Two of the most influential forces in the Australian thoroughbred industry, Coolmore and Newgate, are delighted to announce that Wodeton, the highest-rated two-year-old of his generation as rated by Timeform, will stand at Newgate in 2026 after Newgate acquired an interest in the colt from Coolmore and partners, who will retain an ongoing ownership interest.
A son of the internationally renowned Wootton Bassett, Wodeton was an exceptionally gifted juvenile. Following a devastating debut victory, he established himself as the standout colt of his crop before going down by the narrowest possible margin in the Golden Slipper.
“Chris Waller was adamant from an early stage that Wodeton was one of the best juveniles he has ever trained,” said Newgate Managing Director, Henry Field.
“As a two-year-old, the stable made it clear in no uncertain terms that he simply breathed different air. He demolished a quality field on debut and was denied Golden Slipper glory by the narrowest possible margin. He was the highest-rated colt of his generation and came within a nose of Australian racing immortality.
“In the Golden Slipper itself, he was desperately unlucky. He was held up at a crucial stage before charging home once clear, and there is little doubt that with uninterrupted running he wins the race.
“I feel genuinely honoured that the Magnier family has given us the opportunity to be involved with Wodeton. Coolmore gave me extraordinary opportunities in the early stages of my career, and I will always be grateful for that. To now stand a horse of Wodeton’s quality alongside them is incredibly meaningful to me.”
Bred by John Camilleri’s Fairway Thoroughbreds, who will also be a co-owner in his future stud career, Wodeton was one of the standout yearlings of his generation. He was the highest-priced colt from the first Australian crop of Champion Sire Wootton Bassett, selling for $1.6 million at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
Newgate Stallion Director Bruce Slade believes Wodeton possesses all the credentials required to become a commercial success at stud
"“We couldn’t be more excited to secure Wodeton,” said Slade.
“He was an absolutely sensational yearling and one of the most admired colts to walk through a sales ring that year.
“Physically, he is a magnificent horse and his pedigree is equally compelling. He is by the globally prepotent Wootton Bassett out of an Exceed And Excel mare, whose dam is by Encosta De Lago and from one of John Camilleri’s outstanding families.
“He is the complete package - an elite juvenile, an exceptional physical specimen and a colt with a pedigree that gives him every opportunity to succeed as a commercial stallion.”
Purchased as a yearling by Coolmore and raced by its highly successful colt syndicate, Wodeton has always been held in the highest regard by the operation.
Coolmore principal Tom Magnier welcomed the opportunity to continue Coolmore’s association with the colt through his stud career at Newgate.
“There is no doubting Wodeton possessed extraordinary natural ability,” said Magnier.
“He was one of the most beautiful yearlings you could wish to see and, importantly, he is by Wootton Bassett, a stallion who is very close to our hearts.
“Henry has been encouraging us for some time to work together on Wodeton and, given his belief in the horse, the relationship between our farms and our long-standing friendship, we felt this was the perfect opportunity.
“By combining the strengths of both operations, we believe Wodeton will be afforded every opportunity to fulfil his considerable potential as a stallion.”
Wodeton will stand at Newgate Farm in the Hunter Valley in 2026 at an introductory service fee of $16,500 (inc. GST).
A strictly limited number of lifetime breeding rights will also be made available.
