Armidale Stud has added three-year-old colt Bodyguard to its stallion roster that already features leading sires Needs Further and Alpine Eagle.
Tasracing COO Dave Manshanden said he welcomed the announcement that the $1.6 million yearling would be featured at the Armidale Stud.
“There is a lot of positivity around the horse,” he said. “Trained by Peter and Paul Snowden, Peter said he was the best-looking horse he had ever been associated with.”
Mr Manshanden said it had been a tough year for breeding horses for a number of reasons.
“But to see Armidale Stud obtain a new stallion of the calibre of Bodyguard will not only benefit the industry but sends a strong message of support for its future.
“Tasracing and Tasbreeders are looking at ways to restimulate the local breeding industry.
“Bringing colts like Bodyguard to the state is an important part of this work.”
Mr Manshanden congratulated David and Rhiannon Wishaw, of the Armidale Stud, for their decision.
“Bodyguard is an incredibly talented and well-bred stallion that we expect will assist to place the national breeding spotlight on the state,” he said.
Mr Wishaw said they were passionate about the local breeding industry.
“We’ve been acutely aware that the state has needed a new stallion, but we weren’t going to stand one until we found a horse that we genuinely believed in,” he said.
“Bodyguard is the perfect fit for us. He’s outstanding looking, he’s got a great mind and he was precocious and fast. Most importantly, his pedigree is one that will resonate with breeders across Australia.
“We hope this acts as a sign of confidence for local breeders that we’re investing not just in a new stallion, but in mares to go to him. Ultimately, we want to inject confidence into the local breeding industry.
“With his impressive attributes, we believe he has the potential to make a lasting impact on the Australian racing industry and be a sire that really stamps his mark.”
Bred by Emirates Park, it retained a stake in the colt and plans to support his early stud career with a significant number of mares.
Emirates Park General Manager Bryan Carlson said he was a standout colt as a yearling and certainly had the ability on the track.
“We believe he has what it takes to make a stallion and will support him with some good mares this season,” he said.
“We’re excited to work with Armidale. They’ve got a good history of producing great stallions, and I think Bodyguard is a very exciting prospect for them and the Tasmanian industry.
“He’s landed in the right spot, and we look forward to supporting his burgeoning stud career.”
Bodyguard won by two-lengths on debut in the Listed Maribyrnong Trial Stakes (1000m) at Flemington in October, defeating subsequent Group winner Dublin Down.
He returned in the autumn in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m), showcasing a blistering turn of foot to put away a strong field.