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About Warranooke Farm |
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Warranooke Farm, as a thoroughbred stud is a baby when lined up with other long time standing studs located in Victoria and within the well know stud belt of Diggers Rest and Toolern Vale, just 50 km from the central business district of Melbourne. Within this area 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 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. 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 . 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 last year 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 speed - Luhaif broke the race record over 1,100 metres at Canterbury Park, Sydney as a three year old. 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. we are looking forward to our first drop of foals this year and to the first commercial stud season for this beautifully bred and truly correct stallion. 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 100 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.
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Copyright (c) 2005-6 Melbourne Equestrian Academy |
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