Raheen Stud is one of the top vendors in the upcoming Magic Millions’ Gold Coast 2YO in Training sale. The 4000-acre stud is one of Queensland's most successful thoroughbred nurseries, founded in 1957 by the parents of the present-day owner Basil Nolan. Today Raheen is run by Basil, his wife Diane, daughter-in-law Natalie. Unquestionable personal care and attention is Raheen’s top priority.
Raheen sold the highest priced lot from a Queensland based stud at the 2008 March Magic Millions when its Commands yearling made $480,000.
Owner Basil Nolan chats to The Impact about their 2019 sale draft, their mating strategy and plans for the next decade:
Q: How many horses are in your 2019 draft and which horses are your highlight lots?
A: We have 12 horses going to this sale. We have bred eleven horses and the twelfth we are presenting as an agent. We have two lovely horses by Zoustar and Sebring each. We also have a nice colt by Press Statement and another lovely colt by Dawn Approach.
Q: Last year, which was your top-selling lot in this sale last year and what was it about THAT horse's which attracted buyers to
pay a premium?
A: We sold a beautiful colt by Zoustar out of Elysian Hera for A$240,000. He was a wonderful colt and one of my favourites.
Q: As a breeder, what sales do you usually attend every year?
A: We attend most of the Magic Millions’ sales – January, March and May/June. We also attend some of the Inglis sales, mainly
the Classic and the Easter.
Q: Do you breed for overall athleticism or specific races?
A: Australian racing is geared towards sprinters, so we breed high-quality sprinters. Furthermore, we mainly breed to sell though we may choose to retain a filly or two each year.
Q: How do you plan your matings? How do you choose which mare to which stallion?
A: We look at sire lines, what has worked in the past, mare Type and performance. Ultimately, we then send good mares to good stallions.
Q: Which was your favourite horse from your stable?
A: We sold Hong Kong-based, Gr.1 winning Season's Bloom. So that would be one of my favourite horses.
Q: We are almost at the end of the decade, what are your plans for 2030?
A: We have just had a tragedy in the family. We lost our son. He left behind three boys and a girl. So, we plan to keep the legacy on for the next generation.
Q: And finally, could you tell us just a little about how you got into the business?
A: My mother was interested in thoroughbred breeding, so my parents started Raheen. We have continued the tradition.
Published In The Impact 19 Issue, 2 Vol
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