Swettenham Stud announces fees for Equiano & Americain

Given the high level of interest and the immediate demand for Equiano nominations, Swettenham Stud principal Adam Sangster has set the King Of Speed’s service fee for 2014. Equiano (Fr) will remain unchanged at $15,000 (plus gst). "We have already commenced taking bookings so an early announcement was essential,” Sangster said. "We are grateful that so many new clients have made enquiries and we also want to support those breeders who have already sent mares to Equiano. “It’s an exciting time for us and the Victorian industry.”

Equiano topped the first-season table at the Melbourne Premier I Sale with 15 sold at an exceptional average of $105,200. Top price was the $420,000 colt from Hidden Energy that was the highest price ever paid for a yearling by a first season sire in Victoria.

Overall, his yearlings at the Gold Coast Magic Millions, NZB Karaka Sale and Inglis Melbourne Premier have averaged $90,000 while the median price of $70,000 confirmed there was no ‘tail’ among his progeny. Broodmare owners are averaging 5.5 times his service fee and they can feel confident going forward that Swettenham is working side-by-side with them to ensure positive outcomes.

Equiano (Acclamation) has his first English-bred two year-olds from Newsells Park ready to debut and he has been installed favourite for European first-season honours by bookmakers. That will ensure demand for his Swettenham nominations will spike again in April / May. Swettenham has also announced the service fee for Americain will remain the same for 2014. Americain (USA) will stand for $12,500 (plus gst). "There were a significant number of breeders who were unable to secure a nomination to Americain in 2013,” Sangster explained. “

The early announcement of his service fee will allow them enough time to make appropriate plans for their mares.” Americain (Dynaformer) is currently serving his second book at Calumet Farm in Kentucky. He covered 155 mares in his first season at Swettenham last year.

Nomination enquiries for both Equiano and Americain can be made by calling Chris Belli, Swettenham's General Manager of Sales and Marketing, on 0417 514 552.