Americain (USA) made his first appearance back in Australia since last year’s Melbourne Cup at the Swettenham Stud stallion parade on Sunday.
The Group 1 champion arrived at Swettenham last week after covering his first northern hemisphere book at Calumet Farm in Kentucky.
Americain (Dynaformer) has already attracted 144 mares at a $13,750 (inc gst) service fee. “There are only about 20 to 30 bookings left this season,” Swettenham owner Adam Sangster said. “Americain was a superior stayer with a sensational turn of foot and he will be an asset to the Victorian breeding industry.”
Sangster’s comments were backed up by many leading industry figures among a 400 plus crowd at the Nagambie open day.
David Hayes, fresh from a Moonee Valley victory with his G1 Thousand Guineas hopeful Gregers, has been a fan since the stallion was stationed at his Euroa stables. “Americain is the best stayer I’ve ever trained! He was the best two-miler in the world.”
Racing Victoria Chairman Rob Roulston said American deserves the groundswell of support. “He performed in Australia and breeders like that. He’s got the looks and is value at that price.”
Moonee Valley chairman Bob Scarborough owns Wood Nook Stud in Nagambie and he backs more mid-distance and staying races on the calendar. “Americain is a gorgeous horse,” he said. “And he’s by Dynaformer who was a champion sire.”
Sangster cited the Inglis Blue Riband yearling sale as an exciting initiative for breeders of quality middle distance and staying types while also pointing out Americain had enough speed to win as a July 2YO over 1400m at Chantilly.
“He’s from the same sireline as Red Ransom and his damsire Arazi was a Champion 2YO. There are over 170 stakes winners under his first five dams.”
Fellow stallions Equiano (Fr), Master Of Design, Dash For Cash, Host (Chi) and Bianconi (USA) were all on show at Swettenham which comprises 900 acres fronting 3kms of the Goulburn River.
For further information on the Swettenham Stud roster, broodmare owners can contact Sangster (0418 543 633) or Business Development Manager Chris Belli (0417 514 552).
AMERICAIN standing tall at Swettenham Stud
Photo / Vince Caliguri