ALL ON TRACK FOR MELBOURNE PREMIER SALE

› To assist the busy schedule of trainers Swettenham Stud WILL COMMENCE PARADING YEARLINGS at the MELBOURNE PREMIER SALE from 9am on Wednesday February 23rd.

› We have an excellent draft with quality yearlings like Lot 83 who boasts a filly pedigree to savour. The Soldier's Tale filly from Leica Smile is a half-sister to the very exciting Éclair Mystic a recent stakes winner. Lot 133 is a beautifully bred ¾ brother in blood to one of Australia's most consistent Group 1 sprinters in the last ten years in Bank Robber. While Lot 395 has a truly international pedigree that is recognised here in Australia by the wonderful deeds of Street Cry and Shamardal.

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THE SWETTENHAM STUD DRAFT AT MELBOURNE PREMIER
Feb 28, March 1, 2 and 3.

Lot	Col	Sex	Sire	Dam	DOB
11	B.	Colt	Artie Schiller (USA)	Grano d'Oro	29/09/09
	3rd foal from a half-sister to Sing Gr2 winner REALLY GOOD and US Gr3 winner MAN OF ILLUSION.
29	B.	Filly	Dylan Thomas (IRE)	Hula Guest	26/10/09
	Half-sister to 5 winners inc. SP Anyways Lucy, SP Ceremonial Dancer (dam of ROSE CEREMONY).

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TIM JONE'S SNEAKY PICK

Lot 715 Bianconi Filly ex Ellexcell
This filly might not be a sales topper, but to me she shows
all the signs of being a race horse. She has everything in
the right places, Big chest, great depth in the shoulder,
good girth and a lot of power behind the saddle. She has
got good bone and correct legs which is typical of the
Bianconi stock. Lot 715 watch this space!! More on the
Premier lots in our next newsletter leading into the sale.

EDITORIAL

The Keeper of the Australian Stud Book, Michael Ford recently reported the following information (in grey) and I have editorialised each point with some thoughts of my own in green. (Editor)

Thoroughbred mating figures for the 2010 season are just below the 2009 season indicating that the Thoroughbred breeding industry, although bruised, seemed to be recovering from the global financial crisis, albeit slowly.
An interesting observation, which is certainly testament to the resilience being shown by thoroughbred breeders. However, it may not be as simple as stated. Longevity is what we need and the aging breeding population is a concern. Analysis of the composition of our breeding population would be extremely informative.

To date, 23,070 mares have been reported as being covered for the covering season which officially commenced 1 September 2010. In 2009, 24,553 mares were covered and 26,600 in 2008. Even though 2010 coverings are currently 6% less than 2009, Ford expected the difference to be 4% after late reports are lodged for a total of 23,500 mares covered by 688 stallions.
Down 6% with more returns to come. Again an interesting result as it seemed in discussions with breeders that this figure was being decimated by the bigger breeders who were seemingly reducing numbers substantially. If that is the case ie the number of breeders of big numbers is reducing then the uptake from new breeders or people expanding their numbers at lower levels is certainly significant. Given that there is no-one openly educating and encouraging people to take up thoroughbred breeding it would be astonishing where the growth has emanated from. Maybe some resources should be thrown at this area.

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STALLION UPDATES - AS AT 31/1/2011

› The 5 resident stallions with runners have accumulated
280 race winners since August 1st 2010 - Bianconi (94),
Court of Jewels (17), Dash For Cash (64), Hold That Tiger (93)
and Keep The Faith (12). Note 5 months into the season and
we are on target for a photo finish result against last year
2009-10 when the same 5 stallions registered 530 race winners.

› Bianconi has sired 69 individual winners in Australia this
season, winning 94 races.

› Bianconi presently sits in the top 10 stallions in Australia
this season by winners - firmly entrenched in 7th spot just
ahead of More Than Ready, General Nediym and Magic Albert
who round out the top 10. They are 4 winners ahead of the 11th placed Flying Spur.

› Dash For Cash has sired 48 individual winners in Australia this season, winning 63 races.

› Dash For Cash has rocketed into 23rd place in Australia this season by winners with 48 just ahead of Reset, Hussonet and Beautiful Crown.

2YO ACTION

› Dash For Cash 2YO colt - Grand Britannia for Robbie Laing showed he is a definite Blue Diamond contender as he took ground off the race favourite Sepoy in the Blue Diamond Preview (LISTED). Ridden conservatively by Craig Williams he was not suited in the 1000m skelter, but ran on strongly from 7th on the turn. His effort in the concluding stages indicated he will enjoy a cracking pace and the extra 200m of the Group 1 Million Dollar 2YO feature on February 26th.

› Keep The Faith 2YO - Jessica Rose for Mathew Ellerton and Simon Zahra showed that she might be a surprise packet in the fillies division of the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude over 1100m next time, after her erratic performance for fifth spot in the Blue Diamond Preview. At only her second race start she made a number of blunders and the experience will help her immensely. Slow to begin, bustled early, never settling into a rhythm, head up on turn between runners and floating, changing stride, minor check, charging home, before run ends 40m off the line and beaten just 3.2 lengths. Staying against her own sex and with a chance to find her feet, she will hit the line in much better fashion next time. As big a run as 3rd placed Graskop, so watch for her at big odds.

› Dash For Cash 2YO colt - Fast Bucks was up running second early in the Blue Diamond Preview and weakened out of the event. He will appreciate being allowed to settle and run home as he did first time out. Maybe the right horse for the VRC Sires' Produce especially given time to settle. Hopefully, next start heads to the straight track 1100m Flemington Listed event (The Tallindert Stakes) or a 1200m race in preparation for the 1400m Group race.

BLACK TYPE ACTION IN JANUARY

› Jan 6. - Socks wins TRC Tasmanian Guineas (Listed) $90k event over 1600m. BY Keep The Faith.
› Jan 15. - Hungry Tigress wins Turfway Park Wishing Well Stks (Listed) US$50k event over 1200m on the All Weather track. BY Hold That Tiger.
› Jan 6. - Second Dozen runs second TRC Tasmanian Guineas (Listed) $90k event over 1600m. BY Bianconi.
› Jan 23. - Tiger Won't Tell runs second TTC Guineas (Listed) $90k event over 2100m. BY Hold That Tiger.
› Jan 26. - Grand Britannia runs second MRC Blue Diamond Preview C&G (Listed) $100k event over 1000m. BY Dash For Cash.
› Jan 22. - Smiling Tiger runs third Grade 2 Santa Anita Palos Verdes Stakes over 1200m. BY Hold That Tiger.

SALES ACTION SO FAR IN 2011

› Host Yearlings have debuted at sales in 2011. They have been well grown types and have sold well. Total 5 sold and averaging $24,200. A top of $45,000 is the best to-date to the bid of Gary Mudgway.

› Dash For Cash only had two yearlings sold so far from the MM and Classic Sales - best was a Magic Millions Session 5 colt that made $55,000 to the bid of Peter Moody.

› Only the one yearling sold yet by either Bianconi, Court of Jewels, Keep The Faith and Soldier's Tale. So more on them next time.

WHAT'S ON AT SWETTENHAM STUD

› SS Yearling Parade on Tuesday 15th February will see trainers and owners arriving for a 12 noon start before the 1.30pm Yearling Parade. Contact the Stud on 0357 942044.

› The Inglis Yearling Sale Tour will arrive at Swettenham for a yearling parade from 1.30pm to 3.00pm on Wednesday 16th February. Contact William Inglis and Sons.

› The 2040club Stud Tour will have a yearling parade at Swettenham Stud before lunch at Mitchelton on Sunday 20th February. Note: The 2040club - Group 1 Networking is the brainchild of Adam Palmer the club is expanding quickly. Contact via the web address below.

The 2040Club is a newly established business networking club which was launched at the 2010 New Zealand-bred Advantage Princess Park Cox Plate Lunch. The goal of the networking club is to bring people in business that share a passion for racing together in a fun social environment. The end result; new friendships and new business relationships.

They hope to attract motivated business individuals who share a passion for thoroughbred horse racing. The 2040 Club is currently negotiating with some of Melbourne's best sporting clubs to provide to some exciting events in 2011. Be sure to check out the 2040club Events section on their website - www.2040club.com.au

› Swettenham Stud presently looks like it normally does at the end of October as we bask in the wonderful rains and growth that has accompanied this extraordinary season. In 2011 the Victorian yearlings, who in many ways are traditionally catching up to their Northern counterparts as they come out of the depths of winter, will be much bigger and well muscled when yearling inspections are done. Can't wait - Kaphero's first crop will take some topping.

STAFF PROFILES

STAFF NAME: Tim Jones
POSITION: Stallion/Yearling Manager
MARRIED: Taken
INTEREST: Rugby (both codes), Cricket, Hockey, Boating,
Racing, Carriage Driving.
COMMENCED AT SWETTENHAM: 2004
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT: Rangal Park, Servo, Horse Breaker,
Track Rider, Framing, Swettenham NSW.
WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT SWETTENHAM: The variety, the
breeding, pedigrees, history (what Swettenham has achieved),
Racing.
FAVOURITE SWETTENHAM STALLION & WHY: I love all my
stallions for their different personalities. But I had a soft spot
for Jeune.
SOME OF YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS: › Finalist Irish National Stud Scholarship, Finalist RVL Employee of the Year, State sport selection, NSW - Hockey (Capt), Cricket, Swimming › Trained Carriage Ponies to win Australian Championship.
LIFETIME GOALS: › Not sure - they change too often.

STAFF NAME: Peter Ryan
POSITION: Gardener
MARRIED: Wife - Geraldine. 4 Adult Children
INTEREST: Motor Racing, Home, Family, Friends, Farm
COMMENCED AT SWETTENHAM: 13/4/2003
PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT: Largely self-employed,
Men's Clothing Trade, 20 years plus. Dry Cleaning Industry:
10 Plus years
WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT SWETTENHAM: My Garden
FAVOURITE SWETTENHAM STALLION & WHY: Keep The Faith -
I like the Sunday Silence line. Have done for years.
SOME OF YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS: › Rearing and educating
2 sons & 2 daughters to be good citizens & respected by their
peers › Establishing my little farm.
LIFETIME GOALS: -To be remembered as a good honest,
conscientious fair person with good social values.

For more information please contact Ian Rimington
Mobile » 0419 887 184  Email » [click here]
Web » swettenham.com.au   Swettenham Stud PO Box 210 Nagambie Vic 3608

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