Australian champion sire Snitzel (Aus) brought up a milestone 150th stakes winner when the Ciaron Maher-trained Saint Emilion (Aus) won the Listed Geelong Classic for three-year-olds on Wednesday.
Now 22, Snitzel–who stands for A$247,500 (around €150,000) at Arrowfield Stud near Scone in New South Wales–was described as “a marvel” by Arrowfield bloodstock manager Jon Freyer in the aftermath of Saint Emilion's win, following on from recent triumphs for Lady Shenandoah (Aus) in the G1 Flight Stakes and Makarena (Aus) in the G2 Golden Pendant.
“He's got it and there are not many stallions that do,” Freyer said of their four-time champion sire of Australia and four-time champion two-year-old sire, speaking to The Thoroughbred Report.
“He was an exceptional racehorse, he's got a great pedigree, and he's a beautiful physical specimen. He's just got that ability to transmit those genetics to a lot of his offspring.
“Here he is in the twilight of his career, but he's having a fantastic season. He had a brilliant filly who won the Flight Stakes and he's got [G2 Roman Consul Stakes winner] Switzerland running around. It seems never ending and we're just thrilled. He's been a marvel.
“The thing that makes them is they've just got that X-factor. Most horses who have got the genetics are capable of a really high rate in producing superior horses.”
He continued, “So many people who have been invested in the Thoroughbred industry have used him or been associated with him. He's served them so well and he's delivered returns back in spades. He's changed lives for so many people.
“They've won big races or they've sold a yearling for spectacular money. There's a statue of him at Arrowfield and I think there have been hundreds, maybe thousands of people, who have come up to touch it for luck, and who appreciate what he's done for them.”
As for what the future holds for Snitzel, Freyer added, “Obviously, he's just one of those horses that has enjoyed good health. He's always a horse who's looked younger than he really is.
“He's slowed down a bit in recent years. He's going to cover a limited book this year, probably limited to two mares a day, but he's always been brilliantly fertile. And again, this year he's getting all his mares in foal so well.”
Not a subscriber? Click here to sign up for the daily PDF or alerts.
