Blockbuster Aussie Deal For Rocknroll Hanover - EXCLUSIVE
Aug 1
In what surely must be the most significant stallion deal ever struck by the southern hemisphere, Empire Stallions has leased leading sire Rocknroll Hanover for the upcoming breeding season.
Operated by David James and Donna Egan, the Australian nursery will stand the 9-year-old Western Ideal son for a fee of AUS $12,500.
"You're talking to about the happiest guy in the world right now," said James, who has just returned to the state of Victoria from his home in Middletown, New York.
Although born in Canada, James had been an American-based bloodstock agent for many years before launching a breeding farm in Australia some 15 years ago.
"I cannot say enough about Perretti Farms and their professionalism in this arrangement," James added. "It could not have gone better and I believe it is such a significant accomplishment for the breed.
"Rocknroll Hanover has been a great sire in North America and never before has the very best from North America actually gone to either Australia or New Zealand. He's an unbelievably fertile horse and is tailor-made for the mares down there now including daughters of Bettors Delight, Art Major, Direct Scooter, Fake Left and a bunch of others. It really is remarkable so you can understand why we maybe slept two hours last night."
Rocknroll Hanover has just his third crop of foals now racing but already has sired winners of over $20 million with 40 $100,000 earners.
His arrival set for September 5 via New Zealand will give Empire Stallions a roster of 12 horses for the coming breeding season including Artistic Fella, Blissfull Hall, Four Starzzz Shark, and Tell All, among others.Rocknroll Hanover will return for the North American breeding season early next year.