Widden Stud Expand into Victoria
The world’s oldest family-owned and run thoroughbred stud farm, Widden Stud is set to write a new chapter in 2021 with a well-considered expansion plan into the Victorian marketplace.
“The Widden brand is synonymous with longevity and success at the highest level in thoroughbred racing and breeding and we saw an opportunity to expand into a growing Victorian market,” said Antony Thompson.
Simon Vivian of Inglis Victoria was delighted to hear news of the development: “Widden is a seventh-generation family-owned farm with a great reputation of producing some of Australasia’s finest stallions; their entry will be a massive boost to the Victorian market, a move I think will be embraced by the industry.”
“Despite the challenges we have faced as a country in the past 12 months due to the pandemic and the ensuing economic uncertainty, our breeding and racing industries have proven remarkably resilient and our yearling sales this year have demonstrated the strength of the Australian market,” Thompson remarked.
“Given these factors we believe there has never been a more favourable time to invest in a strategy that will see Widden Stud emerge as a premier source of thoroughbreds in Victoria as well as New South Wales, with establishments in both states offering commercial services including a stallion station, mare agistment, pre- and post-natal care, foaling and weaning, as well as yearling handling and sales preparation.”
A first-class farm with a fine history, SUN STUD is home to the stallion barn where Black Caviar was conceived and Champion Sprinter Redzel sold under the Eliza Park banner as a weanling. The enterprise will operate as Widden Stud Victoria, with the existing stallion band including Magnus, Bel Esprit, Fiorente (IRE), National Defense (GB), Palentino, Ready For Victory, Squamosa and Thronum being retained.
Danielle Cheng, principal of Sun Stud commented: “We could not have wished for a better outcome, it is a privilege to have WIDDEN as the custodians of our farm and stallions.”
Widden Stud Victoria anticipate the inclusion of proven Group I sires Nicconi and Star Witness to Sun Stud’s existing stallion line-up with the support of the current shareholders.
“The first two Group I races run in Victoria this year were won by sires that will stand on our Victorian roster this spring – Nature Strip (Nicconi) and Streets of Avalon (Magnus) who won the Lightning S GI and CF Orr S GI respectively,” Thompson pointed out.
“Star Witness and Nicconi both won their major Group I races in Victoria and their progeny continue to excel on Melbourne tracks, and they made obvious appeal as candidates to send south – we predict they will fill a productive niche in the market.”
Star Witness has had an exceptional season highlighted by the quinella of Aim and Amish Boy in the $2million Magic Millions 3YO.
President of Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria James O’Brien enthused: “I am excited that a farm of Widden’s longevity and success will be operating from Sun Stud’s famous Riddells Creek property and look forward to Nicconi and Star Witness (who sired Nature Strip and Global Glamour from Victorian-resident mares) joining our ranks; I’m sure both stallions will be well-received and supported by Victorian breeders.”
Widden Stud Victoria also looks forward to enhancing the current roster with the addition of exciting new stallion prospects in the future, building on the successful stud careers fostered by the Sun Stud team.
Sun Stud has been operating as a private breeding facility in recent years, leaving the paddocks well rested and blessed with an abundance of quality pasture ahead of the influx of activity as Widden Stud reinvigorate the farm with fresh investment, an experienced team and the attention to detail that will see Widden Stud Victoria established as a fully operational, high-end commercial breeding enterprise.
David O’Callaghan, Stud Stud’s Bloodstock Advisor commented: “There is no doubting the significance of WIDDEN STUD’S announcement, a world class brand with unparalleled history coming to Victoria, this is a huge vote of confidence!”
Widden Stud will be selling 19 yearlings at the Melbourne Premier Yearling sale taking place 28th February to 2nd March. The team welcome interested parties to visit and discuss the services that will be made available to the Victorian breeding and racing community in the upcoming months.
