To think just 37 pacing yearlings can compete for the $100,000 Gr.1 Brisbane Sales Race is very exciting
Aquis Farm was established in Canungra region, Queensland in 2015. The Wadham Park Racing Facility along with three surrounding large acre properties were amalgamated to create one of Australia’s finest integrated thoroughbred racing and breeding operations. The previous owner spared no cost in developing what is now Aquis Farm, with a total investment on land and facilities exceeding AUD$30 million.
Aquis Farm has spent over AUD$50 million acquiring bloodstock at public auctions and privately since the farm’s inception into Australia in 2015. With an ever-increasing broodmare band of 186 mares and 165 horses in training.
The information above wasn’t lost on Steven Clements of Brisbane Pastoral Co. Being a diehard harness racing purest that started following the benefits of yearlings coming out of this region, the Aquis example has blown his mind. Brisbane Pastoral was able to secure a long-term agreement to run his breeding operation just down the road from this thoroughbred giant at Biddaddaba.
Steve told us, “I’ve been breeding horses for more than 40 years and I’ve never had yearlings come through the sales preparation looking this good before. Moving the operation to Biddaddaba (next to Aquis) has given us outstanding results. Clearly, the team we have assembled have got all the key areas correct and we are so proud to be sending 14 yearlings under our management into the APG sales this year. That number will more than double next year, and the goal is to have 30 plus yearlings going into the APG sales of Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney each year”.
Clements went on to say “The Brisbane APG Sale offers more bang for your buck than any other sale in this country and gives harness racing participants and new comers to the sport a wonderful opportunity to kick things off in a very positive way. APG should be congratulated for their innovation with the new series, now worth more than $2.4 million. Queensland will now host (in addition to its $100,000 sales race), a $50,000 final for 2yo’s & 3yo’s and a $30,000 4yo’s final”.
“To think just 37 pacing yearlings can compete for the $100,000 Gr.1 Brisbane Sales Race is very exciting,” Clements said.
Under the QBRED For Life scheme, owners of eligible horses will receive a $10,000 cash bonus for their horses’ first win in Queensland, and will then receive a further $7,500 cash bonus for their horse’s first Queensland win in a subsequent racing season.”
While Clements conceded he wasn’t in the position (at the moment) like Aquis to be spending $50 million acquiring bloodstock , the 50 or so broodmares he now manages will be expanded over the next few years.
When pushed about his favourite Lot listed for sale at the weekend sale at Alblion Park he said “ There is something very special about Lot 11A, this Betterthancheddar Colt has had interest from all over the country. Truck drivers, farriers, trainers, drivers, successful owners have all made inquiries about him. While it’s a little unlikely he will top the sale, I do expect him to make his new owners very excited come Sunday afternoon. Bettors Delight, Betterthancheddar and Armbro Operative have all had very good success in this family. Truth is, I just want to him to find a new home where he will be well cared for and to let his natural ability to develop and shine like so many successful, elite family members.”
A Victorian trainer has his 2YO sister and he told us over the phone she was a true flying machine.
The Betterthanceddar Yearling Colt Steve refers to, is out of the same N37 family as:
Awesome Armbro 2002 (G N37) by Armbro Operative - 1:49.4 winner of $849,309 ( Dam’s Brother )
Bettors Strike 2004 (G N37 ) by Bettors Delight - 1:55.7 winner of $789,864
Bellas Boy 1999 (M N37) by In The Pocket - 1:52.0 winner of $437,564
Pas Ultimate Delight 2009 (F N37) by Bettors Delight - 1:51.1 winner of $411,066
John Coffey has personally inspected this beautiful Colt and pretty much all of the Brisbane yearlings and will be pleased to answer any questions that you may have on the individuals featuring in the sale. John can be contacted on 0418 500 211.
Please note, we will have online and telephone bidding options available if you are unable to attend.
Louise Toulmin is available on (03) 5275 1999 or e-mail her at louiset@apgold.com.au and she’ll be pleased to assist you with your pre-sale bidding approvals or to answer any other questions that you may have.
