Emirates Park Stud and Independent Stallions Victoria have joined forces to stand Artie Schiller at Diggers Rest this year.

The move to run the property under Independent Stallions Victoria management follows Emirates Park’s purchase of a major interest in the emerging stallion Artie Schiller.

He is currently Australia’s leading second season sire headlined by G1 Randwick Guineas winner Laser Hawk.

ISV’s Mike Becker said the move was a win for all parties, but more particularly for the breeders of Victoria with Artie Schiller retained in the State.  “We have seen too many good stallions cut their teeth in Victoria, only to be lost once their commercial appeal has risen,” Becker said.

“It was important that Artie Schiller did not follow that path and I am thankful that Trevor Lobb and Emirates Park have recognised and supported Victoria in making sure Artie Schiller stays here.

“It is a bit of a homecoming for me as I moved to Victoria in 1989 to manage the property when it was known as Stockwell Stud.”

Stockwell was owned by the late Ken Cox and was home to champion sire Showdown in the 1960s and ‘70s.

Independent Stallions Victoria will also stand Al Samer (Redoute’s Choice) and Old Deuteronomy (Storm Cat) for the 2012 breeding season.