The 2009 Breeding Season is almost upon us and more than ever, broodmare owners are faced with a number of important and tough decisions.

The financial meltdown has impacted on the Breeding Industry in very strong terms and we recognise that many broodmare owners first question is not WHAT they might breed their mare to - but WILL they breed their mare at all.

One positive to have come from the situation is the major reduction in values of service fees and other industry costs, which, in many ways, was overdue in the market which was overheating to levels out of touch with most breeders.

Now, more than ever, breeders are forced to make one vital decision before deciding their matings for 2009 - and that is to ask themselves if they are breeding to sell, or breeding to race, the resultant progeny.

The opportunities to gain spots in selected yearling sales are
getting harder and the costs of pursuing that course are getting higher. We, at INDEPENDENT STALLIONS VICTORIA, see a pleasing growth in the broodmare owners looking to race their progeny and we are confident that we can present stallions to fit that mould. We believe we can offer proven and unproven stallions at affordable fees which limit the downside in this very tough and competitive business.

We trust you will agree that our 2009 roster offers something for breeders at all levels of the industry.

ARTIE SCHILLER (USA) is returning for his third season at ISV and indicators are that his limited book of 100 mares will fill quickly. Reports on the quality of ARTIE SCHILLERs first Australian foals has contributed to the interest in him for 2009 and I am confident we will see his first yearlings well received in the markets next year. Again, Artie is attracting a high quality book of mares which will assist ensure his success on the racetrack.

The success of US stallion Medaglio D'Oro has also been a bonus to followers of Artie Schiller as he is the first son of EL PRADO to have runners. Medaglio D'Oro shot to prominence this year through the seeds of his Champion 3yo filly Rachel Alexander whose wins included a record breaking Kentucky Oaks, followed by the Preakness Stakes.

INDEPENDENT STALLIONS VICTORIA is also delighted to have gained the proven sire KING CUGAT (USA) who offers breeders outstanding value for a successful Group One sire. KING CUGAT has been highy successful in both Hemishpere's and has built up an imposing stakes-level earning list. KING CUGAT will remain in Australia following this season and will be benefitted by not continuing to shuttle. In a year where costs are being rightfully analysed very strongly, we believe KING CUGAT fits the bill ideally for breeders looking for a proven stallion at a sensible price.

The strong book of 139 mares attracted by DENON (USA) in his fourth season in 2008, took a lot of industry people by surprise but I can assure you that it was no surprise to us. Apart from his very strong credentials in terms of racetrack performance and pedigree, the reports on the development of his first Australian crop, coupled with his first season success in Italy, boded well for his Southern Hemisphere chances. And he is living up to those expectations with a quite, but encouraging start with two winners and three placegetters from his first six runners.

DENON'S story will unfold in the new racing season as more progeny begin their careers and stretch out to more suitable distances.

KEMPINSKY (NZ) is in a similar positing to DENON, with limited starters, as expected, in his first season. However, with large numbers coming through early preparations, the future will take shape for this highly-credentialled young stallion in the new season of racing. We are confident that it will be an exciting year for his large number of supporters.

KING OF ROSES continues to find a high level of winners and stakes-performers from his limited number of runners. With three stakes-winners from 30 runners, KING OF ROSES has shown that he is a stallion of high calibre although his first commercial-sized crop of foals are just yearlings. We believe he is the ideal stallion for breeders wishing to rear and race their own progeny with KING OF ROSES getting stakes-winners at two and horses training on to be successful at a middle distance as older horses.

Our two older Champions, BRIEF TRUCE and ARAZI will be covering limited numbers in light of their advancing years.
BRIEF TRUCE has been a success of great order with his progeny but is now leap-frogging up the Broodmare Sires ranks as well. From foals we have seen over the last two years, we remain confident that his next top class horse is not far away.

ARAZI continues to add to his reputation as a broodmare sire with yet another Group One victor in the US in June. His statistics, from his limted number of broodmares at stud across the world, are quite staggering.

We wish broodmare owners every success in 2009 with the tough decisions they are facing. We certainly hope our stallions can attract your interest and please remember that every day is an OPEN DAY at INDEPENDENT STALLIONS VICTORIA. Please call us at any time to arrange to see our stallions, have a chat or join us for coffee and the famous TAHBILK WINERY next door.

Yours faithfully,

 
 Mike Becker