Posse of the world's most expensive stallions thunder into Sydney - Herald Sun

Fastnet Rock, who will stand at a service fee of $275,000 at Coolmore Stud this spring, has a superb book of mares. Picture: Coolmore Stud Source: Supplied

THE quarantine facility at humble Eastern Creek in Sydney's west currently houses the most expensive group of stallions to be found in one location anywhere in the world.

There is Fastnet Rock, Redoute's Choice, Lonhro, So You Think, Exceed And Excel, Animal Kingdom, Street Cry, Medaglia D'Oro, Choisir, High Chaparral and Excelebration among others, all former champion racehorses and now super sires.

It is estimated their collective worth is $500 million -- and that is a conservative value.

These shuttle stallions have arrived from the northern hemisphere this week to serve quarantine until mid-August before being sent to stand at various Hunter Valley studs for the Australian breeding season.

Fastnet Rock, who will stand at a service fee of $275,000 at Coolmore Stud this spring, has a superb book of mares including Scandinavia (dam of Magnus, Wilander, Scandiva and granddam of Black Caviar), Cryptic Miss (dam of Fiveandahalfstar), Comical Smile (dam of Smart Missile), Forest Native (dam of Foxwedge) and the likes of Gold Edition, Mimi Lebrock and Princess Coup.

He is being joined on Coolmore's stallion roster by So You Think, winner of 10 Group 1 races including two Cox Plates (2009-10) and the Prince of Wales's Stakes at Royal Ascot last year and who has just completed serving at Coolmore Stud in Ireland.

Arrowfield Stud's resident champion sire Redoute's Choice served 103 broodmares at the Aga Khan's Bonneval Stud in France and was so popular, arrangements have been made for the stallion to return there after the Australian breeding season.

Animal Kingdom, the Dubai World Cup and Kentucky Derby winner, is a newcomer to Arrowfield but has Miss Finland (six-time Group 1 winner including the Golden Slipper), Alinghi (four-time Group 1 winner including the Blue Diamond Stakes) and Weekend Beauty (dam of Weekend Hussler) among his broodmare band.

The Australian breeding industry is certainly looking healthy -- or is it?

The encroachment of mining in the Hunter Valley continues to concern breeders. Hunter Valley breeders have attacked NSW Minister for Resources and Energy Chris Hartcher, claiming he is protecting mining companies.

"There has to be more consultation from the (state) government," said Trevor Lobb from Emirates Park Stud.

"We are not asking the miners to move but the mining industry and the breeding industry have got to work more closely together."

HTBA president Dr Cameron Collins said that after years of government promises to protect the thoroughbred industry, the alarm bells starting ringing with this week's announcement the NSW government will make the economic significance of a resource their main consideration.

"Despite years of promises, including from the Premier Barry O'Farrell and Planning Minister Brad Hazzard that 'the process will protect us', it is clear the only thing this government is prepared to protect is the mining companies, at the expense of landholders, regional communities, tourism or any non-mining business operation," Dr Collins said.