About Warranooke Farm

Warranooke Farm, as a thoroughbred stud, began in 2005. The farm is located within the "stud belt' of Toolern Vale, Victoria and just 50 km from the central business district of Melbourne. Within Toolern Vale boundaries and along Coimadai Road, some of Australia's most famous studs and indeed stallions once dotted the landscape. Some of those studs are a memory and sadly, great stallions such as Showdown are no longer with us. However, the area is still recognised as the heart of thoroughbred country in Victoria.

Warranooke Farm is centred on 30 acres upon which is the homestead, Academy, 30 agistment paddocks, 2 ménage rings and stables. We also have a further 130 acres of open pasture paddocks.

Paddocks and fencing (post and rail and sprung plastic coated wire) are of the highest standard, being built specifically for horse safety and practicality. The majority of the paddocks are double fenced with lanes separating paddocks.

Warranooke Farm was established some eighteen years ago by Catherine Shelley, highly recognised and regarded Equestrian professional, rider and coach. Catherine launched The Melton Equestrian Academy at that time, which, today is a very successful riding academy, catering for beginners through to advanced students and riders, with up to 100 students attending during any given week. Many current and ex students have reached champion status and indeed the Australian Olympic Equestrian teams.

A few years back Catherine hitched up with Buddy England, successful singer, song writer and performer. Buddy has a long time relationship with thoroughbreds as a breeder and owner. Catherine and Buddy introduced thoroughbreds to Warranooke Farm five years ago at which time Catherine then secured her trainers licence. Their first winner soon came. Royal Nomad, an un-raced gelding which was a reject from a top racing stable, led from the jump in a 2200m race at Seymour and was the only horse in the finish photo winning by six lengths, with another three lengths to third the third place ed horse. Today, they have several horses in work at any given time.

Breeding was always at front of mind from the start and inevitably, several mares were purchased two years ago, followed by the purchase of Luhaif, our first stallion, from His Highness Sheik Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Maktoum, who paid $525,000AU for him at the 2001 Magic Million Sales, setting a record price paid for an Octagonal yearling.

Luhaif was purchased because of his bloodlines, his temperament, correctness and his potential speed together with his prospect as a future stallion - Luhaif broke the race record over 1,100 metres at Canterbury Park, Sydney as a three year old as well as the track record over 1200m at his next start at Kembla Grange.

Luhaif served Warranooke Farm mares privately during the 2005 season, as a test to ensure he was virile and indeed fertile. We are happy to say that he has a 100% fertility record for 2005, 6 & 7. Luhaif has "stamped all of his first drop of foals, now two year olds, as he has with his yearlings. They are all well boned, correct and carry his muscle tone. This year, 2008, will be his third year standing at Warranooke Farm and we are looking forward to another successful season for this beautifully bred and truly correct stallion.

Please take the time to check Luhaif out by clicking the link on this page.

Melton Equestrian Academy