About Us

For more than 30 years, Woodlands Stud has been at the forefront of Standardbred breeding in Australasia. Home to some of the world's most influential stallions, we are committed to providing breeders with elite bloodlines while raising the next generation of champions through exceptional horsemanship, purpose built facilities and an unwavering passion for the harness racing industry.

Established in 1992 by veterinarians Dr Charles Roberts and Dr Andrew Grierson, Woodlands Stud has grown to become the Southern Hemisphere's leading Standardbred semen base. The name "Woodlands Stud" pays tribute to the property's original name, dating back to the 1960s, and reflects a rich heritage of breeding excellence.

In its early years, Woodlands Stud stood a number of leased stallions with varying success. However, a defining moment came in 2006 when Charles and Andrew adopted a bold new vision by securing the Southern Hemisphere breeding rights to world-class stallions. That vision began with Bettor's Delight, followed a year later by American Ideal.

Those landmark acquisitions transformed Woodlands Stud into one of the most influential breeding operations in Australasia. The success of Bettor's Delight, American Ideal and the outstanding stallions that have followed has firmly established Woodlands Stud as the premier destination for elite Standardbred bloodlines.

While we sadly lost American Ideal in early 2024, his influence continues to shape the harness racing industry through the remarkable legacy of his progeny across both hemispheres. Today, Woodlands Stud remains committed to providing Australasian breeders with access to world-class genetics through an outstanding stallion roster that includes Bettor's Delight, Sweet Lou, Downbytheseaside, Lather Up and Speeding Spur.

Studmaster Tony Grayling leads a dedicated and highly experienced team that takes enormous pride in producing the next generation of champions. From breeding and foaling through to weaning and yearling preparation, every horse receives exceptional care at every stage of its development.

Each year, many of the horses raised at Woodlands Stud are presented through the NZB Standardbred National Yearling Sales and Weanling Sales, where they consistently attract strong demand from buyers throughout Australasia. Those retained by the stud to strengthen its broodmare band are often introduced through the Woodlands Partnership Syndicates, providing affordable ownership opportunities that have produced Group 1 winners including Speeding Spur and Need You Now.

Our Clevedon property is the heart of the operation, home to our resident stallions and serving as our foaling base throughout the breeding season. The property is carefully rested over winter, while our additional farms provide outstanding facilities for weaning, yearling preparation and winter grazing for mares and young stock.

Across our properties, quality nutrition and exceptional pasture management are fundamental to every horse's development. By carefully managing our land and supplementing with premium Dunstan Horse Feeds, we ensure every horse receives the nutrition and care needed to reach its full potential.

Over more than three decades, Woodlands Stud has bred and raised many of Australasia's finest Standardbreds. Champions including Adore Me, Copy That, Have Faith In Me, Linda Love Grace, My Hard Copy, Pacing Major, Party On, Spanish Armada and Speeding Spur all began their journeys at Woodlands.

Beyond breeding outstanding horses, Woodlands Stud is passionate about supporting the wider harness racing industry. Through extensive race sponsorship, driver sponsorship and community initiatives, we are proud to invest in the future of the sport and the people who make it thrive.

Driven by innovation, built on integrity and dedicated to excellence, Woodlands Stud continues to shape the future of Standardbred breeding throughout Australasia.