Stravinsky is available to New Zealand breeders for the first time since 2006.  He had an appointment in the serving barn within three hours after arriving at Cambridge Stud.

Stravinsky (USA) stood at Coolmore Stud in NSW in 2007 after Equine Influenza stopped him entering New Zealand. Quarantine complications made his return impossible again last year and Cambridge Stud has worked hard to secure his services for 2009.

“He looks absolutely magnificent – I couldn’t be happier with his condition given that he left Japan on the 20th of July,” Sir Patrick Hogan said.

Stravinsky finished serving at his Northern Hemisphere base on July 10.  After ten days in isolation in Japan, he left for America where he had two months quarantine at Ashford Stud in Kentucky.  From there he had a further three weeks quarantine in Melbourne before being transported to New Zealand.

“Breeders haven’t had the chance to see Stravinsky for a while, so they are very welcome to make an appointment to come and see him,” said Sir Patrick.

Stravinsky is currently the sire of 59 individual black type winners.  The son of Nureyev has had winners in 30 countries including 149 in Australia, 128 in America and 99 in New Zealand.

The commercial appeal of Stravinsky was evident at this year’s Karaka Premier Sale where his 31 yearlings sold for an average price of $195,194.  The second-leading seller at the sale, a Stravinsky filly from Diamond Smile, fetched $775,000 to the bid of prominent buyer Dean Hawthorne.

Stravinsky’s book has been limited to 100 mares at a fee of NZ$35,000 plus gst.