First Shuttle Sires Arrive in Australia

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When the plane touched down in Sydney July 24 in the dark, barely anyone awake at the time realized that on board was a cargo worth around $225 million (Australian funds). As the winter's morn rolled away, the door to the plane was rolled back too and on board were the American shuttlers who will serve hundreds and hundreds of Aussie mares this season.

The Southern Hemisphere breeding season starts Sept. 1 and after spending two weeks in quarantine, these expensive North American-based blue bloods will be ready to do their thing. Belong To Me   was among the number, as was Dubleo, the exciting newcomer to Vinery.

The horse with the enormous global boom and already sire of group I winners, Fusaichi Pegasus  , was on board too and will head to Coolmore, as will Breeders' Cup Juvenile (gr. I) winner Johannesburg. Widden will take King Cugat, while Lion Heart, Monashee Mountain, and Hold That Tiger will make their way to their new homes. The hotter than hot More Than Ready   is also Vinery bound. Royal Academy and Tale of the Cat   head to Coolmore.

E Dubai  , Elusive Quality  , and Street Cry, stunners all three and who are bound for Darley, landed July 25.

There will be at least 71 shuttle stallions doing duty in Australia this year, a rise of six over last year.

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