The impending sale of Byerley Stud in the Hunter Valley has resulted in a change of location for Sharkbite.  The Redoute’s Choice sire will be switched to Eliza Park for the 2010 breeding season.

With the phenomenal success of sons of Redoute’s Choice at stud, Eliza Park was quick to snap up the opportunity to stand Sharkbite, who is one of only two stakes winning sons of Redoute’s Choice at stud in Victoria.  

Eliza Park also stands G1 Caulfield Guineas winner God’s Own (Redoute’s Choice) in association with Yallambee Stud.  Eliza Park will stand Sharkbite in conjunction with shareholders Jonathan Munz and Joe Throsby.

“There is no doubting the potential of the Redoute’s Choice sire dynasty and he has the runs on the board, ” Eliza Park CEO Cameron Croucher said.  “Sharkbite is a smashing type with an incredible pedigree and cost $900,000 as a yearling.

“Sharkbite received strong support from Jonathan and the Throsbys, as well as outside breeders at Byerley last year,” Croucher continued.  “They have firmly committed to supporting him again with an outstanding group of mares.

“Joe and Debbie Throsby have already enjoyed incredible stallion success as the initial shareholders of Encosta de Lago which started his stud career at a fee of $8,500!”

Sharkbite showed untapped ability as a two year-old and, despite being troubled by persistent shin-soreness, won his first two starts in brilliant fashion for Rod Douglas.  He was runner-up to Haradasun in the Listed MRC Vain Stakes (110m) as a three year-old and was also placed behind G1 Caulfield Guineas winner Wonderful World.

Sharkbite also scored a sizzling win down the straight-six at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day and he stretched out to 1700m for a Listed victory in the Lord Stakes at Caulfield.  

Sharkbite is from the Juddmonte Farms bred mare Back Pass (Quest for Fame).  She is a half-sister to the G2 winner Three Valleys and hails from the family of champion mare Hasili.

Hasili is the dam of the Group 1 winners Banks Hill, Intercontinental, Heat Haze, Cacique and Champs Elysees.  Her G2 winning son Dansili is one of the best stallions in Europe.

Eliza Park has already announced its roster this year will include the newcomers Bushranger and Wanted.  Sharkbite will stand at a fee of $5,500 (inc gst).