Kitchwin Hills’ undulating pastures offer breeders an ideal location to accommodate their mares for the early development of future champions. And that’s exactly what the farm has done for 2019 Everest Contender, Pierata.

The Pierro colt was bred by Hobartville. He was then foaled and was raised on Kitchwin Hills before progressing to the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale where he was bought by owner-trainer Greg Hickman, who paid A$160,000 in 2016.

Co-Owner and stud manager, Mick Malone explained how their relationship with Hobartville was deep and intertwined, “Grahame Mapp, Gary White (Hobartville stud managers) 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 buyers seemed to have taken an instant liking to Pierata at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale (2016) but they were not convinced of his potential, recalls Malone.

“Pierata was extremely athletic, showed super action and was very correct, but 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.

At the time he was a bargain buy. “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 looks like they’ll take time so the market was a little soft overall.

“We had certainly lowered our original sights re his reserve, as there were a pattern and a ceiling at that time on Pierros progeny,” said the experienced breeder.

Malone does not doubt in his mind that the colt can wrest the title of the 'Best Sprinter in the World', away from Redzel,

“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 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 not been enough to win the main event, and he has only come on since then!”

Malone is proud of where the farm started from and how far they have come in the past two decades, “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.

And where does he see his farm heading, “As 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 Yes Yes, Dubious, Amangiri, Splintex to name a few all coming off the hills this season!”