Eliza Park International has transferred champion sire Bel Esprit from Victoria to its Innisplain property in Queensland.

“Breeding in Australia is no longer just a ‘State’ issue, with stallions moving around more and more,” EPI manager Mark Lindsay said.  “We are fully committed to our operations in Victoria and Queensland, but really see our business as having national appeal.

“Bel Esprit is an ideal fit for Queensland stallion ranks in 2015 but Victorian breeders won’t miss out, either.  Due to the flexible structure of Super VOBIS, Bel Esprit’s progeny from 2015 conceptions can still qualify under Breedback or through Category C.  We see it is a win-win situation.”

It’s not the first time Eliza Park has transferred a champion sire from Victoria to the Sunshine State.  Champion freshman Written Tycoon moved north when previous owner Lee Fleming opened the Queensland division in 2012.

Bel Esprit (Royal Academy) retired to stud in 2003 and sired world-champion Black Caviar in his third crop.  He has averaged 120 mares in his last five books at fees fluctuating between $33,000 and $24,200.

Eliza Park International has placed an $18,700 (inc gst) fee on his services at Innisplain this year.