The first name that one will think of when talking about the Segenhoe Stud is the word ‘historic’. The age-old farm is seeped in rich heritage and legacy of the champions, and not just speaking of horses, that has at some point been a part of this iconic stud farm and left their mark on it. Located in the gorgeous Hunter Valley, in the vicinity of the Hunter River, this is a perfect home for horses that are one day expected to conquer the world. Right from the abundant water to the healthy partures this place reeks of top class state of affairs.

Sitting at the help of these affairs is their General Manager, Peter O’Brien. Assuming his duties in late 2013. Peter is revered in the Australian thoroughbred community. Backed with 30 plus years pof experience, Peter took no time in taking the stud to new heights. His knowledge of all the facets of thoroughbred racing truly make him on the the few true masters for this job. He has proven his worth time and again. With the purchase of the most expensive horse at the Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Segenhoe Stud is once again hinting at the sky-high ambitions for 2020. As they say, let us hear it from the horse's mouth itself.

Q: The I am Invincible colt by Adrift which secured over A$1,050,000 was the highest-paid by this stallion. Were you happy with this price? Could you please tell us more about how this sale came about? Did Chris Waller's team visit the yearling earlier? Will he be trained at Waller Racing?

A:  To be honest I was disappointed as I thought the colt deserved to make more but he was a victim of being early in the sale. Guy Mulcaster (Chris Waller agent) had seen him on the as did Coolmore and they partnered up to buy him and Chris will train him. He is a stunning animal from a Zabeel mare who showed unusual speed for the breed and she actually beat Winx when she won her Group 2.

Q: Which horse were you most pleased about in your GC sale draft?

A:  The American Pharaoh out of Azumi bred By Sheikh Mohammad bin Khalifa was a magnificent colt from a great family and he reminded me so much of his broodmare sire ( Encosta De Lago ). American Pharaoh’s are flying in the Northern Hemisphere and they seem to love the grass which helped this colt’s price which exceeded all expectations.

Q: How do you decide which horses should be sent to the GC sale?

A:  As the sale is in January type is key and maturity and you will find most horses are born in August or September. You really need a weel grown mature animal but in saying that we sold a November born Pierro for A$ 500 K but he looked precocious even for his age. Remember for Northern Hemisphere readers that are like selling a January born foal in March the following year which most would find extraordinary.

Q: Which sale will you be attending next and what are the highlights of this draft?

A:  Our next sale will be in Melbourne Premier where we are selling for the first time. We did send yearling down last year which sold under Stonehouse and they averaged A$ 190 K so we decided to sell under our own banner this year. We have a very even bunch but my pick would be Lot 299 who is by I am Invincible out of Mefnooda bred by Sheik Khalifa who is from the family of the Royal Academy.

Q: Has the farm or any of the staff members been at all affected by the bush fires?

A:  Thankfully we have not been affected by the bush fires and our hearts go out to those that were.