Group 1 sprinter Equiano took to shuttling without missing a beat at Swettenham Stud last week.

Equiano is the first son of Acclamation to stand in Australia after covering a full book at Newsells Park in Hertfordshire.

Little more than a week after leaving quarantine, he was back in harness at Swettenham and his first southern cover was the Redoute’s Choice mare Plus Jamais.  Owned by Swettenham’s Adam Sangster, she had delivered a stunning Kaphero colt on August 9.

Equiano travelled out with David Porter-Mackrell who confirmed the buzz surrounding Acclamation.  “The sireline has really come to life in Europe,” David explained.  “Acclamation is on top of the 2YO sires’ premiership and his son Dark Angel is also challenging for the first-season title.

“Equiano finished with a 90% plus fertility rate with his first northern book,” he said.  “He covered 128 mares and there was no shortage of quality among them.

“He’s a relaxed character and is an easy horse to handle.  He took the trip out here without any problems at all.”

Porter-Mackrell is on his second tour to Australia after escorting Mount Nelson from Newsells Park to Baerami Thoroughbreds in the Hunter Valley two years ago.

He previously worked for Juddmonte Farms at Banstead Manor and at Whitsbury Manor Stud when Cadeaux Genereux topped the roster.

Equiano was a dual winner of the G1 King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot and his laid-back attitude impressed broodmare owners when he paraded at Swettenham on successive Sundays late last month.

He is available at a $16,500 (inc gst) service fee.

For further enquiries call Swettenham on 03 5794 2044 (stud) or 03 9258 4898 (office).