Hillside Excels on Gold Coast

A $160,000 Exceed And Excel filly started the yearling sale season on a positive note for Hillside Thoroughbreds at the Gold Coast Magic Millions.

The Nagambie based farm has a new-look with experienced horseman Peter Ford now managing its business and bloodstock operations.

Hillside sold the Exceed And Excel filly to Scone based stud Kitchwin Hills.  “She does everything quickly and she gives the impression of being an early runner next season,” Ford said.  “We have catalogued another 18 for Melbourne Premier and 7 for the Melbourne Super VOBIS Sale.”

The Exceed And Excel filly is the first foal of Pins mare Bang On who was a $74,000 buy at the 2012 Inglis Easter Broodmare Sale.  She is a daughter of NZ Group 1 winner Critic and her family received the ultimate Group 1 update later that year when Ocean Park won the 2012 W S Cox Plate.

Hillside Thoroughbreds is owned by Peter Arvanitis and his wife Areti.  The Melbourne businessman has a background in property and transport and founded aged-care operator Estia Health a decade ago.

Arvanitis established Hillside in 2012 and it sits on 230 acres along the Goulburn River.  “I came on board last year,” Ford said.  “Peter is always looking to upgrade our mares and he has shares in several stallions like Americain and Master Of Design at Swettenham Stud plus Hinchinbrook and Pluck in the Hunter Valley.

“Like his other businesses, Peter believes the formula for success boils down to location, facilities and professional teamwork and we’re heading in that direction at Hillside.”

Hillside resize

HILLSIDE EXCELLENCE
Peter Ford and farm manager Lester O’Grady with the filly by Exceed And Excel
Photo / Sharon Chapman