New look at Scenic Lodge

Leading West Australian stud Durham Lodge has ceased trading and will now be known under the new business name of Scenic Lodge Thoroughbred Stud.

The Muchea based nursery was home to champion sire Scenic (Sadler’s Wells) until his death in March 2005.

David Smith, the previous joint proprietor of Durham Lodge, is the major owner of Scenic Lodge.  Staff previously employed by Durham Lodge have been re-employed by Scenic Lodge.

General manager Jeremy Smith will continue in that role and, from a client’s viewpoint, it will be business as usual from the same property with the only change being the name.

Importantly, Scenic Lodge has retained ownership of the stallions Blackfriars (Danehill) and Universal Ruler (Scenic) which is pivotal to the business moving forward.

David Smith targeted Universal Ruler as the heir-apparent to Scenic in Western Australia.  A stakes-winning sprinter who retired with a 50% strike-rate after just 12 starts, Universal Ruler is already proving popular with owners and trainers.

His first-crop foals sold to $36,000 at the Perth Magic Millions Winter Sale last month.  And young mare Wynyard Hall (Blackfriars) changed hands in foal to Universal Ruler for $130,000 at the same sale.

Universal Ruler will stand at Scenic Lodge for a $5,500 (inc gst) service fee this year.

Scenic Lodge is also pleased to advise it has secured the services of Damien Kirwan.  He has been employed by The Aga Khan at Gilltown Stud in Ireland for the last eight years handling a large roster of high-profile stallions.