LATHER UP – THE WORLD’S FASTEST PACER JOINS WOODLANDS STUD

Woodlands Stud is proud to announce that the world’s fastest pacer Lather Up is set to join their imposing roster in the 2020/21 season.

In a major coup for Australasian breeders the World Champion $1.9 million earner will shuttle from America to join Bettor’s Delight, American Ideal, Sweet Lou, Downbytheseaside, What The Hill and Speeding Spur.

Lather Up will be standing in Australia alongside star sire American Ideal at prominent Victorian farm Northern Rivers Equine. Woodlands Stud has enjoyed a very successful relationship with Dr Kath Mcintosh’s Kyabram base and with the arrival of the World’s fastest pacer this will continue in the 2020/21 season.

Lather Up is one of the greatest horses of his time. He broke two world records and became the fastest four-year-old horse in history, the equal fastest horse in history over a mile and the single fastest horse in history over a mile and one eighth.

He raced against all-comers and broke seven track records as a two, three and four-year-old as well as two world records as a four-year-old. He was a very good two-year-old, a top three-year-old and a world champion four-year-old.

At two, Lather Up set the track record for a two-year-colt pacer winning in 1:52.2h. At three, he won a heat of The Little Brown Jug in 1:49.3h (half-mile track), and the $1 million North American Cup elimination and Final in 1:48.1. And at four, he set a world record 1:46 for a mile and a world record of 1:59.2 for a mile and one-eighth.

When he took his 1:46 world record he raced at the Meadowlands against 10 runners and won by open lengths against an incredible group - including six millionaires. He then backed that world record up the following week with his other world record, going 1:59.2 over a mile and an eighth pacing his first mile in 1:46.3.

His sire, I'm Gorgeous by Bettor's Delight, was among the top colts of his year winning a heat of the little brown jug in 1:50.4 and finished a close second to 'Horse Of The Year' Rock N Roll Heaven in the $410,000 final. He has a tremendous maternal line as well, with his super dam being one of the best producers by In The Pocket, leaving 9 significant winners, 5 of them in under 1:51. 

His pedigree combines two of the greatest producing sires ever down under in Bettor's Delight and In The Pocket but they are far enough removed to be able to be bred to almost all mares across Australasia.

His book is full and closed in America for his first season as a sire and with his speed, conformation, gait, looks and pedigree he is set to make his mark on the Australasian harness racing industry too.

Lather Up will be available via fresh, chilled semen throughout Australasia and his 2020/21 service fee will be $6,000 + GST in New Zealand and $6,600 GST Inc in Australia, with discounts available.

For bookings or inquires about Lather Up in New Zealand please contact Stacey White on 021 595 492 or via email stacey@woodlandsstud.co.nz and in Australia contact Mark Hughes on 04 5165 0707 or via email mark@woodlandsstud.co.nz

Woodlands Stud Covid-19 Update

We are facing unprecedented times here in New Zealand. Harness Racing has been ceased for at least four weeks and the country is heading into lockdown.

In terms of Woodlands Stud ourselves, we are classed as an essential business as we must continue to feed and care for our horses. We have already taken steps to ensure that all of our horses will receive the same standard of care as usual.  Our staff have been fully briefed on the next four weeks, what it means for them and how the day to day running of the farm will continue during the lockdown period.

We have been notified by Dunstan, who supply our feed, that they are also classed as essential so they have assured us that we will continue to be able to get feed throughout this period. We are also in the fortunate that Andrew Grierson is on hand and close by as a veterinarian to treat any horses if other vets are not available or able to. 

In terms of the upcoming NZB All Aged Sale, it has understandably been cancelled and moved to an online auction through the Gavelhouse.com Standardbred platform. To view the full sale of horses please click here, otherwise check out out link above to view out draft. Photos and videos of each lot will be posted in due course.

Also we will know more about the effect on the upcoming breeding season in the coming weeks and months and will continue to keep our breeders informed on anything that may impact them as we progress through this difficult period.

At this time we are not allowing any visitors to the farm. If you have any questions or queries in the meantime please feel free to phone the office on 09 292 8250.

ULTIMATE SNIPER TAKES IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL

With the Interdominion underway in New Zealand, the standout pacer is Bettor’s Delight’s top flight 4yo Ultimate Sniper. After the opening two rounds of heats, Ultimate Sniper remains the horse the beat and his second round heat victory was one for the ages! Settling three wide and then in the chair, he out toughed his more seasoned rivals in 1.52.6 for the 1700 metre journey!

Plenty of winners for Bettor’s Delight amongst them were Hurricane Harley at Melton, Williston and Stylish Memphis won at Addington and Dina Bolt was an impressive Auckland winner.

American Ideal’s son Shake The House rounded out a big year for his sire in North America when he won the USD$ 335,000 Governors’ Cup at Dover Downs in 1.50 and change! His progeny in the northern hemisphere have made north of USD$ 15,000,000 this season!

Closer to home his son Henry Hu was an Auckland winner, Mason’s Delight was a Menangle winner, at Stawell he sired a double when American Zest and Eye See Double got the chocolates and out west Intheskyrocket was a winner at Pinjarra.

The New Zealand Bloodstock yearling sales are on the horizon and Woodlands Stud has consigned 38 yearlings at Karaka on February 17th! Don’t hesitate to contact us for a catalogue for the sale.

BELLE OF MONTANA RESUMES IN STYLE

New Zealand 3yo filly of the year Belle Of Montana has started her 4yo career in style when she resumed with an emphatic victory at Auckland. The daughter of Bettor’s Delight’s paced a return in 1.54.3 and closed out the race in 27.4! With over $425,000 on her card, Belle Of Montana has the world at her feet in the mare’s classic’s this season.

Other good winners for Bettor’s Delight included a double at Gloucester Park, where Gran Chico and Dracarys greeted the judge, at Addington, Waninui Creek and I’m Tough won on Show Day and at Young he sired another double when Joe Batters and Good Day Sunshine where good winners.

American Ideal sired a double at Gloucester Park, Mighty Conqueror remains amongst WA’s elite pacer’s he was an impressive winner and American Brave crushed his rivals by 25 metres! At Auckland, Parker paced to victory, out west, Sammy’s Ideal won at Bunbury and American Alli was impressive sitting in the chair to win at Melton.

Sweet Lou’s son Spirit Of St Louis bought his ‘A Game’ to Addington. He was an impressive winner over the 2600 metre journey and now has recorded four career wins in five starts. At Wyndham, Renegade Rose led all the way to defeat her rivals. Taking a 1.55.5 victory, the daughter of Sweet Lou cleared maiden ranks and at Pinjarra, My Sweet Deal added another victory to her resume, she has now won five races in a row!

BETTORS DELIGHT ONCE AGAIN DELIVERS ON THE BIGGEST STAGE

Champion stallion Bettor’s Delight dominated New Zealand Cup day with no fewer than five race winners! His son One Change was a winner of the Group 1 Sires Stakes final for 3yo colts and geldings. Enjoying a pocket sitting trip he prevailed in a tight finish. One Change paced home in 55.7 to hold off a barnstorming Copy That, a son of American Ideal!

Ultimate Sniper was stunning in winning the Junior Free For All. Bettor’s Delight’s son paced 1.55.3 for the 2600 metres journey which was a race record. Other cup day winners included debut winner Sugar Loaf, Amazing Dream whose win after being forced wide was sensational and Ascalabus rounded out a big Cup day with his vctory.

In the USA, American Ideal’s son Endeavour pushed his career earnings close to USD $650,000 with victory in the Potomac Pace Invitational at Rosecroft Raceway where he posted a 1.49.4-mile rate.

Closer to home he sired good winners in Ideal Star at Menangle in 1.52.7, Flash Party was a winner at Invercargill, out west Show Your Stars and Infatuation got the chocolates and at Wagga Wagga, Arden Up greeted the judge.

Just a reminder to Australian breeders American Ideal’s book is full and closed for this season. We once again thank you for your support on his move to Australia!

Sweet Lou’s daughter My Sweet Deal continued her stunning form with a 17-metre victory at Pinjarra this Monday past!

CLASSIE BRIGADE TAKES THE KAIKOURA CUP IN STYLE

Bettor’s Delights son Classie Brigade was rewarded for his standing start manners with victory in the 2019 Kaikoura Cup. With a fast beginning from the tapes, he was able to dictate to his rivals in a great front running display from driver John Dunn. With the New Zealand Cup in his sights, Classie Brigade remains a key player.

No shortage of winners for Bettor’s Delight with a double at Auckland, where Nun Bettor and Sole Ambition greeted the judge, at Geelong, Soho Notorious and Ruby Delight got the cash and Ale Ale Kai was an Albion Park winner.  

American Ideal had good winners the length and breadth of Australia. Foo Fighter paced 1.50.6 to win at Menangle, the Woodlands bred and raised Classie American was an Albion Park winner, Sammy’s Ideal scored at Bunbury and Prada’s Little Dhaling was a Gloucester Park winner and at Penrith he sired a double when Madre Supremo and Benevolence got the chocolates.

Sweet Lou’s 3yo crop continued on their winning way with Virgil winning at Kaikoura and his ace daughter My Sweet Deal recorded career win number four, with a sixteen metre victory at Pinjarra!

Resident trotting stallion, Pegasus Spur was seen to advantage with winners in Tiger For Life at Melton and Lukyanova won at Cambridge.

BREEDERS CROWN JOY FOR WOODLANDS STUD STALLIONS

The Breeders Crown finals were held in Canada this weekend past and the Woodlands Stud stallions cast a big shadow over the pacing finals, which were held at Woodbine racetrack. With a total of six pacing divisions held, our stallion roster, walked away with five Breeders Crown final winners.

At 21 years old, Bettor’s Delight sired the 2yo colts and gelding’s winner in Tall Dark Stranger, this was juvenile win number eight for this stylish pacer. Bettor’s Delight’s top flight daughter Caviart Ally paced 1.49.3 to win the Breeders Crown mares pace. This was her twenty fourth career win and she has banked over $1.6 million in earnings.

Sweet Lou had a day to remember when he sired both 3yo Breeders Crown winners. His champion daughter Warrawee Ubeaut, clinically despatched her rivals in the filly’s division, pacing a 1.50.2 mile, she now is the owner of back to back Breeders Crown titles! Late season bloomer Dancing Lou, sprouted wings to win the 3yo final for colts and geldings. Pacing the mile in 1.50.2, he arrived just in time to secure victory. The win of Dancing Lou gave ex pat Australian trainer Tahn Camilleri, a night she will never forget!

American Ideals’ son American History, took the short way home to win the Open Breeders Crown Pace final in 1.48.3. The 4yo won the $655,000 final, brushing home in 27 seconds.

Just a reminder to Australian breeders that American Ideal’s Australian book is full and closed for the 2019/20 season. Thank you to all breeders who have supported his move to Australia.

SWEET LOUS KIDS DAZZLE IN BREEDERS CROWN ELIMINATIONS AT WOODBINE

Sweet Lou’s 3yo progeny in North America have roared on ahead of the Breeder Crown finals to be held at Woodbine this coming weekend. His champion daughter Warrawee Ubeaut, won her elimination for the 3yo fillies, pacing a mile in 1.50.2. Her career record now extends to 18 career wins and a bank roll of over $1.3 million! In the 3yo boys divisions, late season bloomer Dancin Lou, took the quickest way home when he scooted along the pylons to win in 1.50.1, he now has close to $300,000 in earnings.

Closer to home, Sweet Lou sired a treble in New Zealand, when Spirit Of St Louis scored at Forbury Park and at Cambridge he sired a double when Double Or Nothing won and Larry Lincoln won on debut! In Australia, Sweet Lou’s classy daughter My Sweet Deal was a twenty five metre winner at Bunbury.

American Ideal had good winners on both sides of the ditch, including Captain Max at Cambridge, Ideal Glacier at Riverton, out west he sired a double when Mighty Conqueror and Overboard Again greeted the judge and Emerging Talent was an impressive winner at Melton.

Bettor’s Delight son Bettor’s Wish continued his stellar North American season with victory in his 3yo Breeders Crown elimination at Woodbine. Coming off cover, he powered to victory in 1.51 flat. At Addington, he sired five winners, amongst the brace were Sires Stake winner One Change, Ultimate Sniper and Let’s Delight. Code Black was rewarded with his consistency when he won the Maryborough Cup and Raptors Flight was a Melton winner.