Cambridge Stud has announced Highly Recommended (Aus) will join its roster in 2018.
Initially based in the South Island at Berkley Stud, he will stand alongside Tavistock, Power and Burgundy next year.
A Group 2 winner of the MVRC Alister Clark Stakes, he is a Fastnet Rock half-brother to Australian Group winners Sky Cuddle and Sky Love. “We believe that this decision is in the stallion’s best interests,” Berkley Stud’s Edwina Morris said. “We remain in the ownership and will fully support him in the coming seasons.”
Highly Recommended is off to a flying start at stud. He was runner-up on the NZ First Season Sires’ table last season and has just served 140 mares in his latest book.
With his eldest progeny now three, Highly Recommended is the sire of 8 winners, including 4 stakes performers, from 21 starters to date. His leading progeny include G2 Sarten Memorial Stakes winner Sumstreetsumwhere, Listed winner Waldorf, Group 1-placed Joyfilly and Wanganui Guineas runner-up Kirkland.
“The Danehill – Fastnet Rock sireline is the most pre-potent in the southern hemisphere,” incoming Cambridge Stud chief executive Henry Plumptre said. “With access to a wider pool of quality broodmares, we believe the progeny of Highly Recommended will be keenly sought after domestically and internationally.”
Sir Patrick Hogan sold Cambridge Stud to Brendan and Jo Lindsay last month and former Darley manager Plumptre was their first appointment. He is recognised world-wide following a distinguished career spanning three continents and over 40 years of involvement in the business.