It’s been three years since Australia’s 2023-24 first-season stallions covered their initial books and expectations are mounting with the spring carnival just around the corner. The hype at the Gold Coast and Sydney yearling sales is one thing but delivering where it counts is something altogether different.
Vinery Stud sire Exceedance can bring a point of difference to the freshman table as a son of breed-shaper Exceed And Excel and as a Group 1 winner of the stallion-making VRC Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington.
“He’s siring athletes with scope, strength and substance,” Vinery Bloodstock Manager Adam White said. “We’ve been really impressed with them and the feedback has been terrific from trainers and their breakers.”
Among them are Cranbourne-based Robbie Griffiths and Mat de Kock who paid $350,000 for the Exceedance – Absolemm (Pierro) colt at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale. He sports the ‘Big V’ brand and their breaker Tim Hughes was so impressed, he’s planning on booking one of his own mares to Exceedance.
“He’s a really, really nice colt,” Hughes reported. “He’s tractable, progressive, and can go early if Robbie wants to get him up and running. I broke in his dam’s half-brother, Glenfiddich. He’s a Group 2 winner and I reckon this bloke could be better!”
Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott parted with $380,000 for the Exceedance – Miss Gunpowder (Pendragon) filly at the Inglis Easter Sale on behalf of Kestrel Thoroughbreds and that appears money well spent following an early prep with Tim Martin. “She went down to Goulburn where Tim can put them through the gates and work on the course proper,” Kestrel’s Bruce Slade revealed. “Tim is an amazing horseman and he said she’s very sharp and knows what it’s all about.
“He also thinks she’s forward enough to be part of our A Team before Christmas. I had a bit to do with Exceedance early on at Newgate Farm and he was a magnificent yearling. He went to win at the elite level and I have utmost respect for him as a stallion.”
Tony and Calvin McEvoy struck early when they purchased the Exceedance – Dublin Lass (O’Reilly) colt for $370,000 at the Gold Coast Magic Millions in January. He was offered by Ian Smith of Edinburgh Park who booked in some quality mares after inspecting Exceedance at Vinery.
“I first took notice after he won the San Domenico,” Smith recalled. “It takes a good colt to win that race and then he beat the Golden Rose winner Bivouac in the Coolmore. He looks the real deal and he’s by Exceed And Excel.”
The Dublin Lass colt has been named Dublin Down and returned to training last month following a break after his first prep. “He’s a quality colt, a beautiful mover and we love him.” Calvin McEvoy said of the early August foal who’s owned by a syndicate that includes Ray Pawsey and Robyn Parker. They also raced Sunlight with McEvoy-Mitchell Racing and she won the Group 1 VRC Coolmore Stud Stakes a year before Exceedance.
Vinery stands Exceedance for a $33,000 (inc GST) service fee payable on a live foal. For bookings or further information, contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).
