Harness Breeders Victoria (HBV) and Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria (TBV) are delighted to announce the inaugural Central Victorian Premier Stud Tour on Sunday 16 September 2018.
Members of both breeding associations and guests are invited to embark on a unique tour of Swettenham Stud, one of Victoria's leading thoroughbred breeding facilities, and Alabar Farms, the largest standardbred stud in the Southern hemisphere.
The exciting journey will make its first stop at Nagambie's Swettenham Stud where guests will be greeted by stud proprietor Adam Sangster. He will lead a tour of the magnificent property and present his six-pronged stallion roster; including new sire and world Group 1 star Highland Reel as well as Americain, Puissance De Lune, Rebel Dane, Toronado and Trust In A Gust.
Following the fine hospitality at Swettenham, guests will be greeted with a welcome drink, and treated to a two-course lunch at La Penelope's at the picturesque Kirwan Bridge Estate Vinery, then travel to Koyuga's Alabar Farm, a short distance from Echuca. Since its inception in the 1950s, Alabar has steadily grown to become a front-runner in the global standardbred breeding industry.
Stallions that have called the breeding barns of Alabar home have an impeccable record. They have won 16 Globe Derby Awards for Leading Juvenile Stallion, 15 Globe Derby Awards for Leading Stallion (by individual winners), and 8 Globe Derby Awards for Leading Stallion (by prizemoney). Meanwhile, the current Alabar stallion roster has sired progeny which have collectively won a staggering $205 million.
Tour guests will observe a semen collection and lab demonstration, followed by a stallion parade of the Alabar residents.
Tickets must be paid for with booking and are strictly limited – don't miss out!
If you have guests who wish to take advantage of membership pricing, don't forget to inlcude a membership form (for HBV) or complete an online application (for TBV).
Alabar Bloodstock General Manager Brett Coffey noted that the tour is in essence a celebration of Victoria's vibrant horse breeding industry.
"Victoria is one of the best places to breed horses anywhere in the world and this opportunity to go behind the scenes at two leading farms is one not to be missed," Coffey said.
"Whether you are more into thoroughbreds or standardbreds, we are all horse lovers and this cross-code stud tour is a really exciting promotion," he said.
"The joint stud tour is an outstanding initiative, and Swettenham Stud applauds the work of HBV and TBV to offer this opportunity to our breeding communities," Adam Sangster said.
"It is a great honour for Swettenham to be the very first stop of the tour in its very first year. Our stallions will be ready and waiting to welcome everyone and give them a great show."
Harness Racing Victoria