Aquis
Group CEO, Shane McGrath, is pleased to announce the expansion of Aquis into
Victoria, where Lean Mean Machine and Siege of Quebec will stand as foundation stallions at a Seymour property.
Impressive when winning his racetrack debut, the Chris Waller-trained Lean Mean Machine then headed straight into black type company, recording two Group 3 placed
efforts before defeating stablemate, and fellow Zoustar colt Zousain in the
Group 2 BRC Sires' Produce Stakes (1400m), in a time quicker than his very own
sire achieved when winning the race five years prior.
As a 3YO, the stunning-looking colt returned with a sensational win in the ATC
Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) at Rosehill, showing a devasting turn of foot
to charge through a gap to defeat numerous Group 1 performers. In winning, Lean
Mean Machine joined an illustrious list of previous winners including Pierro,
Smart Missile, Denman, Exosphere, Astern and Menari.
Two starts later, the colt formed part of an historic first three finish for
his sire when taking third in the Group 1 VRC Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at
Flemington, with those left in his wake including Written By, the previous
season's highest rated 2YO colt.
Selling for $1.2 million as an Inglis Easter yearling, Siege Of Quebec was
unbeaten as a two-year-old, he ended his initial race campaign with second to
exciting sprinter Menari in the Listed ATC Rosebud Handicap.
Defeating Group 1 winners Pierata and Music Magnate when successful in the
Group 3 ATC Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m), Siege Of Quebec headed to Melbourne
for the Spring, finishing third in the Group 1 MRC Toorak Handicap before
retiring off a career best performance in the Group 1 All Aged Stakes in record
time.
During the time-honoured Autumn carnival, the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian
Bott-trained entire reeled off impressive sectionals to finish less than a
length from Pierata in the Group 1 ATC All Aged Stakes (1400m), in what was to
the final race start from the imposing individual.
Having beaten 18 individual Group 1 winners throughout his career, the highest
priced yearling by his Champion Sire sold in 2016, comes from the immediate
family of $7 million plus earner Criterion and Group 1 BTC Doomben Cup winner
Comin' Through.
In addition to the establishment of operations in Victoria, we are also
delighted to announce the appointment of Murray Tillett, to oversee our
Victorian operations.
"This is a very exciting opportunity for me and another massive vote of
confidence in the future of the Victorian breeding industry. Aquis are a
dynamic organisation who are building a very strong reputation. They are driven
by success and I'm delighted to be a part of growing their operation," said
Murray.
"We want to reassure our Victorian clients, that our two new stallions for 2019
represent our long term commitment to the Victorian market," stated McGrath.
Lean Mean Machine will stand at $17,600 (inc. GST) while Siege Of Quebec's
introductory fee will be $13,200 (inc. GST).