US Captain now on duty at Wai Eyre Farm

The latest stallion addition at Wai Eyre Farm in North Canterbury has arrived - and already he's making his presence felt around the place.

With world champions on both sides of his pedigree, US Captain was a 22-race winner in North America, pacing 16 sub-1:50 miles.

He is by Captaintreacherous out of American Jewel. Captaintreacherous is Somebeachsomewhere's greatest performing son on the track and as a stallion while American Jewel is the highest earning mare sired by American Ideal. She was a world champion at 2 and 3, winning four Group 1s including the Breeders Crown and amassing nearly $US2m in stakes.

Now nine, US Captain only arrived at the farm this week.

"He's a big horse (16hh) and he's arrived in good condition, a shiny coat and he's very well-natured, he's been a pleasure to deal with so far," says Wai Eyre Farm principal Darryl Brown.

He was purchased outright by Wai Eyre Farm and the Southland-based Macca Lodge.

"Both studs are excited about introducing a 100% New Zealand-owned stallion who boosts impeccable breeding at an affordable choice who will cross extremely well with Bettor’s Delight mares," says Brown.

"We went on a mission to find the best bred son of Captaintreacherous that we could afford. Others like Rockyroad Hanover, Captain Albano and Ken Hanover were in the millions."

He comes down under after two years as a stallion in Canada. He bred 62 foals in his first crop and this year he has bred just over 50. US Captain also bred a small number of mares while he was still racing, and so he also has three 2YOs. From these he has had his first winner, the two-year-old Send Me Ten in Maryland. The rest of his progeny are only yearlings or younger.

He'll stand for $3000 which includes Working Fee if bred at Wai Eyre Farm or Macca Lodge. Semen will be available in New Zealand and Australia. He is both Next Gen and Harness 5000 eligible.  

He joins a stallion roster at Wai Eyre that includes On A Streak, Lazarus, Carlton and All Cashed Up.

"We have already had quite a few bookings for him so we think the demand will be there," says Brown.

"He could potentially serve 80 to 100 mares a year."

All enquiries should be directed to : admin@waieyrefarm.co.nz