Bits and Bridles

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Downbytheseaside who stands at Woodlands Stud is beginning to carve out an excellent record, with his progeny in New Zealand now having won more than $6 million.

The Somebeachsomewhere stallion has sired 340 winners – his best two performers to date are Hi Hopes and Jumal.

He has crossed particularly well with Bettor’s Delight, another Woodlands Stud stallion, but has also left some good winners from mares by former Nevele R Stud stallions; McArdle (Hi Hopes), Holmes Hanover (Seaside Rose) and Falcon Seelster (Pinseeker).

His progeny are well sought after at NZ Yearling Sales.

One of the rising stars in the intermediate grade is Bruntwood Brigade (Art Major) trained by Robert and Jenna Dunn and is another good example of what can be purchased at the NZB Standardbred Weanling Sales in Auckland.

Diamond Racing bought him for $30,000 out of the Alabar draft in 2022 for Grant Eynon. The four year old has now won nine races and more than $100,000.

This bloodline is not new to Eynon. He raced Bruntwood Brigade’s half-brother Classie Brigade the winner of twenty one races, including three Kaikoura Cups.

Addington winners Macy Royale (Royal Aspirations) and Bevron (Imperial Count)  share the same sixth dam in Pipetre. She was also the dam of Nigel Craig, one of the trotting stars of the 1970s. He won twenty six races including the 1977 Dominion Handicap and two New Zealand Trotting Championships.

Two year old filly Macy Royale trained by Kyle Cameron is commencing her career, while the Wayne Low trained Bevron is a ninety three start veteran which has now won six races.

Got The Chocolates’ (Art Major) winning time of 2-19.6 (1-53.4 mile rate) over 1980 metres at Addington last Friday was the fastest of the season but still doesn’t come close to South Coast Arden’s national record of 2-17 set at Cup Week in 2021.

Impressive Addington winner Cinderella Franco trained by Steven McRae, is proof that good horses can come from anywhere.

The four year old mare is by Ultimate Machete who’s had moderate success at stud. Sires on Cinderella Franco’s dam side include Man Around Town and Paulsboro who were not world beaters, although Man Around Town did leave New Zealand Cup winner Kym’s Girl.

One strong point on Cinderella Franco’s pedigree page is that her mother was by Christian Cullen although she was unplaced in five starts.

This Sunday will see the running of the 58th Cheviot Two Year Old Fillies Stakes at Addington.

Veteran Southland owner Vin Devery has a remarkable record in the feature. One of his foundation mares Dreamy Atom won it in 1994.

He’s won it a further three times; Happy Golucky in 1999, Western Dream a daughter of Dreamy Atom in 2005 and Natal Franco whom he owned with his late wife Daphne and good friends Alan and Paula Blacker, in 2007.

Vin trained all four horses.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink

This content was first released to The Insider subscribers. Newsletter content will only be made available on the website until May 01 2026. From then it will be exclusive to Insider subscribers. Don’t wait days for the edge on the latest news. Get our previews, selections, and insights early by joining our free newsletter The Insider.