Vinery and Kia Ora Studs have today announced a significant step forward in their long-standing association, with the consolidation of their stallion operations and the introduction of an exciting new addition to the roster.
Situated in the renowned Segenhoe Valley, the two farms not only share a boundary fence but an association that dates back to the early 2000s when Kia Ora was purchased by the late businessman and philanthropist Tatparanandam Ananda Krishnan. Following Kia Ora’s recent investment in Vinery, both farms have worked closely to determine the most effective structure moving forward and as a result, Kia Ora stallions Farnan, Captivant, and exciting first-season sire Tropicus will relocate to Vinery, creating a dynamic and unified roster.
“For Vinery, the inclusion of these young stallions just adds to what was already developing into an emerging roster which of course includes last season’s Champion first season sire Ole Kirk,” said Vinery’s Adam White.
“To think the two leading second season sires by individual winners, Farnan and Ole Kirk, are now on the one roster is very exciting for both operations. The early success of Farnan, as well as breeding a prospect like Tropicus, is a testament to the quality and professionalism of the Kia Ora team We are really looking forward to continuing to work closely with them to maximise the success of both farms and the stallion roster.”
A major highlight of the announcement is the arrival of Tropicus, who will stand his first season at stud in 2026.
The fastest and highest-rated sprinting son of Champion sire Too Darn Hot, Tropicus brings elite credentials to the Vinery roster. He is the only progeny of his sire worldwide to achieve a Timeform rating of 120 or higher at 1200 metres or less.
Out of a Group-placed daughter of the Kia Ora bred Exceed And Excel, Tropicus combines two of the most potent influences in modern breeding.
A precocious and high-class performer, Tropicus won on debut at Caulfield as a juvenile, defeating subsequent stakes winners Too Darn Discreet and Bridal Waltz. He later stamped himself as a top-level sprinter with victory in the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate, carrying the highest weight to win the race since the introduction of weight metrics in 1973. Notably, no colt has achieved a higher rating in this race over the past decade that includes an honour roll of leading sires such as Snitzel, Fastnet Rock and Starspangledbanner.
“Having seen him closely for the first time at Kia Ora this week I was elated with how he presents,” White added.
“Such an attractive horse with a quality head and beautiful bay colour. Being a high-rated Group 1 sprinter, he has the strength that we all look for and having won on debut in town as a two-year-old, I think he will get very early runners. You only have to look back to how his sire Too Darn Hot began with his first crop and then add the fact that Tropicus is from a mare by Exceed And Excel who is a world-renowned sire of juveniles, which just increases his chances to do so.”
A fee for Tropicus will be announced with the full combined roster in the coming days.
The consolidation marks an exciting new chapter, with the strengthened roster set to benefit from significant and unified support. Both farms have consistently delivered at the elite level from their yearling drafts, producing more than 13% Stakes horses to runners in recent years, a strike rate that highlights the quality of their broodmare bands and the strength of their respective systems.
This, combined with the support of their extensive network of partners and clients, ensures both depth and opportunity across the roster and positions it strongly for sustained success into the future.
