Kia Ora held its annual parade, showcasing its three stallions, led by the G1 Golden Slipper hero Farnan, along with the dual Group 3 winner Prague and Captivant, a victor of the G1 Champagne Stakes.
Jimmy Unwala of Avesta Bloodstock attended the Kia Ora parade over the weekend and shared his thoughts with The Thoroughbred Report.
“Once again, the team at Kia Ora put on a grand show for all the breeders and industry participants.
“From their perfectly manicured lawns to their generous hospitality and, of course, the stallions—everything was on point.”
Unwala was particularly impressed by Farnan, saying, “I have a lot of time for Farnan. With his first crop about to hit the track, he has as good a chance as any. Given his credentials and the types we’ve seen at the yearling sales, you’d want to have a mare in foal to him this season.
“With a racing jurisdiction obsessed with 2-year-old precocity and speed, Farnan is the obvious answer.”
Jane Barnham said about the Kia Ora parade, “I like to see all the stallions, and there’s a lot of talk around Farnan at the moment. So, I wanted to see what he looks like and how he behaves. Kia Ora initially wasn’t on our list, but Peter O’Brien urged us to go. The hospitaliy was great as well.”
Kirsty Willis of Rheinwood Pastoral admitted she’s a big fan of the son of Redoute’s Choice, saying, “I’m a huge Prague fan.
“We have heavily supported him since he first went to stud and love his outstanding progeny. We have six mares in foal to him this year. (Saturday) was actually my first time seeing him in daylight since he was on the racetrack, and he’s let down beautifully.
“Over the past couple of years, I’ve just been seeing him in the dark when we get mares served. He’s my pick to make it of the first-season sires. The ones we’ve had have been real racehorses; they eat, they work, and I think that bodes well for his chances. He really stamps them too—all bay with a white star.”
Meanwhile, Brigid Kennedy also attended Kia Ora and will be supporting both Farnan and Prague. “I’m sending two mares to their horses, one to Farnan and the other to Prague.”
Commenting on her fondness for Prague, who was also Group 1-placed and a $1.6 million purchase from the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, she said, “Prague is an outstanding type, and perfect for trying to lift a mare and put quality into her without too much (financial) exposure. I have a Prague filly; I bought the mare in foal to her, and I’m really happy with the filly—happy to go there again, especially at the value he offers.
“They’ve (Kia Ora) met the market well and put on the best spread. When you spend so much on nominations, you get to go there and claw a little bit back with great food.”
Jock Ferguson, who’s Bell River Thoroughbreds sold a colt by Farnan from the Group 1-winning mare I Am Excited (Snitzel) for $1.2 million at this year’s Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, added, “I always love seeing Farnan and the quality that he’s been leaving in his stock. I am looking forward to what his 2-year-olds are going to do this coming season.”
Story by The Thoroughbred Report
