While the arrival of spring reminds us of years past when it was possible to enjoy being among the hustle and bustle of the Spring Racing Carnival’s unbridled, ahem, social gatherings, season 2020 is shaping up to look considerably different.
But all is not lost. In fact, a local good news story has emerged that might just have us all riding high.
Garry Cuddy, general manager of Spendthrift Australia, a leading thoroughbred stud farm located in the Macedon Ranges’ scenic Kerrie Valley, has very generously offered to donate a nomination to their young, exciting stallion Overshare to the shire’s only community-owned, not-for-profit aged care facility, RM Begg Kyneton Aged Care Inc.
At first glance, the odds of a horse stud fundraising for an aged-care organisation might seem, well, long. But, as Cuddy, who was recently appointed to the Thoroughbred Breeders Victoria Board, explained, “COVID doesn’t discriminate and has meant that the annual stallion parades have had to go online.
“Traditional open days here at the farm usually attract large numbers of visitors, which translate into bookings for our stallions for breeding services.
“This season will have its challenges and we know that a lot of other people are doing it tough, especially in the aged-care sector. So, this is a way we can help make a difference in our local community.”
A stakes-winning son of super-sire I Am Invincible, the farm’s stallion Overshare began his stud career in 2018 and his first crop of yearlings will hit sale rings during the 2020-21 season. Overshare is an extremely good-looking stallion who throws stunning foals.
“At an $11,000 service fee, Overshare is an ideal alternative for breeders whose budgets can’t quite stretch to I Am Invincible’s $209,000 fee,” Cuddy said.
“The aim of our fundraiser is to ‘share’ a nomination to Overshare with RM Begg.”
The equine industry forms a large part of Macedon Ranges local economy from breeding and training to many support industries and services such as vets and farriers as well as manufacturers of horse-related products and feed. RM Begg spokesperson Sarah Collier welcomed the generous support of Spendthrift Australia and invited mare owners to submit their offers for this wonderful stallion and get behind this amazing and generous gesture.
“We hope the bidding whips up some real excitement among breeders and we’d love to see a photo finish!” Ms Collier quipped.
HOW BREEDERS CAN BID
Overshare will stand at Spendthrift Australia for a service fee of $11,000 incl. GST.
You can view Overshare on Spendthrift Australia’s virtual stallion parade on their website: www.spendthrift.com.au/stallions/overshare
Bids to buy the donated stallion nomination to Overshare for this stud season can be made via Bloodstock Auctions: www.bloodstockauction.com.au
Bids open Thursday October 1 and close Tuesday October 6.
Donations can also be made directly to RM Begg via their website: www.raymbegg.org.au/donate
