The early stages of a stallion's career are a mixture of excitement and tension for the stud owner... they have shown great faith in a young horse's ability, conformation, temperament and pedigree to stand him so all those boxes are already ticked.
Such as is the case with Blue Gum Farm's exciting prospect - the Gr.1 sprinter Libertad... the only stallion since Lonhro to win Group races at two, three, four and five!
But after a great career on the track there is that first test... a young horse's libido and fertility.
A test Libertad is passing with flying colours!
He has settled into his new life beautifully and Blue Gum's Phil Marshall could not be happier.
"He is extremely enthusiastic about his new career - taking to stud life in much the same way he approached his racing... with plenty of determination, a genuine desire to give 100%."
"He is a very willing stallion showing no hesitation whatsoever in getting on with the job."
"He is easily capable of covering four mares a day which is another very encouraging aspect of his early performance. When you combine his excellent libido, his willingness to serve and his current fertility figures, we really couldn’t have asked for a better start from him."
Operating at an impressive 75% in-foal rate per cycle - "a phenomenal result at this early stage of his stud career" - Libertad is expected to finish his first spring at stud with a fertility rate beyond 85%.
"An excellent outcome and very positive for those supporting him," Marshall said.
"Breeders want to know that a young horse is not only genetically and physically attractive, but that he is going to be straightforward to manage and capable of getting a large number of mares in foal."
"Libertad is certainly giving us plenty of confidence in that regard."
A member of the flourishing Snitzel branch of the Redoute's Choice sire line, Libertad raced against the best of Australia's sprinters throughout his successful career, retiring to stud as the winner of over $1.6 million in stakes.
Tough, sound, classy, courageous - all the qualities you look for in a stallion prospect and when you add great libido and fertility to the mix you have the perfect horse!
For further information contact Phil Marshall, Nominations & Sales Manager - 0407 853 782
