News Archive
2023
First Immortal taking proven Cup path
First Immortal will try and sneak into the Lexus Melbourne Cup through Wednesday’s Geelong Cup.
Immortal to 'aim for the stars'
We are prepared to dream with emerging stayer First Immortal.
2021
On the Board
Mark and Levi shared a special moment last night when they landed their first winner together since becoming a partnership last month.
Partnership Announcement
Kavanagh Racing is pleased to announce a training partnership for the commencement of the 2021-2022 racing season.
Horrifying's Derby Chance
Horrifying takes part in the Group 1 Queensland Derby at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Seradess Remains Unbeaten
Seradess remains unbeaten with a storming victory in the opening race on Adelaide Cup Day, the Listed Cinderella Stakes for two-year-old fillies.
2020
Vixen Heads North
Wild Vixen flew to Queensland this week where she will be based for the next three weeks.
Standish a Target for Excess
The Group 3 Standish Handicap down the Flemington straight on New Year’s Day is the likely target for Excess Funds who won well over 1200m at Ballarat on Saturday.
Zipping Classic Day Chances
Kavanagh Racing has two good chances heading to Sandown tomorrow for their feature raceday.
Nantucket's Clock Breaking Maiden
Levi Kavanagh will target the lucrative Inglis Race Series with Nantucket following his 1000-metre maiden victory in slick time at Bendigo on Wednesday.
The Week Ahead
Hopefully Montenegro Man’s impressive win at Moonee Valley last night was a sign of things to come for the week ahead. Kavanagh Racing has four runners over the first two days of the Flemington Carnival, and three starters at Echuca’s Melbourne Cup Day meeting on Tuesday.
Kentucky Back On Track
Kentucky Breeze returns to the track today for the start of his Spring Campaign. The six-year-old gelding will take his place in The Sofitel, a Listed race over 1400m, with the aim of getting out to 2000m plus this preparation.
Special Offer - Deep Field Filly
Deep Field made history this month siring his 81st Australian winner this season. To celebrate Levi is offering his promising Deep Field Filly on a payment plan.
Black Type Vixen
Wild Vixen has returned home safe and sound after her recent trip to Adelaide where she opened her black type account in the Listed HC Nitschke Stakes over 1400m.
Two runners, Two States
Mark Kavanagh saddles up two runners in two states this weekend, Vegas Jewel at Morphetteville, and Big Brew at Caulfield.
Levi's City Chances Targeting Black Type
For the first time, young Flemington-based trainer Levi Kavanagh will saddle up three city runners in a week and believes all three are excellent chances, with bigger and better races the target this preparation.
Excess Wins Inglis Funds
Exciting 3YO Excess Funds (Rubick) successfully completed a long-term plan for his trainer Levi Kavanagh when he won Saturday’s $500,000 Inglis Dash (1100m) at Caulfield.
Happy Owners
It was an exciting weekend of racing for two very happy groups of owners. Stakes-placed Excess Funds began his first campaign since being gelded with a confidence-boosting victory at Flemington on Sunday. Rebel Racer did everything wrong, but raw potential got him over the line for his maiden win at The Valley on Friday night.
Ellis Park Excels on Debut
Mark Kavanagh believes he has an exciting prospect on his hands after his three-year-old gelding Ellis Park lived up to expectations on debut at Sandown yesterday.
Montenegro Man Down The Straight
Last start city winner Montenegro Man will race down the Flemington straight on Saturday afternoon in the ‘Thank You Firefighters Handicap’ aiming for his second city win this month.
2019
Cup Day Chances
Kavanagh Racing will saddle up two horses tomorrow at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day; Santorini Summer in Race 5 and Wild Vixen in Race 10.
Success Favours the Brave
He Is, a Derby contender for this year’s AMMI Victoria Derby will carry the hopes and dreams of many into the race and giving Jewel Racing and his owners the thrill of a lifetime.
Vegas Jewel Oaks Bound
Vegas Jewel has pulled up well after her impressive win on Friday night at The Valley. Making it two from two, her connections could not be more excited about her future and look forward to the first Thursday in November.
Levi's Group One Debut
Levi Kavanagh saddles up his first Group 1 runner on Saturday when Kentucky Breeze takes his place in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington.
Kentucky Chases Group Glory
The Group 3 JRA Cup and the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes will form the first part of Levi’s ambitious spring plan for the flying Kentucky Breeze.
Ladies Fundraising Luncheon
Kavanagh Racing hosted its inaugural ladies’ luncheon to raise money for the Cancer Council last Friday at St Andrews Conservatory in Fitzroy. Owners, family and friends thoroughly enjoyed the day and together raised $7,500.00.
Kentucky Breeze's in at The Valley
Kentucky Breeze was back to his best at Moonee Valley on Saturday, winning the last race easily over 2040m against a pretty handy field.
A Deep Field of Golden Opportunities
This lovely colt by exciting young sire Deep Field has recently returned from our breaker Ray Matthews, who had nothing but praise for the two-year-old. To be trained by Levi, he has settled into his first preparation at Flemington like a seasoned racehorse. Purchased from the Inglis Classic sale earlier this year, there are still opportunities available.
Helmaz To Good
Very unlucky last start at Flemington Racecourse, Helmaz more than deserved the win today. His jockey Lachlan King, who also rode him last start, was quietly confident coming into todays race.
Kentucky Breeze is Back
Kentucky Breeze returned to the winner’s stall on Saturday after taking out Race 8, the VRC Recognition Handicap over 1600m at Flemington.
City Success for Excess
It was an exciting day for many first-time owners who couldn’t be happier with Excess Funds performance in the two-year-old handicap over 1000 metres at Sandown yesterday.
Santorini Summer Scores
It was well worth the trip to Adelaide for Santorini Summer who took out the $100K Adelaide Galvanising Two-Year-Old Plate yesterday.
Beleive n Succeed rings true in the Epsom Derby
Two former Kavanagh Racing mares, Believe n Succeed and Atlantic Jewel, stamped their ground in the Northern Hemisphere overnight.
The 2019 Inglis Classic Sale Delivers
The 2019 Inglis Classic Sales in Sydney were a buyers market and we picked up some outstanding yearlings two of which we have featured here.
Impressive Purchases at Karaka
Having just arrived back from the Karaka Sales in New Zealand, Mark is very excited to introduce to you, two standout yearlings that Kavanagh Racing purchased, a filly by Per Incanto (Street Cry) and a colt by Tavistock.
2018
Joan's A Jett wins on debut
Mark knew he had a talented filly on his hands and couldn’t be more thankful to her breeders Brent and Cherry Taylor of Trelawney Stud in New Zealand who sent her over earlier this year.
Kentucky creates more than a breeze
Kentucky Breeze rewarded connections with their patience with a tough win in the $60,000 Suez McKellar Mile (1600m) at Saturday’s metropolitan Ballarat meeting. Trained by Kavanagh Racing’s Levi Kavanagh and ridden by apprentice Ethan Brown, Kentucky Breeze notched together his third career victory from ten career starts, making upwards of $150,000 in career earnings.
Kav Racing Hot's Up!
It may have been a quiet Spring, but Kavanagh Racing’s team has been set for the Summer period. With a lot of inexperienced young horses set to race in the next few months the stable is happy with their decision to bypass the Spring and take advantage of the excellent pastures and give their horses a little for time, and the way the horses have developed is testament to the fact they made the right move.
Win a share in a racehorse!
To celebrate Cup week we are giving away a 2.5% share in Jewel Racing's Charm Spirit x Black Beauty colt with all expenses paid up until the end on 2018 to be trained by multiple Group 1 winning trainer Mark Kavanagh.
Soho Ruby Retired
Stakes placed Soho Ruby has been retired from Racing and will be sold as a broodmare.
Rubick off to a flying start
Owning a horse is cheaper than you think
Ever wanted to get involved in a well-bred race horse but the numbers simply don’t stack up? Well Jewel Racing has the answer, we are tailoring shares to suit all, no matter how small your budget. The other benefit is no unexpected bills, Jewel Racing has priced the ongoing expense at a fixed cost per month, making it easy to budget for. Racing a horse is more affordable than you think!
Shampz a winner at Tatura
The trip to Tatura on Sunday ended up being a fruitful one for Kavanagh Racing, with Another Shampz (trained by Levi) winning her maiden and Helmaz (trained by Mark) being bloused on the line by the favourite, dead-heating for second.
Levi's Training Double
Smart Stiletto and Blinky O’Reilly win their respective races at Wodonga giving Levi Kavanagh his first training double.
Off to the Breakers
Romsey based breaker, Ray Matthews has been trusted to break in horses for Kavanagh Racing for over a decade and has recently broken in a couple of very talented yearlings.
Charmed days ahead
“You couldn’t buy nicer colts, and I am tickled pink these two are coming into the stable."
Black Type target for Soho Ruby
Willaroon Thoroughbreds were enthusiastically cheering on their homebred last Saturday at Flemington when the in-form Soho Ruby saluted to land her fifth win from 20 starts.
Hometown sale a happy hunting ground
Kavanagh Racing has been actively assembling an impressive group of yearlings from around the country to bring future success to their Flemington stable.
More money than sense…By Rob Young
JustRacing.com.au journalists Rob Young breaks down the charges in relation to the Cobalt case
2017
2016
Flemington Jump Outs - 09 December 2016
Watch video footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Wild Rain magic in McEwen Stakes
Sprint mare Wild Rain collects Group Two title with sustained show of speed around Moonee Valley
Flemington Jump Outs - 29 July 2016
Watch footage of the jump outs held each Friday at Flemington courtesy of the VRC
First up Group success for Wild Rain
Speedy mare Wild Rain notches her first Group win in the Sir John Monash Stakes. Photo courtesy www.ultimateracingphotos.com.au/Bruno Cannatelli
Flemington Jump Outs - 15 July 2016
Watch footage of the jump outs held each Friday at Flemington courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 17 June 2016
Watch footage of the jump outs held each Friday at Flemington courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs @ Werribee - 3 June 2016
Watch footage of the jump outs held each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 15 April 2016
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday morning courtesy of the VRC
Tears of Joy brings up win number four
Regally bred Tears of Joy notched win number four at the Valley on Monday
Tessabelle streets her rivals
Lightly raced Street Cry mare continues Sandown success. Photo thanks to Mark Gatt/Slickpix.
Sandown double
Sandown is proving a happy hunting ground for the stable with Land of Freedom and Street Sharp the latest winners. Photo courtesy of Mark Gatt/Slickpix
Egypt Sandown win just Magic
Jockey Craig Williams channels Hong Kong hoop Joao Moreira and produces a little of his own Magic. Photo courtesy Mark Gatt/Slickpix
Fast Approaching returns to the winners circle at Caulfield
Consistent mare Fast Approaching notches the first win of the New Year for the Kavanagh stable
2015
Flemington Jump Outs - 04 December 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 27 November 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 13 November 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 30 October 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 23 October 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 16 October 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Long Face Grace heads to Pinker Pinker Plate after Moonee Valley win
Long Face Grace and Spanish Love head to Cranbourne on Friday night
Flemington Jump Outs - 25 September 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 18 September 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 11 September 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Long Face Grace wins for Pacific Bloodstock
Long Face Grace prevails in a head bobbing finish at Sandown. Picture courtesy of Slickpix.
Flemington Jump Outs - 21 August 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 14 August 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 07 August 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Wild Rain earns more valuable black type
Flying filly makes another successful hit-and-run mission to South Australia this time returning with the Lightning Stakes trophy.
Flemington Jump Outs - 17 July 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 10 July 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 26 June 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC.
Flying filly Wild Rain impresses at Moonee Valley
Three-year-old Wild Rain showed a good turn of foot to defeat the older mares at Moonee Valley
Group One mission a success for Magicool
Third time's a charm for Magicool as he wins the Queensland Derby
Remembering Divine Madonna
The win of Maternal during the week prompted a few memories of her dam Divine Madonna
Magicool jets to Brisbane for Queensland Derby
Magicool earns a trip to Queensland after beating the older horses at Flemington
Flemington Jump Outs - 22 May 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Fast Approaching brings up third straight win at Caulfield.
Progressive filly Fast Approaching shows trademark tenacity in win number three. Photo courtesy of Slickpix.
Flemington Jump Outs @ Werribee - 15 May 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Kav pulls the 'right rein' with Wild Rain
Flying filly makes a successful hit and run mission to Adelaide. Photo courtesy of Greg Irvine, Magic Millions.
Flemington Jump Outs - 17 April 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 10 April 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 27 March 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 13 March 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC.
Adelaide Magic Millions is a happy hunting ground for Kavanagh
Trainer Mark Kavanagh was busy at the yearling sales this week looking for the next Divine Madonna. Photo courtesy Ultimate Racing Photos.
Flemington Jump Outs - 06 March 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 20 February 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 13 February 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 06 February 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 30 January 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
2015 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale
Mark kicked off the 2015 yearling sales circuit with a visit to the Gold Coast Magic Millions
Speedy filly Wild Rain beats the heat to notch city success
Manhattan Rain filly Wild Rain graduates to city class and notches the first stable win for 2015
Flemington Jump Outs - 02 January 2015
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
2014
Back to back wins for Spanish Love
Progressive mare Spanish Love registered her second win in as many weeks when successful at Flemington on December 13
From Villain to Victor
Enigmatic gelding Kingdom of Dreams brings up his third consecutive win at Moonee Valley despite race day antics
Flemington Jump Outs - 21 November 2014
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 14 November 2014
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 24th October 2014
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 17 October 2014
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Magicool wins the UCI Stakes at Flemington
Fastnet Rock colt Magicool will head towards the Victoria Derby after his win in the UCI Stakes over 1800 metres on Turnbull Stakes day.
Promising 3YO Filly Ballet Suite on Classic Course
High Chaparral filly Ballet Suite will be aimed at the Edward Manifold after her maiden win. Photo courtesy of Slickpix.
Spring Racing Premierships launch
The Mark Kavanagh stable hosted the launch of the inaugural Spring Racing Premierships this morning - a new initiative which will lend support to several charities including Vision Australia's Seeing Eye Dogs
Chivalry takes first step on Guineas path
Street Cry colt Chivalry returns to racing with an impressive victory in the H.D.F. McNeil Stakes at Caulfield. Photo courtesy Magic Millions.
Flemington Jump Outs - 15 August 2014
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 1 August 2014
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Jump Outs - 25 July 2014
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Flemington Stable video feature
Take a walk through the Flemington training complex courtesy of Proteq Equine Bedding
Flemington Jump Outs - 18 July 2014
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC.
Flemington Jump Outs - 20 June 2014
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC.
Flemington Jump Outs - 13 June 2014
Watch footage of the jump outs held at Flemington each Friday courtesy of the VRC
Schumacher an all the way winner at Sandown
Excites gelding Schumacher speeds around Sandown and clocks up $100k Photo courtesy of Slickpix
Stable favourite Shadow Ninja fires first up
Ultra consistent galloper Shadow Ninja resumes at Sandown with a surprise 30/1 win. Photo courtesy of Slickpix.
Chivalry relaxed ahead of Blue Diamond
Blue Diamond hopeful Chivalry has his first taste of Aussie Rules meeting with 'Relaxed Racing' ambassador and Carlton captain Marc Murphy
Life after Racing: Catapulted the Super Nanny
Former stable star Catapulted is enjoying his new role as nanny to the young horses at Marbellesa Park
2013
Love The Rock dazzles under lights
Moonee Valley night winner Love The Rock may target Autumn Oaks. Picture courtesy Slickpix.
West Africa kicks off mid-week streak
Kavanagh stables produces three first time winners in three consecutive days. Photo courtesy of Slickpix.
Celebrating the Spring of 2013
Owners and friends celebrate the spring racing carnival with brunch at the Kavanagh stables
Atlantic Jewel regains her sparkle
Atlantic Jewel claims her fourth Group One title in the Caulfield Stakes
Group One trio head to Caulfield
December Draw, Atlantic Jewel and Super Cool continue their spring campaigns on Caulfield Guineas day
Jewels shines in win number nine
Atlantic Jewel wins the Moonee Valley Stocks Stakes to extend her unbeaten run to nine
Atlantic Jewel in fine fettle for Spring
Atlantic Jewel and Super Cool meet the press to mark the release of big Spring nominations
New pre-training track starts to take shape
Earthworks are underway at the Kavanagh farm to establish a new pre-training facility
Khalifa salutes at Sandown
Khalifa, Oltre Finito and Ocean Fleet worthy winners for the week
Kavanagh stable to consolidate in Victoria
Oltre Finito breaks through at Ballarat
Super Cool stars in Australian Cup
Spring time beckons star 3YO after he defeats the older horses in the Australian Cup
A Super win in the Autumn Classic
Promising 3YO Super Cool will head to the Australian Cup at Flemington
Talented colt earns a crack at the Australian Guineas
Sheer Talent wins the Group Three VRC C.S. Hayes Stakes
Diamond decision for Casquets
Saturday's Talindert Stakes winner could contest Blue Diamond
Making a splash on the Gold Coast
Trainer Mark Kavanagh purchases the second top lot at the Magic Millions yearling sale
Back to Back wins for Crookhaven
Crookhaven starts the New Year on a winning note at Flemington
2012
Undeniably's Christmas Comeback
Sprinter Undeniably returns from illness to claim first stakes win
Catapulted Makes Light Work of Doveton Stakes
Evergreen sprinter Catapulted returned to racing on Saturday with a comprehensive win in the $120,500 Listed MRC Doveton Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield
Impressive Maiden Win Shows More in Store for Crookhaven
Three year old Crookhaven spearheaded a two state double on Wednesday when he ran out an impressive winner of the TVN Plate at Sandown
Midnight Martini - Matriarch Stakes
Bonny mare Midnight Martini gave the Kavanagh stable good reason to celebrate when she was victorious in the Group Two $300,000 VRC Matriarch Stakes on the final day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival
Super Cool Emerges a Contender
Fastnet Rock gelding Super Cool emerged as a genuine Victoria Derby contender on the weekend when he scored a commanding win in the Mitchelton Wines Vase, the traditional lead up on Cox Plate day
Midnight Martini Caps a Successful Comeback
Street Cry mare Midnight Martini capped a successful comeback from injury when she scored a well deserved stakes win in the Listed $200,000 Cranbourne Cup on October 14
Atlantic Jewel shines in All Aged
On a day when Australia's best horses strutted their stuff, star filly Atlantic Jewel stood up to be counted in the All Aged Stakes (1,400m) at Randwick
Superstar's record breaking return
The world's best three-year-old filly, Atlantic Jewel made a stunning return to the racecourse with a breathtaking win in the Group Two Sapphire Stakes at Randwick on Saturday
Massive day for Mark Kavanagh at Morphettville
It was a massive day for jockey Mark Pegus with four winners, and trainer Mark Kavanagh who landed a treble on the eight race card of racing
Five for the weekend!
The Adelaide Cup long weekend proved bountiful for the Kavanagh stable with five winners across two days of racing
Catapulted Red Hot For Millions Cup
Outstanding sprinter Catapulted will head to the Gold Coast for the $400,000 Magic Millions Cup after his sizzling win in Monday's Group Three Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington
2011
Christmas presents galore
The Kavanagh stable enjoyed a busy festive period with winners Alezan Thunder, Strum Cha, Set And Forget and Bagman giving their owners a very, merry Christmas
Alezan Thunders Into Millions Contention
Alezan Thunder could head to the Gold Coast for Queensland's richest race following a brilliant win in today's Swettenham Stud Plate (900m) at Sandown
Winners for the week
Starcraft colt Astro Damus made a good start to the week when he saluted at Geelong on Sunday December 4
Superstar filly sparkles in Wakeful
Atlantic Jewel confirmed her status as racing's latest superstar with a stunning win in today's Group Two Wakeful Stakes (2000m) at Flemington
War Ends claims Murray Bridge Gold Cup
Hot on the heels of Atlantic Jewel's Thousand Guineas victory Wednesday was War Ends with a slashing victory of his own in the $82,150 Listed Murray Bridge Gold Cup (1600m)
Atlantic Jewel wows them in Guineas
Atlantic Jewel confirmed her status as Australia's best race filly with a stunning win in today's Group One $500,000 Thousand Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield
Miss Stellabelle stars in Champagne
Mark Kavanagh's outstanding run with his three-year-old fillies continued at Moonee Valley when Miss Stellabelle scored a brilliant win in the Group Three Champagne Stakes (1200m)
Whobegotyou stars first up
Stable star Whobegotyou opened his spring campaign with a first up win in the Group Two MRC Lawrence Stakes at Caulfield
Adelaide Trainer's Title No. 2
The Adelaide stable claimed their second consecutive metropolitan trainers title with the wins of Resounding Miss (video) and Sezero (video) at Morphettvile on July 28
Treble tilt toward Metro title
The Adelaide stable sits just one win off the lead in what is a hotly contested metropolitan premiership after leading in a treble at Morphettville today
December Draws a double at Flemington
Import December Draw will be spelled after his impressive win at Flemington on Saturday and set for black type races during the spring
Shocking is retired to stud
Dual Group I winner Shocking will offer top-class performance, versatility and the looks to match a classic pedigree when he retires to stud in New Zealand this spring