From time to time it pays to think outside the box, the pivotal yet very tricky aspect of breeding a thoroughbred with commercial appeal is finding a stallion that is not so much flavor of the month now but has the potential to set off some bells into the future.
After all it takes a minimum of 2 years from conception to sale and what may be in favour now is definitely no certainty to have that very appeal that is needed to attract a price in the sales ring later.
It’s now more important than ever to cast a wider net in search of value. After doing a deep dive the stallion which inspired me to write this article is Darley’s almost forgotten son in Victor Ludorum.
His success on the track included Group 1 victories at 2 and 3, but I’m more interested in the bloodlines that got him there and what he may be able to produce moving forward.
A son of the immortal Shamardal and closely inbred to Reines De Course mare Helen Street, herself an Irish Oaks winner and more importantly responsible for giving us another immortal in Street Cry who needs no introduction but we’ll reel off a few names anyway.. Winx, Zenyatta, Shocking, Whobegotyou, Street Boss…
A double up of a mare that good can only bode well for future generations that tap into that line.
Somewhat unknown in this part of the world is Victor Ludorum’s damsire, French horse Kaldounevees who carries the line of champion stallion Caro. Kaldounevees himself a well traveled multiple stakes winner and G1 placed, sired 2 absolute standout group 1 gallopers in Ange Gabriel and Terre à Terre of the Mill Reef and Danzig lines respectively.
Only modestly received in Australia to date with 78 mares in 2022 and 85 in 2023. More traction in the northern hemisphere however covering a quality European book of 154 mares in 2022, 139 in 2023 and 67 in 2024.
Definitely worth noting too Victor Ludorum’s overseas fee of €15,000 euros in comparison to his fee of $13,750 down under for 2024.
I think we are presented here with an opportunity of what may be a sleeping giant. It’s a big yes from me.
