Rosemont Stud owner Anthony Mithen chanced upon a novel way to set the first-season service fee for Toorak Toff this week.

While attending the John O’Shea benefit night during the Inglis Easter Sales, Mithen had sought advice from many of this country’s most influential breeders.  “Nearly everyone said value was just as important in this climate as meeting the market.” Mithen said.

“I had settled on the mid-teens but decided to let the market decide.  It was a great opportunity to find out with so many good judges in the room so I asked Richard Callander to auction a nom for the benefit and that would set the fee.”

Bidding was keen before Victorian breeding venture Palya Bloodstock landed the prize on $15,000.  “So I thought that settles it,” Mithen said.  “And we helped out a good cause and great bloke.
 
“Toorak Toff was a G1 winner at three (STC Golden Rose) and four (MRC Rupert Clarke Stakes),” Mithen explained.  “And he gives everyone the chance to breed a Toff without having to be a Toff!”

Toorak Toff (4h Show a Heart – Orong by Grand Lodge) was a $135,000 buy for Rick Hore-Lacy at the 2009 Gold Coast Magic Millions.  The Caulfield trainer said the flashy chestnut is the best-looking horse he had ever thrown a saddle across, bar none.

Mithen also stands Danzero by arrangement with Arrowfield at his emerging nursery which fronts the Barwon River just west of Geelong.