By Jonny Turner
Great results on track are not the only reason cult hero Lord Forbes is proving popular with breeders.
Lord Forbes was a fan favourite during his time on the track and moved into a much quieter life off it for his former owner-trainer-driver Gavin Forbes.
The stallion retired with 11 wins, 28 placings and $148,707 in stakes earnings.
Forbes bred one mare a year to the stallion in his retirement and the results so far have been outstanding.
From just two starts, the sire has produced two winners including the Group 1-placed filly Louies Girl.
Huki Fella has helped bolster his dad’s impressive stats by winning twice and placing twice in seven starts.
Those great results prompted Lord Forbes’ move into the commercial siring ranks at Macca Lodge and so far it has also been a good success.
“We talked with Gavin about the idea of standing him here, he was keen and we were keen and before we knew it he had a new stallion for the stud season,” Macca Lodge studmaster Caine McIntyre said.
“Breeders have been keen on him – he has attracted a good number of mares.”
“He has shown he can leave a nice horse with Louies Girl being up with the best two-year-old fillies and Huki Fella doing a good job.”
Louies Girl (Lord Forbes – One Bad Dream) has won three from seven while Huki Fella (Lord Forbes – Deceitndesire) has won two from seven, both for trainer Craig Ferguson.
“At a $1000 stud fee we thought breeders would think he is worth a crack and so far it is working out that way,” says McIntyre.
Lord Forbes’ affordable service fee and his results on the track aren’t the only reasons why he is proving to be a success so far.
The stallion isn’t letting breeders who give him a chance with their mares down.
“He is very fertile and he is getting mares in foal,” McIntyre said.
“Obviously that is a huge plus for anyone that sends their mare to him.”
“All in all, everything has been positive with him so far and we are getting enquiries from breeders who were not going to breed this season.”
With the change in racing season to the calendar year, breeders still have the opportunity to send their mares to Lord Forbes this breeding season.
Enquiries can be made to Caine McIntyre on 027 238 7717 or by emailing maccalodge@yrless.co.nz
