Grange Thoroughbreds signs Pillar of Hercules

Victorian stallion ranks for 2010 will be boosted by Group 1 performer Pillar Of Hercules who will stand his debut season at Grange Thoroughbreds.

Pillar Of Hercules was purchased by Caulfield trainer Peter Moody for $475,000 at the 2006 Sydney Easter Yearling sale and after just seven starts was sold to new owners for $1.8 million.

He trained on to win the G3 Norman Robinson Stakes at Caulfield and was also placed in the G1 Toorak Handicap where he beat G1 winners Turffontein, Valedictum and Littorio.

“He was one heck of a horse,” champion trainer Peter Moody recalled.  “He’s a magnificent type with a fantastic pedigree.”

Pillar Of Hercules is by Group1 winning Danehill sire Rock Of Gibraltar from the Brocco mare Coat.  His dam is a half-sister to Champion 2YO Sire Catbird and the promising young stallions Danbird and Bearcat.  It’s also the family of successful sire Maizcay.

Rock of Gibraltar has sired 55 individual stakes winners worldwide and he has enjoyed a stellar set of results over the last few months.  

His showcase performers in Europe this year include top filly Jacqueline Quest who first past the post in the G1 English 1000 Guineas.  His stakes winning son Society Rock was runner-up to Starspangledbanner in the G1 Golden Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot last month.

Rock Of Gibraltar’s southern hemisphere stakes winners in 2009-10 have been headed by G1 Epsom Handicap hero Rock Kingdom as well as the black-type winners La Rocket, Proart and Solid Billing.

Grange Thoroughbreds is situated north of Nagambie and is operated by well-known industry couple Gary Mudgway and Kylie Wood.  They have spent the last four years developing the facilities at the Arcadia property and the next step is to stand Pillar Of Hercules as its foundation sire.

Pillar Of Hercules will stand his debut season at a fee of $6,600 (inc gst) with special deals available for multiple bookings.

For further information call Grange Thoroughbreds (03) 5826 7281 or Sheamus Mills 0411 600 530.