Despite recently announcing an exciting array of new stallion prospects to bolster
the Windsor Park Stud line-up for the coming breeding season, stud-master
Rodney Schick is just as excited about the prospects of a recently converted "Kiwi"
on his roster.
The win of Let Her Rip in the Group III Rotorua Stakes along with deeds of the now
retired Let Me Roar in recent weeks have shone a light on former shuttle
stallion Rip Van Winkle, as he approaches his eighth season standing at Windsor
Park.
Formerly owned by the powerful Coolmore Stud, Rip Van Winkle can now be
considered a local after Windsor Park, in conjunction with Valachi Downs
proprietor Kevin Hickman, purchased the son of Galileo from the Northern Hemisphere
breeding behemoth.
"Rip Van Winkle has done a super job for us and the opportunity came along last
year to purchase him off Coolmore," Schick said.
"We had a chat with Kevin Hickman, who we are in Zacinto with, and he agreed to
come in with us on the deal.
"We think Rip Van Winkle is only really starting to hit his straps now despite
him having such wonderful success with his first New Zealand crop.
"Let Her Rip is his sixth individual stakes winner from that year and I guess
if Let Me Roar had been able to carry on she would most likely have been
another one for him."
Already holding substantive bookings for the 2017 season, Schick believes the
quality of mares the stallion has had in recent years can only benefit his
burgeoning record.
"My firm belief is that Rip Van Winkle is in a similar mould to stallions like
Savabeel and Iffraaj in that his progeny need a little time, but he has the
ability to throw winners across the board," he said.
"The talk among the trainers is still very positive and with the mares he has
had and will continue to receive, the outlook is very bright.
"As the second highest rated son of Galileo, behind only Frankel, and at $10,000
+GST this season we think he represents tremendous value for breeders in what
is a very competitive market."
The presence of new stallions such as Vanbrugh, Rageese and Turn Me Loose along
with existing roster members Rip Van Winkle, Mongolian Khan, Charm Spirit,
ShamExpress and Falkirk is testament to the positive direction that Windsor
Park believes the local Industry is now heading.
"When we lost Thorn Park a couple of years ago it was a big blow to us and we
really had to sit down and have a think about things," Schick said.
"We basically said we believe in this Industry and as a stud we need the
stallions to make it work for everyone.
"We are in a position where we have made the commitment and now the hard work
begins. We are extremely positive about our racing and breeding Industry and
with recent announcements around stakes increases, it can only be good news for
everyone."
Always with an eye for an opportunity, Schick did admit he had spoken with the
owners of Let Her Rip as they made future plans for their mare following her
Group Two victory.
"I had the chance to chat with Lindsay de Souza after Let Her Rip won to see
what their plans might be for her given their association with Turn Me Loose,
who kicks off with us this season," he said.
"Lindsay assured me that once the mare was ready for retirement, Turn Me Loose
would definitely be on her dance card so that was very good to hear." – NZ
Racing Desk