Date posted September 1, 2009 | Posted by Warren Wruck | Filed under
Racing and BreedingLast Saturday saw Darley’s stallion parade at their Kelvinside property at Aberdeen.
Held under threatening skies and with the wind whistling around, it was a case of hang on to your hats at times. Master of Ceremonies was Australia’s international race caller David Raphael who co-commentated the parade with Darley’s Alastair Pulford.
Kelvinside on show
Darley’s Australian Managing Director, Henry Plumptre, first welcomed everyone and then took the opportunity to remind people that The Hunter Valley’s standing as the Horse Capital of Australia was under threat - from coal mining. He suggested that the two industries, thoroughbred breeding and coal mining, could co-exist and urged those present to be mindful of the fact that the thoroughbred industry has every right to be in the Hunter so it is in everyone’s interest, according to Plumptre, that thoroughbred breeders be united and present a strong voice to government on this important issue. To ignore the continual encroachment of mining operations into thoroughbred breeding areas, would be to do so at our peril. The message was, understandably, well-received.
The stallions were presented as expected in magnificent form: the running commentary from both David and Alastair kept everyone informed and the highlight of the day was the parading of the champ Lonhro. There is a definite feeling of being in the company of greatness when it comes to horses of his calibre and in a fairytale completion of the day, his son Denman provided him with his first Group 1 winner later in the afternoon in the Golden Rose at Rosehill.
There were many highlights however: from the Golden Slipper-winning veteran Canny Lad looking in fine fettle belying his 22 years, to the new chums like Epsom Derby winner Authorized, the Dewhurst winner Teofilo, and the Jersey Stakes winner Kheleyf who is already proving himself in the Northern Hemisphere. Or the physically imposing Henny Hughes and the young guns like Exceed and Excel; Street Cry and Commands, all running hot…..the list goes on.
Magnificent is the only way to describe the après parade: themed marquees including The New Stallions Lounge, The Local Produce Lounge, and the Meydan Lounge (the new racecourse development in Dubai) all caught the eye. Fine food and wine, a jazz combo, video presentations. All exceptionally and professionally well done.
Alastair Pulford commented during the parade that stallions are the soul of a stud farm and acknowledged the part the former Woodlands stallions Lonhro, Commands, Canny Lad and co have played in giving Darley real soul. It certainly shows.
