Press Statement made a bold statement during his first Vinery Stud parade last weekend.
With his first mares in heat, the history-making colt was pumped up after winning the prestigious NSW Champion 3YO Award from fellow finalists Holler and Japonisme on August 18. He joins barn mate All Too Hard as a recipient of the illustrious award.
“Press Statement is an outstanding individual,” Vinery general manager Peter Orton said at the stud’s open day. “He’s by a half-brother to Snitzel and with his Group 1 record and physique, we believe he has all the necessary attributes to succeed at stud.”
Vinery has priced the champion colt well within reach of breeders at a $27,500 (inc gst) service fee.
Press Statement is tremendous value as the only colt of his generation to win a Group 1 as a 2YO and 3YO. He was an unbeaten juvenile completing a hat-trick in the G1 J J Atkins Stakes (1600m) at Doomben.
“I believe Press Statement is a better horse than Zoustar and Brazen Beau were at the same stage,” trainer Chris Waller said. “He’s a super-star colt.”
Confirming that rating in the spring, he toyed with the best colts in training in the G1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m). “This horse is a star,” jockey Hugh Bowman said. “He was ridden out of his comfort zone but his class came to fruition.”
Press Statement was bred by Tony & Gianna Muollo and they were joined in a syndicate that included Vinery, China Horse Club, Kia-Ora Stud and Raffles Racing during a career that yielded $1.83 million from 6 wins in 11 starts.
The Muollo family are expecting Kaaptive Empress to foal a brother or sister to the Vinery newcomer this weekend. They will support Press Statement with several of their best mares and they will walk-in off nearby Attunga Stud.
Among them is Mollyhawk (Catbird), the dam of Hawkspur (G1 Queensland Derby) and Devil Hawk (G3 Newcastle Spring Stakes) as well as their sister Imperial Hawk (Purrealist).
The Muollo’s NZ bred mare Giovanna Bella (Iffraaj), who won at Ruakaka & Eagle Farm (2), is also on board as is Allawara (Von Costa De Hero), a close relation of Group 1 winners Private Steer & All Silent.
