Boutique Hunter Valley farm Valiant Stud have a sensational draft for Magic Millions featuring youngsters consigned on behalf of owners from as far away as New Zealand, Western Australia and Victoria.
Valiant Stud’s Fergal Connolly is optimistic heading into the sale and believes there are some positives to be taken from the global pandemic.
“Our team have adapted to the curve ball COVID threw and we continued to prepare yearlings to a very high standard,” said Connolly.
“Having to become an online business has really helped us grow in this space. The racing and breeding industries have been very pliable through these tough times.
“Unlike so many countries, racing continued here with some amended conditions and it was a welcome distraction from lockdown.
“I expect there to be a great show of support from buyers at all the major sales this year in response to the way in which Australia has dealt with this situation and our comparative success in managing COVID.”
In just a few short years of operation Valiant Stud have produced a number of winners, the star from their draft last year being Magic Millions 2YO Classic contender Fake Love.
Trained by Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, the I Am Invincible filly won the Listed MRC Debutant Stakes on debut last spring and tuned up for her Gold Coast grand final with a last start second in the Listed BRC Calaway Gal Stakes.
“Fake Love was passed in, but would have to be one of the most professional fillies we have ever worked with,” said Connolly, who is not surprised at her success.
“Her attitude towards her work was second to none and this has transpired into her racing career. She had an abundance of natural muscle right through her preparation and everyone anticipated she would be precocious.”
The Valiant Stud draft this year features 20 entries by a variety of proven sires and popular young guns.
Highlights are below with comments from Fergal Connolly and inspect the draft at Stable V:
Lot 75 Colt Merchant Navy x Awoke, by Rip Van Winkle (IRE)
First foal of a metro winning half-sister to Group III winner Cismontane from the family of Group I winners Sirstaci and Nimue..
This horse is a picture, he fills the eye in every way. From his masculine appearance to his great attitude this colt has matured since joining us at the farm. I love his action and can’t wait to see him on the racetrack.
Lot 510 Colt Fastnet Rock x Maglissa, by Magnus
Three-quarter brother to juvenile stakes-winner Unite and Conquer, who is now at stud, and has two important catalogue updates. He is also a half-brother to Sydney metro winner So United and this season’s stakes-placed two year-old Mission Value, so the first three foals from Maglissa are all well above average and this colt is her fourth.
This colt has taken every piece of preparation in his stride and continues to mature. He screams “early type” much like his three-quarter brother did at the same stage of his career. We look forward to presenting this colt for inspections on the Gold Coast.
Lot 597 Filly Savabeel x Nina from Pasadena, by Redoute’s Choice
Full sister to Group I ATC Champagne Stakes winner Pasadena Girl.
A beautiful filly with movement is as light as a feather. You can barely hear her when she walks, I’ve no doubt this filly is a racehorse.
Lot 608 Colt Invader x Occitan, by Street Cry (IRE)
From the first crop of Group I winning son of Snitzel and is from a metro winning daughter of stakes-placed Segolene, a full sister to stakes-winner Quidnunc.
I am a fan of the stock I have seen by Invader. This colt strikes me as a strong, speedy type who could be back up here in 2022 for the Magic Millions 2yo race. He is very professional with a huge work ethic.
Lot 863 Colt Impending x Swiftly Red, by Testa Rossa
From the first crop of Lonhro’s dual Group I winning son Impending from a winning half-sister to Group III winners General Truce and Arctic Command.
This colt walks with so much power- he reminds me of his sire. A very sensible horse and I expect him to be popular.
