Highview Stud-based reverse shuttle stallion Danroad has immediately made an impact with yearling buyers in the Northern Hemisphere.
His first northern hemisphere yearling was knocked down for 46,000 pounds to agent Luke Lillingston at the Doncaster St Leger Yearling Sale in England this week.
The colt was offered by the Hong Kong Breeders Club, which owns Danroad, from the draft of Canice Farrell’s Knocktarina House Stud.
His dam is the Diesis mare, Demeter, who comes from an outstanding family and one which has close New Zealand connections. Demeter’s dam is the Group 1 Irish 1000 Guineas winner Nicer who also produced Chablis, the dam of Wellington/Avondale Guineas runner-up Pinot Grigio.
Danroad’s 2008 southern hemisphere breeding season is underway and the son of Danehill has attracted a fantastic book of broodmares from New Zealand breeders.
“It is by far the best book of mares in terms of quality and quantity that Danroad has attracted since he began his stud career,” said Brent Gillovic, of Highview Stud.
Danroad had an exceptional start with his first 2yo crop in Australia and New Zealand this year.
The major highlight coming when the son of Danroad, Rockdale, captured the major prize in the Group 1 A$505,000 TJ Smith Classic (1600m) at Eagle Farm racetrack in Brisbane. Rockdale was one of the highest-rated 2yos in Australasia last season.
Danroad was the leading New Zealand-based first-season sire of 2007/08 based on Australasian progeny earnings. He had four individual winners and two other placegetters from nine individual starters in Australasia last season.
