Rev up with Dundeel
Dundeel's four 2YO Group 1 performers this season have made everyone pay attention. (PHOTO: Joan Faras)
Last year we alerted breeders that the big lift in both the numbers and quality of Dundeel’s 2020 and 2021 crops would turbo-charge the next stage of his career.
The yearling sale results for his 2020 crop confirm that buyers heard the message, liked what they saw in the ring and rewarded breeders & vendors accordingly:
- 91 lots averaged $239,000 across the 2022 Magic Millions January and Inglis Classic, Premier & Easter sales.
- Dundeel posted a career-best average of $368,000 at Inglis Easter 2022 highlighted by his first two $1 million+ yearlings, and a Magic Millions January average of $246,000.
Segenhoe Stud’s $725,000 Dundeel-Sweetener colt, sold at Magic Millions 2022. (PHOTO: Bronwen Healy) - 54 Dundeel yearlings sold for $200,000 or more, and 13 made $400,000+.
- 2022 buyers of Dundeel yearlings include: China Horse Club/Newgate/Trilogy Racing, Ciaron Maher, Danny O’Brien, Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott, Godolphin, Hawkes Racing, John O’Shea, Lindsay Park, Mick Price, Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou, Suman Hedge/Julian Blaxland/Freedman Racing, TFI/Kia Ora & Yes Bloodstock.
One of those stables has made the prediction that on the back of his just-turned 2YOs and yearlings Dundeel will be a top 10 Australian sire by season 2024/25.
Champion trainers Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott backed their analysis by purchasing 5 Dundeel yearlings out of mares by Dubawi, Foxwedge, Medaglia D’Oro, Sebring & Written Tycoon – among them the son of Group 1 winner Secret Admirer.
That kind of support makes breeding to Dundeel in 2022 a smart strategy. Because his 2023 foals will be yearlings in 2025 when his first two crops bred at $66,000 are in the prime of their racing careers as 3YOs & 4YOs.
And given what Dundeel has done already – 9.5% Stakes Horses/Runners including 5 Group 1 winners – that 2024/25 season is going to be very exciting indeed.
