A first look at the 2YO progeny of Kia Ora Stud’s resident Golden Slipper-winning sire Farnan will take place at Randwick’s Official 2YO Barrier Trials this coming Monday, 23 September, with Farnan leading the way for first season sires.
Farnan set the sales ring alight with his first crop of yearlings and has followed suit with his 2YOs ready to set the standard on the racetrack. He is the most represented first season sire at the trials, with four colts accepted, three of which are in their sire’s former stable of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.
Kia Ora’s Bloodstock and Breeding Manager, Shane Wright is excited to see Farnan’s first crop make their debut.
“It’s been four years since Kia Ora was re-established as a stallion farm, and it’s very exciting for us to see Farnan’s first runners step out at the first official trials of the season,” Wright said.
“Farnan has been very well supported since retiring to stud by not only our own broodmare band but also shareholders and, of course, loyal breeders. To see all of that work from the entire team come to fruition at this point couldn’t be more pleasing.”
Viewers' attention is sure to be on Heat 5, where Farcited, the $1,200,000 colt from G1 The Galaxy winner I Am Excited will take to the track for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.
Farcited is one of three Farnan triallers that Kia Ora shares in the ownership of, alongside $650,000 colt Farnished, who will take his place in Heat 3 and Grand Eagle, who kicks the 2YO trials off in Heat 1. North England completes Farnan's cohort of colts, taking on a full-capacity field in Heat 7.
“We at Kia Ora have had huge faith in Farnan from day one. We have been active in all facets of the market, buying his weanlings and yearlings to add to our racing team,” Wright said.
“Farnan has all the credentials to be the next big sire here in Australia, and by all reports so far, trainers are very much in agreement with that statement. The feedback has been very uniform in that his stock share his prowess as natural 2YOs and are tough, forward, athletic types, just as he was on the racetrack.”
“It is only the first trials, and without getting ahead of ourselves, there is a long way to go, but the good representation here is a great indication of what’s to come.”
Farnan is standing his fourth season at Kia Ora Stallions for $55,000 inc GST (book full). Click here for more information.