A syndicate of breeders has purchased a significant interest in Astronomer Royal and the Classic winning son of Danzig will be re-located to Eliza Park this spring. The first weanlings by the 2007 French 2000 Guineas winner have proved popular at sales this season.

Astronomer Royal has stood the past two seasons at Blue Gum Farm in Euroa and stands at the Haras de la Reboursiere et de Montaigu in France. Rated the Champion 3yo Male Miler in France, Astronomer Royal also won the Greenlands Stakes (Gr 3) as a four-year-old.

“The syndicate has been searching for a well credentialled son of Danzig for some time and with Astronomer Royal’s weanlings selling so well this year, they’re convinced they’ve found the right horse,” Eliza Park CEO Cameron Croucher said yesterday.

His weanlings have sold up $90,000 so far in 2011. Bloodstock agent Paul Guy said following the Great Southern Sale in Melbourne “They’re just lovely horses and he’s a really exciting horse for Victoria.”

“We are very excited to be standing Astronomer Royal which brings our roster to 12 for the 2011 season,” Croucher adds. “Naturally he will be applicable for Eliza Park’s best terms – transferrable free return and no payment of service fee until 31 March 2012 – but due to the late announcement, package deals will also be available.”

Astronomer Royal had already been advertised as standing at Blue Gum Farm for $8,800 including gst for the 2011 season and he will stand at the same fee at Eliza Park.

Astronomer Royal

Blue Gum Farm in Euroa announced its 2011 fees yesterday. Astronomer Royal (USA), Turffontein, Churchill Downs and Elvstroem, will all stand at $8,800 with newcomer Red Arrow at $6,600.

“At Blue Gum Farm we believe we have a terrific selection of beautifully credentialed young stallions that are available to breeders at value fees.” said stud principal Philip Campbell.

With the European season in full swing the Marketing Manager from Blue Gum Farm, Darryl Sherer reports, there has been a major winner in England with relevance to  Astronomer Royal (USA), who recently arrived back in Australia to commence the 2010 season. (more…)

STALLIONS continue our series of profiles on horses’ retiring to stud duties this spring (more…)