The number of mares covered by Victorian sires increased in 2015 against a national trend that saw numbers fall by 3.1%.

Victorian based stallions served 4,801 mares representing an increase of 1.6% when compared to 2014.  Its percentage of the national book has risen from 23% in 2011 to 26% in 2015.

“This great result is due to the hard work and investment by Victorian broodmare and stallion owners over the past few years,” TBV President James O’Brien said.  “It also reflects a positive mood and confidence in the State’s industry. And why wouldn’t there be with a record $20 million plus available annually through Racing Victoria’s VOBIS schemes and another $1.5 million coming in 2019 through the new VOBIS Sires.

“These aspects have come about due to a positive cooperative approach between State Government, Racing Victoria, owners, trainers and breeders.”

Chatswood Stud’s Reward for Effort (209) was the busiest stallion followed by Woodside Park’s Written Tycoon (184), Swettenham newcomer Toronado (174), Woodside Park’s Zoustar (156) and Eliza Park International’s Fighting Sun (149).

Victoria’s crop of first season sires in 2015 was one of the best ever seen and this was reflected in their popularity.  Swettenham Stud / Al Shaqab shuttler Toronado (174) led the way followed by Darley Victoria’s Brazen Beau (139), Swettenham’s Puissance De Lune (95), Bombora Downs’ Warhorse (77) and Larneuk Stud’s Cluster (68).