Mapperley Stud will stand NZ bred Group 1 performer He’s Remarkable this year.

Former international rugby player Simms Davison took over the reins at the Matamata farm earlier this year and part of his long-term vision was installing a commercial stallion.  “Mapperley has been a boutique agistment farm and now it’s time to go to the next level,” Davison said.  “He’s Remarkable ticks all the boxes as a beautifully-bred horse who was Group 1 placed as a three, four and five year-old.”

Davison secured He’s Remarkable (Pentire) in a joint venture with Waikato Stud’s Garry Chittick.  “In Australia, he was a G3 winner of the Newcastle Newmarket and was G2 placed in the Crystal Mile at Moonee Valley,” he recalled.  “And then, of course, he won G1 Railway Stakes in Perth but was relegated by the stewards.”

Earlier in his career, He’s Remarkable had been G1 placed in the New Zealand 2000 Guineas (beaten by Jimmy Choux) and the G1 NZB Spring Classic.  “He was a serious horse,” Davison said.  “He’s a beautiful-looking animal and very correct.”

Mapperley has been home to stallions in the past like champion sire Volksraad who kicked off his stud career there before going to Waikato Stud.

Bred and sold by Rich Hill Stud, He’s Remarkable is out of the Zabeel mare Axiom (NZ) and his pedigree highlights include G2 Villiers Stakes winner Arletty and G1 NZ Oaks winner Legs.

Davison will stand him at Mapperley Stud for a $4,000 (plus gst) service fee.