Vinery and breeders the calibre of John Singleton are leaving no stone unturned in support of Kentucky Derby winner Big Brown.

Singleton’s Strawberry Hills Stud is home to arguably the best boutique band of mares in Australia and many of them are about to deliver foals by the Vinery resident

“To have successful breeders like John behind Big Brown is a huge advantage,” says Vinery Stud’s Conor Phelan.  “The mares at Strawberry Hills at second to none and few stallions would have served a better quality book of mares in their first season than Big Brown.

“Big Brown covered 131 mares in his first season, a number that is right for the horse,” Phelan said.  “That affords him opportunity to get the runners in his first year, but it also gives breeders a chance in that it doesn’t flood the market.

“It’s an ideal scenario. We are eagerly awaiting Big Brown’s first southern hemisphere crop this spring.”

Most of those horses will more than likely find their way to the stables of Gai Waterhouse who is hoping to emulate her stunning success with fellow Vinery tenant More Than Ready.

To that end, Waterhouse is certain Singleton’s investment in Big Brown will pay similar dividends.  “Everyone has ‘Singo’ down as a lucky owner,” Waterhouse said recently.  “But he’s not lucky, he’s just very good at breeding top class racehorses.

“I don’t think ‘Singo’ gets the credit he deserves.  His top broodmares go right back to a wonderful mare my father trained Denise’s Joy.

“He puts his mares to the best stallions like More Than Ready and the results are phenomenal.  More Than Ready is a super sire and ‘Singo’ is on to another winner with his new stallion Big Brown.”

Big Brown should be available for inspection at Vinery from August 25.