Arrowfield is the first of the Hunter Valley studs to release its fees for the 2010 season.  Stud principal John Messara has foreshadowed a trend that will be followed by other industry heavyweights when he reduced the cost of a Redoute’s Choice cover from $198,000 (inc gst) to $176,000 (inc gst).

Monday’s press release from Arrowfield said the stud had reassessed Redoute’s Choice’s service fee, notwithstanding his excellent recent results both on the track and in the sale ring.

“At his 2010 fee, we believe breeders have an outstanding opportunity of breeding a highly profitable yearling, or a champion – or both.  Redoute’s Choice has just completed a limited Northern Hemisphere breeding season and to date has nine of 11 mares covered in-foal on the first cover.  

“Hussonet will, this season, be available for Foal Shares Only.  He represents a world class source of outcross blood to meld with proven Australian lines and we seek to share this with other breeders.

“The modest increases to the fees for Starcraft, Snitzel and Charge Forward are indicative of their excellent results and their ascension to the proven ranks.

“Flying Spur’s new fee of $55,000 (inc gst) is enticing for a Champion sire of 73 stakes winners and over $83 million in progeny earnings and whose 45 Easter yearlings averaged $200,000.

“Importantly, breeders also know that, at Arrowfield, our approach to service fees is universally consistent, except for our usual discounts for multiple bookings.

“Arrowfield has supported the yearling market this year in a significant way by buying from its customers.  This support, not limited to our own stallions, in whom we believe, will continue into the future.

“This year we welcome two new stallions – the first additions to our roster in four years.  All American and Manhattan Rain are major Group 1 winners from prepotent sire lines and superb female families; they meet all conformation expectations.”

ARROWFIELD 2010 SERVICE FEES

REDOUTE’S CHOICE   $176,000
FLYING SPUR    $55,000
MANHATTAN RAIN   $49,500
STARCRAFT   $38,500
CHARGE FORWARD   $33,000

SNITZEL   $27,500
ALL AMERICAN   $16,500
DANZERO   $16,500
NOT A SINGLE DOUBT    $13,750
HUSSONET   Foal Shares Only

All fees (inc gst)