Armidale Stud sire Savoire Vivre signalled a changing of the guard in Tasmania’s stallion ranks when his promising stayer Methuselah won the LR Tasmanian Derby (2200m) on Sunday.

Methuselah had won twice on the mainland for Mornington trainer John McArdle before crossing Bass Strait to defeat the favourite Barysh Quest (West Quest) at Elwick.

Savoire Vivre (Sadler’s Wells) has sired the winners of 53 races in Australia this season for earnings of $806,000.  His lead at the top of the table is growing week by week over West Quest (30 wins and $652,000) who has won the last six Tasmanian titles.

The Derby completed a hat-trick of wins for Savoire Vivre on Sunday.  He started the day with restricted winners Rialto Miss and Packedtotherafters.

Methuselah will now head home for the Listed VRC St Leger at Flemington on April 25.  “He earned a trip down here after beating older horses by five lengths last time,” McArdle said.  “He’s a genuine stayer and is hard to run down once he gets into a rhythm.”

Methuselah (3g Savoire Vivre – Dazzling Vintage by Weasel Clause) is an Armidale product through and through.  The Carrick nursery sold him for $30,000 at the 2010 Tasmanian Magic Millions.  His dam Dazzling Vintage is a full sister to the 2000 Tasmanian Derby winner Father Floyd.

Savoire Vivre has six yearlings catalogued for the Tasmanian Magic Millions in Launceston on February 21.