Pierata’s career did many 360 degrees turns in just the last year, not unlike Trapeze Artist in 2018. Aquis Farm announced the son of Pierro would be retired, not long after they purchased a controlling interest in the stallion, soon after his win the Gr. I All-Aged Stakes.
However, in an interesting turn of events, Aquis has shelved plans to stand him at stud in 2019. They will instead run Pierata in its slot in the third renewal of The Everest in October.
Everest Diaries spoke to breeder and consigner Mick Malone of Kitchwin Hills about their dream run with Pierata.
Q Could you tell us more about your relationship with Pierata’s breeders HobartvilleStud?
MM: Grahame Mapp, Gary White (Hobartville studs manager) and Kitchwin Hills have had a close association ever since we stood Dane Shadow. We have always worked closely together both via Dane Shadow, to now also having involvement in mating plans and the placement of young stock in sales.
We have also foaled and raised many of Hobartville’s mares and progeny especially those visiting Hunter Stallions. Rochelle who runs the operation under Gary at Hobartville Stud also foals and grows out Grahame’s stock. It’s actually a great working relationship. From this, we then consign any yearlings Grahame chooses to sell, and have had some outstanding results over the years, including the half-brother to Pierata by Rubick, selling for A$900,000 at Easter this year.
Q What do remember about Pierata’s journey at Kitchwin Hills?
MM: Pierata foaled and was raised on Kitchwin Hills before progressing to the Magic Millions sale.
Although, Pierata was extremely athletic, showed terrific action and was (physically) very correct, he wasn’t a big robust horse. I think at the time buyers wondered how he would furnish. Full credit to Greg Hickman, he could see the upside and has since reaped the rewards.
Q What were you expecting to sell him for and why?
MM: I thought he would have made a little more, but the stock of Pierro hadn’t been selling as we’d all hoped, his stock often look like they’ll take time so the market was a little soft overall.
We lowered our original sights re his reserve, as there were a pattern and a ceiling at that time on Pierros progeny.
Q Could you tell us in terms of the 3 P's (Physical, Performance, and Pedigree) why you think Pierata is the best horse to win The Everest?
MM: Pierata has developed into a lovely horse physically; he has really strengthened into a sprinting machine. His consistent rise throughout has always been something amazing for us to watch as breeders. Right from really announcing himself winning the Magic Millions 3YO Guineas, to his recent Group One win, Pierata has been steadily rising and developing to a proven performer. Many think his win in the Sydney Stakes at last year’s Everest meeting would have been enough to win the main event, and he has only come on since then!
Q What do you think of the competition thus far? Who do you think is the horse to beat?
MM: As is always the case with these races there is so much hype around all the runners as so much goes into their selection for the race. I think this year it’s fair to say there isn’t a standout horse, more a top few that are headlining the way. Santa Ana Lane, Osborne Bulls, Nature Strip all are worthy contenders. But if Pierata can come back in good order, and there is some sting out of the track again he looks the one to run out a really strong 1200m on a testing track!
Q Could you tell us a bit about yourself and about Kitchwin Hills in terms of its history, currently which horses stand at the farm and what are your plans for the future?
MM: Kitchwin Hills has been in operation for around 20 years, located in Gundy just outside of Scone we foal down around 120 mares each year, and would sell close to 100 as yearlings for both the farm and our wide range of clients. Two of our biggest supporters Max Whitby& Neil Werrett are also part of a syndicate who control an Everest Slot which will have Sunlight running in it this year so we have a strong interest there as well.
We also stand two stallions on the farm, Sooboog a Group winning son of Snitzel entering his third season, coming off the back of over 300 mares in his first two years. While also Dane Shadow, who commenced our relationship with Grahame Mapp & Hobartville Stud. While getting a little long in the tooth, he still supplies a constant run of winners.
For the farms future, like any other Hunter Valley operation, we just want to continue to produce top- quality racehorses off the farm and build a reputation for producing winners! Our past 12 months have been phenomenal, with the likes of Yes YesYes, Dubious, Amangiri, Splintex to name a few all coming off the hills this season!