Gold Standard Joins Widden Stud Victoria

Following the announcement that former Spendthrift Australia sires Dirty Work and Overshare would be taking up stud duties at their Riddells Creek property this season, Widden Victoria are delighted to announce that Gold Standard will also be joining the ranks.

Widden have purchased the attractive son of Sebring in partnership with Hesket Thoroughbreds, who recently acquired Spendthrift Australia, and this promising young sire will continue his stud career in Victoria.

“Although there was a high level of interest in Gold Standard from a number of major farms, we view the partnership in this lightly raced but highly talented horse as an exciting opportunity to strengthen our association with Widden Victoria,” said Hesket’s David Moodie.

A Group II winner of the ATC Stan Fox Stakes, where he defeated Group I winners Trapeze Artist, The Mission and Ace High, Gold Standard bears a strong resemblance to his Golden Slipper-winning sire and has made a big impression with his first two year-olds this season.

“He is a replica of Sebring, so we’ve always had an interest in him and with two legitimate stakes horses from just five runners he has made an incredible start to his stud career,” said Antony Thompson.

Gold Standard stood for just $5,500 in his first season and has already produced two winners and two place-getters from only five starters, highlighted by stakes-winner Sheeza Belter and stakes-placed Golden Queen.

“His incredible start at stud is highlighted by 20% stakes winners to runners and 40% stakes horses to runners, making him the leading first season sire by stakes performers. He’s tracking a similar trajectory to Extreme Choice and Rebel Dane with a phenomenal start from limited numbers,” Moodie went on to say.

Sheeza Belter, now trained by Peter and Paul Snowden, ran a good third most recently in the Group III Ken Russell Memorial Classic at the Gold Coast, while Golden Queen finished second in the Listed Woodlands Stud Stakes at Scone for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.

Both fillies look to be strong contenders this Saturday, Sheeza Belter an acceptor for the $1million Group II BRC Sires Produce Stakes at Eagle Farm and Golden Queen for the open juvenile event at Randwick.

Gold Standard offers the potential of considerable upside for the future and at a fee of $8,800 inc. GST, provides breeders speed and versatility for outstanding value.