With the first breeding season under new ownership nearing completion, the next important stage in Cambridge Stud's evolution is set to take place at New Zealand Bloodstock's Karaka sales complex.
This time last year the news of Sir Patrick
and Lady Justine Hogan's decision to sell their iconic nursery to Brendan and
Jo Lindsay was being digested by the thoroughbred breeding world.
Forty years after establishing Cambridge Stud with a foundation stallion who would rewrite breeding history in this part of the world, the Hogans had made the decision to sell up. In April the Lindsays – like the Hogans a self-made Kiwi couple took ownership, and much has changed already.
The appointment of renowned bloodstock expert Henry Plumptre to the role of chief executive was followed by a complete rebuild of the administration block and other extensive renovations around the farm were the most obvious, while the established pair of Tavistock and Burgundy were joined in the stallion paddocks first by emerging former South Canterbury sire Highly Recommended, and then by the champion European galloper Almanzor.
Thus the 2018 breeding season swung into gear and now it's the turn of the class of 2017, an amalgam of the best bloodlines from Cambridge Stud's long-established broodmare band and the Lindsays' own quality selection, to go before buyers
The 56-strong draft catalogued in Karaka's Book 1 comprises exactly half that number by star resident stallion Tavistock complemented by the progeny of Burgundy, former Cambridge Stud shuttler Power and a range of New Zealand sires. The bonus is yearlings bred by the Lindsays prior to their acquisition of Cambridge Stud.
Prominent amongst these is the colt by champion Australian stallion Redoute's Choice from the Lindsays' Gr. 1 ATC Galaxy winner Griante, while other top-shelf Australian stallions represented in the draft include Snitzel, Zoustar, More Than Ready, Sebring, So You Think and Dissident.
"Cambridge Stud's draft is split fifty-fifty into colts and fillies and we are very pleased with the quality of the individuals and the stallion representation," Henry Plumptre said.
"The draft is quite diverse. There are a number of Australian stallions represented as well as some notable New Zealand sires, but the strength of our draft will depend on our premium stallion Tavistock.
"It's no secret that his two best crops are currently in the development stage – both two-year olds and yearlings – and we anticipate five very strong years ahead for him.
"Tavistock yearlings from Karaka 2018 have gone to a range of top trainers in New Zealand, Australia and further abroad to Asia, which is a great endorsement of his international capabilities."
Under the revamped Cambridge Stud management team, which includes long-time Hogan employee Marcus Corban in his continuing role as general manager, much thought has gone into the make-up of the 2019 Karaka draft.
"We are selling exclusively at the Book One Sale and we are not taking any yearlings overseas," Plumptre added. "This is firstly to cement our position as being part of the New Zealand breeding scene and supporting the domestic sales.
"It is also a statement of support for the New Zealand industry at a time when huge changes are being considered to head in a direction which will be beneficial to all stakeholders."
Part of the changing of the guard includes a renovation of at Cambridge Stud's on-site facility at Karaka, and utilisation of Lindsay Racing's nearby training and agistment operation.
"We have completely revamped the Cambridge Stud hospitality area," Plumptre explained. "We have given it a facelift and obviously we look forward to welcoming all of our clients, both domestic and international, to it at the sales.
"And for anyone who is looking for sales service and support, our Karaka farm will be ready to receive yearlings after the sale. We can provide a service at the farm, which could take those yearlings through to a trial next year if so wished." – The Informant
