Less than a week after the announcement of his retirement from racing, Group One-winning stallion Savaglee has found a new home as he enters the next chapter of his career at stud.
A syndicate headed by Windsor Park Stud, Mapperley Stud and Lion Rock Bloodstock have secured the son of Savabeel following his 17-start career for Matamata trainer Pam Gerard, which netted seven wins, with five at Group level, including the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m), and a runner-up performance in the Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m).
Raced by Dick Karreman’s The Oaks Stud, Savaglee was bought by the farm’s General Manager Rick Williams on behalf of Karreman as a yearling out of breeder Waikato Stud’s Karaka draft for $400,000.
Williams announced his retirement, due to a joint issue, late last week and a deal has been brokered with associate Waikato farms to stand him at stud.
Windsor Park Stud principal Rodney Schick is delighted to add Savaglee to his stallion roster this coming breeding season.
“I am really appreciative that Dick Karreman and stud manager Rick Williams have been so good to deal with throughout the process of our negotiations,” he said.
“Dick has invested so much into New Zealand’s breeding and racing industry over a long period of time with so much success, and Savaglee really is testament to that.
“We’re so thrilled to have secured a colt of Savaglee’s calibre and quality for stud.”
Mapperley Stud principal Simms Davison is just as enthused to offer Savaglee to the public following a stellar career on the track.
“I’m really excited to again be involved with Windsor Park and Lion Rock in securing a superb stallion prospect,” he said.
“I loved him when we inspected him at The Oaks, he oozes quality and style and is a magnificent physical. Together with his race performance and pedigree he really is the total stud package.”
Savaglee’s 2026 service fee will be announced in due course. – LOVERACING.NZ News Desk
