The first of the annual Widden Stud NSW stallion parades was held on Thursday with Antony and Katie Thompson welcoming guests to the ‘Valley of Champions’ for a sensational lunch, warm hospitality and of course the presentation of stallions including exciting newcomer Jacquinot, with all sires available for Hypothetical matings.
This time last year Jacquinot was preparing for his first Group I win in the ATC Golden Rose, when he seized victory from outstanding filly In Secret and 12 months on the grand-son of Encosta de Lago is getting ready to cover his first book of mares at a fee of $33,000.
Jacquinot has an intriguing pedigree with double crosses of blue hens Shantha’s Choice and Fairy Bridge, so his appeal is not just about his good looks and race record featuring not one but two Group I victories, the second coming against older horses at WFA in the Group I MRC CF Orr Stakes, a race also won by Redoute’s Choice.
The Encosta de Lago sireline has been an important one for Widden giving them his influential son Northern Meteor, who has in turn sired current champion sire Zoustar and his heir apparent Zousain.
Another branch of the Encosta de Lago sireline through his Champion HK Sire son Deep Field was also on show at Widden with G1 winner Portland Sky, whose first foals are being born this spring.
Sebring stallion Supido is a star on the rise with an Everest contender in Buenos Noches and his emergence has attracted the attention of many astute breeders including the Ingham family. They plan to send Little Surfer Girl, the dam of Sebring’s Group I ATC Winx Stakes winner Fangirl, to this exciting young sire this spring.
A four time Group I winner on the track, Snitzel's sensational sprinter Trapeze Artist has plenty of ammunition in the locker heading into spring racing with his oldest progeny just turned three.
Widden also have a number of young sires with their first yearlings to sell next year and they paraded four youngsters by Anders, Doubtland, Russian Camelot (IRE) and Dirty Work for the crowd.
