RACES WON INCLUDE:
MVRC Cox Plate Gr1, (three times)
VRC Melbourne Cup Gr1, (twice)
MRC Caulfield Guineas Gr1 (twice),
Canterbury Guineas Gr1 (twice),
ATC Flight Stakes Gr1 (twice),
UK Eclipse Stakes Gr1,
Ireland's Champion Stakes G1,
Ireland's Tattersalls Gold Cup G1,
MRC Caulfield Cup Gr1,
VRC Australian Cup Gr1,
ATC Derby Gr1
MRC Thousand Guineas Gr1,
Hong Kong Bowl Gr1,
Britain's Eclipse Stakes G1,
Ireland's Champion Stakes G1,
Ireland's Tattersalls Gold Cup Gr1,
Singapore Tunku Gold Cup Gr1,
ATC Vinery Stud (Arrowfield) Stakes Gr1,
ATC Oaks Gr1,
VRC Chrysler (Emirates) Stakes Gr1,
VRC Oaks Gr1
ATC Doncaster Hcp Gr1,
VRC MacKinnon Stakes Gr1
QTC Winter Stakes Gr1
MRC Toorak Hcp Gr1
MRC Underwood Stakes Gr1
MRC Yalumba Stakes Gr1
VATC Orr Stakes Gr1,
ATC Tea Rose Stakes Gr2,
MRC Memsie Stakes Gr2
Expressway Stakes Gr2,
Emancipation Stakes Gr2
ATC Royal Sovereign Stakes Gr2,
ATC Chelmsford Stakes Gr2,
ATC Theo Marks Gr2,
ATC Ajax Stakes Gr2,
QTC Brisbane Cup Gr2
VRC Wakeful Stakes Gr2 (twice)
ATC Premiere Stakes Gr2
ATC Hill Stakes Gr2 (twice),
VRC Kewney S Gr2
ATC Tulloch Stakes Gr2,
ATC Gloaming Stakes Gr2, (twice)
MVRC Moonee Valley Cup Gr2 (twice),
VRC Lexus (SAAB) Stakes Gr2,
VRC St Leger Gr2,
ATC The Schweppes (Ballieu) Stakes Gr3,
The Curragh Mooresbridge Stakes Gr3
MRC Norman Robinson Gr3,
MRC Guineas Prelude Gr3,
ATC Konica Stakes Gr3 (twice),
ATC Star Kingdom Stakes Gr3,
Kembla 2yo Classic Gr3,
ATC South Pacific Classic Gr3,
ATC Manion Cup Gr3 (twice)
MVRC Coongy Hcp Gr3,
ATC Furious Stakes L,
VRC Carbine Club Stakes L,
ATC Frank Packer Plate Gr3
ATC Stayers Cup L,
ATC Winter Cup L,
ATC Lord Mayors Cup L,
ATC Tattersalls Cup L (3 times),
ATC Frank Underwood Cup LR (twice)
ATC William Inglis Classic,
ATC Australia Day Cup L,
ATC Paramatta Cup L,
ATC Fernhill Stakes L
ATC Japan Trophy L,
ATC Starlight Stakes L,
ATC Hall Mark Stakes L,
ATC Epona S L.
Notable placings in 2nd ATC Derby Gr1 (3 times), 2nd MVRC Cox Plate Gr1, 2nd ATC Rosehill Guineas Gr1, 2nd VRC Newmarket Handicap, 2nd VRC Oaks Gr1, 2nd MRC Toorak Hcp Gr1, 2nd ATC Coolmore Classic Gr1, 2nd ATC The Galaxy Gr1, 2nd MRC 1000 Guineas Gr1, 2nd QTC Brisbane Cup Gr1, 2nd ATC Oaks Gr1 (twice), 2nd ATC Champion Stakes Gr1, 2nd VRC Emirates S Gr1, 2nd MRC Caulfield Cup Gr1, 3rd VRC Melbourne Cup Gr1, 3rd MRC Caulfield Cup Gr1, 3rd VRC Oaks Gr1, 3rd MRC Caulfield Guineas Gr1, 3rd ATC Champion Stakes Gr1, MRC Blue Diamond S Gr1, VRC McKinnon Stakes Gr1 and more
Season 2009/2010 Highlights
The spring of 2009 was a carnival of indulgences. Even Dato Tan Chin Nam, the most successful owner in Australian racing history, could not have fathomed such a haul. In the space of 14 days our clients runners won the Toorak Handicap, Caulfield Cup, Cox Plate and VRC Oaks. All significant Gr.1 events and with four different performers.
It is hard to single out one as being more fulfilling than the others after all there is a tale with all of them. Viewed, the Melbourne Cup winner from 12 months earlier, earned his place in history when returning to win the Caulfield Cup 12 months later. Faint Perfume, bred by Chin Nams Think Big Stud and raced by him and good friends Alan and Colleen Jackson dominated the fillies division with the VRC Oaks victory following her placing in the Gr.1 Thousand Guineas and wins in the Gr.2 Kewney Stakes and Gr.2 Wakeful Stakes. She would go on in the autumn to win the Gr.1 Storm Queen Stakes and finish second in the Gr.1 AJC Oaks.
Allez Wonder, long seen as a potential topliner, met expectation when few thought she would. By annexing the Toorak Handicap she stamped herself as one of Australias most commercial broodmares and only the third female winner of the spring mile since Riccochet Rosie achieved the feat in 1990.
However, it was impossible not to be taken by the rise and rise of So You Think. Having singled him out as a yearling it is immeasurably satisfying to see him emerge as the most promising racehorse Bart Cummings has trained in some time. However, it would be unfaithful to say we were not somewhat surprised when jockey Glen Boss rolled to the front at the first corner on this former backmarker. It would be equally as inflammatory to suggest we expected a romp of such proportions. We await So You Thinks re-emergence as a four-year-old with immense interest.
Season 2009/10 was not a year limited to spring heroics with the Brisbane Winter Carnival proving a fruitful venue as well. Dariana, races in the colours of Bell View Park Stud, justified the investment and time put into her with a stunning display in the Queensland Derby. Scratched at the barriers of the Queensland Oaks, the filly showed no signs of being left at the start in the Derby a week later and gave the boys a lesson in high powered staying. Other stakes and Group winners in the same twelve month period included Precedence (Listed), Kudakulari (Listed) and Kroner (Gr2).
The above mentioned horse were acquired from various origins. So You Think, Dariana and Allez Wonder were purchased at yearling auctions in Australia & New Zealand. Viewed was purchased from paddock as a yearling. Faint Perfume was a homebred, a product of her grandmother and fellow dual Gr1 winner Danendri, who was purchased at auction as a yearling. Mares under management provided the aforementioned Faint Perfume and the likes of the unbeaten Group winner Sidera and the Group 3 and Group 1 placed 3yo filly Marheta. Juveniles from other mares to step out and win include Big Storm & Liveandletdie.
Highlights from Previous Season
It is exceedingly difficult to summarize a series of seasons without doing any horses or their connections a disservice. So I apologize upfront.
It would be remiss of me not to book end this summary with two gallopers close to my heart, Saintly and Viewed, both Melbourne Cup winners. Saintly was bred by Bart Cummings and a share in him was secured privately before he announced his arrival as one of the most gifted athletes in Australian racing history. I speak on behalf of all concerned when I say we were blessed to be in Saintlys company. Vieweds path to fame was less auspicious. Purchased privately out of a paddock he didnt post his first win until his sixth career start when an autumn three-year-old. An extensive break during his four-year-old season proved to be his making and he returned a more mature and stronger animal and snared the Gr.2 Brisbane Cup. His progress to the 2008 Melbourne Cup a few months later was uneventful and his win, while a surprise for many, proved immensely rewarding. That he could return 12 months later to frank his Melbourne Cup performance with a last to first win in the Caulfield Cup was certainly important for his place in our record books. Viewed was a horse close to the heart of all who worked with him.
Between these two great horses our spring, winter and summer carnivals have been joyous ones season after season thanks to the likes of Roman Emperor (Gr.1 AJC Australian Derby), Russeting (Gr.1 Winter Stakes), Gods Own (Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas & sold as a stallion in a deal valuing him at $12m), Wonderful World (Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas & now sire), Catalan Opening (Gr.1 Doncaster Handicap, Gr.1 VRC Chrysler [Emirates] Stakes, Gr.2 Hong Kong Bowl) and the gifted fillies Danendri (Champion Filly of the Year, Gr.1 AJC Oaks, Gr.1 Ansett Stakes, 2nd AJC Australian Derby), Danarani (Gr.1 Flight Stakes), Dashing Eagle (Gr.1 1000 Guineas, Gr.1 Flight Stakes) and Fine Society (Gr.1 Canterbury Guineas).
Other high class group winners include Accumulate (Gr.2), Book of Kells (Gr.2), Kosi Bay (Gr.2), Pendragon (Gr.2), Strasbourg (Gr.2), Pasta Express (Gr.2), Frightening (Gr.2), Beat The Fade (Gr.2) and Super Monarch (Gr.3).
ON THE FARM
DGR also has extensive experience in the design and project management of commercial studs. In recent years we have worked with Brooklyn Lodge, Think Big Stud and Bell View Park Stud to design and manage the construction of showpiece thoroughbred establishments.
All three projects provided unique challenges with different landscapes, environmental challenges and budgetary requirements. Please do not hesitate to contact DGR if you would like to discuss the design and or management of your property.
Brooklyn Lodge
Brooklyn Lodge under construction. It is now one of the premier agistment farms in Australia
Brooklyn Lodge has been developed into one of the Hunter Valleys most highly regarded boutique studs. A trotting farm at the time of purchase, Brooklyn Lodge required significant redevelopment to meet the needs of a commercial thoroughbred stud. The aerial shot below outlines some of the redevelopment which included:
- a change in farm layout
- construction of new access points on and off the farm
- implementation of vital irrigation supplies
- pasture development
- fencing
- appointment of architects for structural design
- additional land acquisition
- development of a commercial beef cattle program
DGRs extensive experience ensured the concept for the redevelopment of Brooklyn Lodge included many of the worlds best stud practices. Brooklyn Lodge is now a fully irrigated 800-acre property that can attest to being one of the finest agistment farms in Australia.
Think Big Stud
In early 2007 DGR become responsible for the acquisition and development of Think Big Stud in the NSW Southern Highlands. The original instruction was clear: secure high quality land for the growing of young thoroughbreds that was within reach of Sydney. After extensive researching of properties across NSW DGR singled out Inverness Stud as meeting the requirements set out.
Significant farming and capital works have been carried out on Think Big Stud to bring it up to commercial standards and, in a short time, it has emerged as both a leading nursery and boutique stallion station.
Think Big Stud has undergone significant pastoral developement and is now one of Australia's finest nurseries
At present Think Big Stud is 200 acres in size and caters to two stallions, a high quality broodmare band and their progeny.
Think Big Stud has undergone significant pastoral improvements and is one of Australias finest thoroughbred nurseries
Bell View Park Stud
The Mackrell family approached DGR to facilitate the design and construction of Bell View Park Stud in 2006. At this time the property was 55 acres in size. A second 55 are plot was later secured.
The property that was to become Bell View Park required extensive redesign and development to bring it up to the standards of a commercial breeding farm. These works included:
- layout of paddocks
- implementation of farming programs to improve pastures
- appointment of contractors for major works
- design of a training track
- the construction of two houses and additional thoroughbred facilities
- fencing
Bell View Park before undergoing extensive redesign and development. It is now a commercial stud with a growing brand
IN THE BREEDING BARN
The purchase and management of thoroughbred breeding stock is a feature of DGR's client activity.
DGR has purchased fillies and broodmares at auction and privately on behalf of clients that consistently produce good returns to the original client and their future owners. We have a record of success with a range of budgets and work diligently to ensure you receive the best return for your investment.
Examples include:
Allez Wonder: Clients of DGR were advised to buy into Allez Wonder as a yearling. A $600,000 purchase, this beautifully bred mare justified such a pricetag when winning the Gr.1 Toorak Handicap and the Listed Keith Nolan Classic. Allez Wonder retired with racetrack earnings of more than $500,000 and was sold at public auction for $1 million.
Russeting: Russeting was purchased as a tried horse from the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale for $300,000. At her first start for new clients she won the Gr.1 Winter Stakes and collected first prizemoney of $325,000. Russeting is now a highly valuable broodmare.
Dashing Eagle: A $120,000 private purchase as a yearling, Dashing Eagle went on to stamp herself as one of the leading fillies of her generation. Dashing Eagle became a dual Gr.1 winner of over $585,000 and was then sold for a six figure sum as a broodmare. Five yearlings were produced by her new owners before her again changing hands. Those five yearlings sold for a collective $1.9 million.
Danendri: Danendri was an $80,000 yearling purchase who also became dual Gr.1 winner on the track with stakes earnings topping $1.1 million. She is now the dam of the Group winner Zingam, who was retained as her first foal, while other yearlings have been sold for $470,000, $400,000 and $275,000 etc.
Tyrises: Tyrises was purchased as a $32,000 yearling but made her mark as a broodmare rather than a racehorse. As a broodmare she produced the high class sprinter Taikun won seven of his 14 starts with earnings of almost $400,000.
Nassipoint: Nassipoint was a very moderately priced mare who subsequently left the talented performer Pasta Express. This classy gelding won more than $650,000 in a career that included a victory in the Gr.2 Chelmsford Stakes and back-to-back starts in the Melbourne Cup. Nassipoint subsequently produced Stella Maree who was a three time stakes winner. Her subsequent progeny sold for up to $825,000.
Zazabelle: Zazabelle went within a breath of greatness when a fast finishing third to Rogan Josh in the 1999 Melbourne Cup. Originally a $150,000 yearling purchase she was also placed in the Gr.1 AJC Oaks and won almost $300,000 in prizemoney. Her yearlings have sold at auction for up to $350,000.
the highest order on the racetrack.
Gr1, Tattersalls Gold Cup Gr1, UK Eclipse Stakes Gr1, Irish Champion Stks G1, Gloaming Stakes Gr2, Memsie Stakes Gr2 etc 
