In the middle of peak-foaling period, Moorookyle Park's Nioka Wozny had cause for a mini-celebration on Sunday when the stud's sire Rockaroundtheclock (Fastnet Rock) registered his first winner.
A very excited group of owners, lead by Wimmera equine dentist Martin McKinnis, cheered home the John Rowe trained gelding Rocktheblock at Penola with Wozny just as thrilled for connections.
Ridden a treat by Christine Puls, the four-year-old gelding travelled well in the lead, and had the field chasing before the turn. Straightening one length clear, Rocktheblock held easily to the line with a bit left in hand over the 1300 metre trip.
"I am just so happy for the owners and Martin in particular who is just over the moon. He has kept me up to date with his journey since he purchased him as a foal, so I really felt involved in this win," Nioka Wozny said.
"I foaled him down here at Moorookyle Park, for my long-standing clients, TGN Racing from South Australia. They sold the mare Eminent Danger to Martin when he was only a foal."
"Martin adores the horse, he just loves him, and he would send me a text and a photo every couple of weeks. I saw him with his first halter, when he had his feet trimmed and when he was broken in, and I even went to Ballarat to see him race," Nioka said.
"Hopefully now he has got his maiden out of the way and is feeling good, he may continue his winning ways and step up to 1600 metres going forward."
Rocktheblock's Moorookyle Park based sire Rockaroundtheclock was genuinely unraced due to injury, but retained as a stallion due to his highly sort after bloodlines.
"He is an impressive son of Fastnet Rock that also remarkably represents the immediate maternal family of Giant's Causeway. You won't find another stallion offering that combination – it's incredible genetics for the right mare," Wozny said.
The sire has had just the six to race thus far including Sunday's winner and three others who have recorded placings.
"A couple of his progeny are in the Corstens stables, a filly by Sweet Hussy, and her younger brother who we hope will show some promise. Although he has not covered big numbers during his stud career, he still offers valuable bloodlines.," Wozny said.
"He is looking forward to his mares this season, and we welcome any outside mares to either walk on, or to reside in the best of care throughout the season" Wozny said.
Moorookyle caters for horses in all stages of their lives, from foaling down, to spelling, to breeding, and inspections and visits to the farm are always warmly welcomed.
"We care for every horse as if they are our own, we groom our broodmares and give so much time to the foals in their early months. All horses on the farm receive individual care ensuring optimum development. Our love of the horse gives our owners peace of mind."
Moorookyle Park, at Smeaton just north of Ballarat, stands Rockaroundtheclock along with Jayemzed, Ustinov and Cecconi. Contact Nioka Wozny on 0427 456 385 or visitwww.moorookylepark.com.aufor more information.
