Opportunity to tap into Valachi Downs’ success ends Friday

[Wandering Eyes]

Astute breeder Kevin Hickman’s foresight and the rolling hills of his Matamata-based Valachi Downs has produced many high-class gallopers including champion race mare Silent Achiever.

With just two days left to bid on their Unreserved Reduction Sale on Gavelhouse Plus, buyers have the opportunity to tap into the farm’s success via 52 Lot broodmares including 38 in-foal mares and 10 with foals at foot. Bidding ends from 7pm (NZ) on Friday 26 March.

Joining Silent Achiever (O’Reilly) on the farm’s lengthy honour roll having been bred and or raised at Valachi Downs are the likes of of Gr.1 Diamond Stakes and Karaka Million winner Vespa (Elusive City), Gr.1 NZ 2000 Guineas winner Ugo Foscolo (Zacinto), champion 3yo filly in Australia, Shamrocker (O’Reilly), Gr.1 Auckland Cup winner and Oaks place-getter Rock Diva (Lucky Owners), Gr.2 BTC The Roses Stakes and Listed Gold Bracelet winner Bohemian Lily (O’Reilly), Gr.3 Sunline Vase winner Communiqué (Redwood), Gr.2 ARC Royal Stakes winner Needle And Thread (Makfi) and Gr.2 ARC Royal Stakes winner She Brings Joy (Sebring). 

Making the above more remarkable in the scheme of breeding operations is that this success has been achieved in a relatively short space of time while the current online offering reflects a decision to cut back on numbers and return to a more boutique style business. 

“We have been delighted to be inundated with people coming to the Stud to inspect the mares on offer in this Sale,” General Manager Gareth Downey said.

“There has been an endless stream of vehicles winding their way around the rolling hills of Valachi, with many genuine purchasers inspecting large numbers of mares on offer.”

“We look forward to sharing the journey ahead with these mares with the eventual purchasers and we look forward to finding out on Friday night who our partners in this journey will be.”

Scanning of all mares listed as in foal in the auction was completed early this week with all confirmed to still be in foal. None of the mares carrying pregnancies in the auction have been foetal sex tested.

The entire offering has been inspected by New Zealand Bloodstock agents and notes are available to prospective buyers by contacting Kane Jones kane.jones@nzb.co.nz | +64 27 274 4985.

Buyers must pre-register to bid in this Gavelhouse Plus auction and are encouraged to do so earlier rather than later.

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