The dual Group 1 winning entire Rebel Dane is heading to Glen Eden Stud to continue his blossoming breeding career in 2019.
The ultimate colonial bred sprinter, Rebel Dane raced in world-class company throughout his career, demonstrating his speed, quality, consistency and tenacity.
Glen Eden's Sonia Carboni is full of excitement at the arrival of the stunning eight-year-old for the 2019 season and with exceptional first crop foals now on the ground, Rebel Dane is imparting his physical type and brilliant temperament onto a new generation of thoroughbreds.
"Bred on a Danehill/More Than Ready cross, he has the pedigree to go with his looks and soundness, and we are sure he will be as effective at stud, as he was on the racetrack," Carboni said.
"His foals are great types, he is stamping them well, and they have been easy to handle like their dad. In the breeding shed his fertility is excellent at 96.7%. We are looking forward to Rebel Dane arriving at Glen Eden for the next stage of his career."
He had an incredible racing career and was much loved by all at Portelli Racing, often referred to as the stable favourite.
"Gary spoke about his champ, with a real sense of respect and awe at what this horse accomplished throughout his career," Carboni said.
"He raced the best, at the highest level, season after season, he couldn't dodge them, he always put up a fight. He is a genuine Group 1 horse, he raced and beat the best horses in the country," – Gary Portelli.
"He is a war horse and he retired sound. He was a real trainer's horse and I hope he sets the trend for breeders to appreciate well-campaigned, well performed and proven gallopers, and the advantages of breeding to them." – Gary Portelli.
Louis Mihalyka of Laurel Oak Bloodstock, Rebel Dane's managing owner, reflects on his career and is excited about his future as a successful stallion.
"Having a horse race in Group 1 or 2 company for over 30 starts is an owner's dream, with the Manikato Stakes the highlight. There were nine Group 1 winners in the ten-horse field, and once he drew well, he had a chance. The fact he delivered was a magic moment for all of us," Mihalyka said.
Rebel Dane will arrive at Glen Eden in the coming weeks, with plenty of time to settle in before the breeding season begins.
"We are looking forward to continuing the great start Swettenham gave him in his first two seasons at stud, and Glen Eden will continue to source the quality mares he deserves in the future to give him every opportunity to succeed," Carboni said.
Additionally, Carboni is passionate about supporting the grassroots "breed to race" breeder.
"They are the backbone of our industry, so the opportunity to stand a stallion of this quality for an affordable price is wonderful. Rebel Dane is exceptional value, and we want to look after and appreciate those small and hobby breeders."
A brilliant VOBIS stallion, Rebel Dane will stand at Glen Eden Stud for the highly competitive fee of $6,000 plus GST alongside Illustrious Blue, Al Samer and Scintillo.