It has been well publicized that the Spendthrift operational model takes a different philosophy from what would appear to be the status quo of most of the world’s breeding industries. This is instituted in Spendthrift Australia.
ROMSEY, Vic.—Mr. Hughes strongly supports the notion that grassroots breeders are the backbone of the industry and without them, his investment will be short-lived.
It is this philosophy that drives the Spendthrift team to continually invest strategically in the development of their infrastructure as well as their product offerings such as the innovative Breed Secure and Share The Upside programs. Spendthrift is also major partners of the Werribee and Pakenham Racing Clubs.
“We are all in this together,” explained Mr. Hughes. “The whole industry needs each other. Nobody is standing alone in this business, and that’s something we all need to bear in mind.”
Giving back to the industry that has provided so much already to Mr. Hughes, Spendthrift purchase yearlings with the long-term aim to grow and race them in Australia and eventually feature them on the Spendthrift stallion roster.
“It’s the basis of what we do here,” said Garry Cuddy.
“It’s also easier said than done, but 3 of our 6 stallions on the roster this year have been purchased as yearlings, raced well here and are now standing. It’s tough at the sales against the bigger players also looking to purchase a future stallion prospect, but our team is doing a great job.”
Well-bred mares and fillies, such as Santa Monica and Solar Star, have been secured to assist in not only upgrading their broodmare band, but to support and compliment the Spendthrift stallions.
Champion American racehorses Vino Rosso and Omaha Beach are two such stallions. With fantastic global pedigrees to match their impressive race records, where they strode to exceptional victories in the famous Spendthrift silks, both horses had full books in their first seasons.
“We own our horses and we can do what we want with them. We cannot and must not leave the breeder out.” – B Wayne Hughes
The good-looking son of Redoute’s Choice, Swear, is another stallion that started his career racing in the Spendthrift orange and purple colours. As Spendthrift’s first Australian yearling purchase to become a stakes winner, he has started his stud career with good success.
Overshare, the handsome son of I Am Invincible, is the next yearling purchase to stand at Spendthrift, while brilliant sprinter Dirty Work will complete a trio this season.
“Buying these stallions as yearlings ensures there is no unrealistic purchase price to recoup, once the horses have shown their racetrack ability,” said Cuddy. “This allows us to stand them at fair and reasonable fees, whilst also offering generous terms through supportive initiatives for breeders.”
Or as Mr Hughes puts it, “we own our horses and we can do what we want with them. We cannot and must not leave the breeder out.”
This guarantee extends to their Victorian home, where the stallions – and Spendthrift Farm, are comfortably secured. Success will not come with the risk of the stallions being relocated.
“Victoria is Spendthrift’s Australian home,” explains Cuddy. “We are investing in its future.”
Take a tour of Spendthrift Australia in Romsey, Victoria
There is a certain romantic beauty to Victoria’s Macedon Ranges. The historic towns, the rolling grassy hills with meandering wildlife, the crisp air.
It is a picturesque landscape that has featured as the backdrop for many local and international movie and television productions. It is also the place that stole the heart of Mr. Hughes and has become the home of Spendthrift’s first, and only, international base.
Spendthrift Australia is situated just outside the small country town of Kerrie, only an hour from Melbourne’s CBD. From the moment they took over the 600-acre property in early 2015, the Spendthrift team have focused not only on the development of their Australian bloodstock band but also in the redevelopment and sustainability of the farm’s infrastructure.
To read more about Spendthrift Australia and see more photos of the facility click here.
Spendthrift Australia News Release
All photos courtesy of Spendthrift Australia
