A record attendance at Eliza Park International’s Open Day at Kerrie should provide its stallions with an ideal springboard for the 2014 breeding season.

Some 500 Victorians (and quite a few interstaters for that matter) had their first opportunity to inspect both Fiorente and Fighting Sun since they retired from the track, while other crowd favourites included 7-time Victorian champ, Bel Esprit, Wanted, Magnus, Statue of Liberty and Black Caviar’s brother, Moshe.  And having the lightning quick, Squamosa, as first cab off the rank proved to be a popular move too.

“It was certainly the biggest turnout we’ve seen at Eliza,” EPI’s Sales & Nominations Manager, Mark Lindsay, pointed out.  “The stallions all looked in terrific order – Bel Esprit is incredibly popular – but naturally enough it was Fiorente and Fighting Sun that many were there to see.

“I had to announce that Fighting Sun was fully booked, but quite a few people signed up on the spot for next year.

“Fiorente is heading that way too: everyone has seen him on TV of course and from a distance at the track but when you get up close and personal, it’s a whole new ball game.  He is such a good looking horse.

“But it wasn’t all just about stallion parades: the food was great, we recycled quite a few bottles and the Expo went off a treat with marquees set up for a whole range of suppliers including pedigree analysis, taxation, gear, veterinary, nutrition, syndication, insurance, stabling, clothing, wines … there was even a jewellery stand!”

Fiorente’s first cover earlier this week was the Sadler’s Wells mare, Marie Rose, from the Group 2 winner Langoustine and closely related to Royal Academy and Storm Cat.

Fighting Sun’s initial mission – gladly accepted – was the Bel Esprit gal, Champagne Flute, a close relation to 3-time Group 1 winner Maldivian.

FIGHTING SUN
Photo / Sharon Chapman