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If
temperament is what makes a stallion, then this one is a mile in front of the
field.
When Three Bridges Thoroughbreds decided to take on royally bred Fastnet Rock
son Stryker as their foundation sire last year, not one of the Liston family could
have predicted just how well the stallion would take to his new surrounds.
"Pauline (Liston) rides Stryker daily and he loves the attention and is really fit
heading into a busy season," Toby Liston revealed.
"His fertility and libido are fantastic and coupled with his temperament,
Stryker has been a dream stallion for us so far."
Stryker was very popular last year, but in the past 12 months his stocks have
risen further with his sire Fastnet Rock now the reigning Champion Australian Sire
standing at a fee of $220,000.
Adding further lustre has been the early success of Fastnet Rock's first son to
stud Wanted, whose weanlings have made a big splash at the sales this year
selling for up to $255,000.
"We were thrilled with last year's book of 124 quality mares, but this year has
taken us by surprise with an even larger book and many amazing young quality
mares," said Toby Liston.
"Fastnet Rock has soared to new heights and Wanted has demonstrated that the
market really wants sons of Fastnet Rock, so the future is looking fantastic.
Just bring on the foals!"
Those foals are already arriving including this beautiful colt from Daramah
(NZ), born at Three Bridges Thoroughbreds and pictured below.
"We've had three foals on the farm so far and all are very nice," said Toby
Liston.
"They have the best head and nature, just like Dad, so that's half the battle
taken care of!"
The team at Three Bridges have made every effort to secure the best mares for
Stryker that will give him the flying start a young stallion needs.
"We have endeavoured to put all the odds in Stryker's favour and have used our bloodstock
agent Paul Willetts incredible database of 180,000 horses and our pedigree
consultant Brian Messner to assist with genetic matching to ensure that no
stone is left unturned in selecting the best mares possible on both type and
genetic matching," Liston explained.
"Three Bridges and Richard Pegum in partnership have purchased over 20 mares to
breed to him, so we are clearly putting our money where our mouth is and we can't
wait for his second season to begin."
Stryker sported the famed cerise silks back when he was performing on the track as he was raced by the Ingham
family, who continue to take an interest in the charismatic entire.
"The Ingham family are continuing with their support of Stryker and are sending
three lovely young Encosta De Lago mares that we could only dream of owning, so
we are very grateful for their much appreciated show of faith in him,"
Liston added.
Stryker stands at a fee of $11,000.
For more information contact Toby Liston on 0407 181 466 or visit www.threebridgesthoroughbreds.com.au .
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