Release

The Oaks Stud’s dual group one winning stallion Spartacus has claimed the coveted title of New Zealand’s Champion First Season sire for the 2007/08 season.
Spartacus took honours ahead of a trio of exciting young sires in Captain Rio, Thorn Park and Gold Mine.

“We are delighted to see Spartacus make such a solid start to his stud career in New Zealand”, reflected The Oaks Stud’s General Manager Rick Williams.

“He has hit the ground running and has already shown the ability to leave both fast and staying types.

All reports indicate that there are some exciting types to step out in the new season and we have high expectations that his early success will continue.

Spartacus proved very popular with breeders last season covering 170 mares, and will serve a quality book of 120 – 130 mares again this year”.

The first southern hemisphere crop stakes performers for Spartacus numbered four, namely Maureen Dorothy, Fyfetheknife, Bright Spark and Spontaneous.

Continuing the expansion strategy of The Oaks Stud, Spartacus who was formerly owned in association with Coolmore Stud in Ireland was purchased outright earlier this season by a partnership including the Cambridge-based thoroughbred nursery and Sir Patrick and Lady Hogan, Peter and Philip Vela, Scott Richard, Scott Williams, and Peter Francis.

The result caps off a sensational season for The Oaks Stud. Seachange, the seven-time group one winning mare who was bred, raised and raced by The Oaks is the raging hot favourite to take consecutive Horse of the Year titles at the Mercedes Racing Awards dinner to be held on August 15.
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