary Colin Hayes. The stud was established by Colin Hayes and Robert Sangster, and on the passing of Colin Hayes last year, David Hayes assumed control of his father's interest in Collingrove. The Australian Operations Manager for Collingrove is Adam Sangster, and with the input from this younger generation, there is the overwhelming presence of energy and enthusiasm.
The first stallion out onto the beautiful lawn setting was the now famous sire of Testa Rossa - Perugino. He is a 3/4 brother to the World's leading sire Sadler's Wells and out of Fairy Bridge, who is a half sister to Nureyev. Perugino is a lovely type in perfect proportion. He was very well behaved, alert and full of vitality.
Rory's Jester came from a different direction and took me with his cool, unflappable character. This stocky little chestnut has re-written the record books. His outstanding winners to runners ration is a staggering 75.8%, and he is the sire of over 400 individual winners, of which 57 are stakes winners. He truly is one of Australia's leading sires.
Following on from the stallions, were two beautifully grown Collingrove yearlings. A bay colt by Revoke and the tall leggy brown filly by Celtic Swing. (pictured below)
Following from the stallion and youngstock parade, an invitation was extended to go through to the garden area for brunch. Many people took advantage of the chance to wander down to the formal garden area which is simply breathtaking and a great credit to the grounds staff at Collingrove. Like most people present, I eagerly await the
outcome of the matings that would have been planned today, and coming along next year to
enjoy a very special day at a very special Thoroughbred stud. |
|||||
Index | Report | Magnificent Setting | Wonderful Hospitality | World Class Horses |
|||||
Collingrove is 90 km north of the city, neighbouring one of Australia's most
famed winery - "Mitchelton'. The stud is situated on 900 acres of undulating
fertile pasture which is irrigated by the Goulburn, and the grand home looks over a truly
magnificent garden down to the Goulburn River. Since my last trip to Collingrove,
the trees have grown and the promise of how the stud will take shape is now obvious.
The Master of Ceremonies for the morning's events
was well known and much loved bloodstock auctioneer, Peter Heagney.
Danehill Dancer seemed to realise
that the crown were collected at Collingrove to see him 'strut his stuff and he looked so
proud as his achievements were highlighted. By the illustrious Danehill
the 7 year old out of the Sharpen Up, Gr1 mare Mira Adonde.
Danehill Dancer was a dual Gr1 winning 2yo, a champion at 2 and top class
sprinter at 3. Danehill Dancer is in the mould of his famous sire and his promising
young sons - Flying Spur, Danewin, Danzero and Danasinga.
Bianconi, the leggy son of the sire
of sires - Danzig, was next to step out. His dam - Fall
Aspen was the broodmare of the year and the dam of nine stakeswinners,
including four sires. The MC, Peter Heagney correctly suggested that we seldom see
stallions with such a pedigree, here in Australia. Bianconi has a marvellous walk
and a relaxed and kindly disposition. He was beautifully presented as were all of
the impressive Collingrove stallion line-up.
US Horse of the Year - undefeated as
a 2 YO - winner of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile Gr1 (in the fastest time in history)
along with an impressive list of achievements that made the crowd jolt to attention, was
the handsome stallion Favourite Trick. He is by Phone Trick
out of Evil Elaine. I was taken by his exceptional good
looks and very clean legs. It is usual to see a horse that has been raced so young,
and with so many wins to his credit, to show some signs of 'wear and tear' - no so with
Favourite Trick. I was also impressed by this horse's athletic conformation and
wonderful flowing walk with a huge overtrack. Favourite Trick showed top form on
both turf
