NSW prizemoney lures Bearcat

Former Taunton Vale Stud sire Bearcat has been transferred to NSW by prominent bloodstock agent Anton Koolman.

Bearcat (Danehill) is a brother to successful sire Catbird and his oldest Western Australia bred progeny are new season five year-olds.  He has sired 36 winners of 54 races at a 41% strike-rate.

Koolman cited the big increases in NSW prizemoney as one of the reasons for the move.  “We decided to bring him back to take advantage of the prizemoney that promises to revitalise racing in NSW,” Koolman said.

“Bowness is a top class nursery with a big base of clients, many of whom breed to race, so Bearcat should make plenty of appeal as an affordable and proven BOBS eligible sire.”

Operated by John and Helen North at Young in the south west of NSW, Bowness Stud is home to G1 winning sprinter Bon Hoffa who covered 198 mares last year.

Koolman purchased Bearcat for $700,000 at the 2001 Inglis Easter yearling sale.  He was a class sprinter in Hong Kong winning four races for leading trainer Tony Cruz including a record-breaking victory over 1400m at Happy Valley.

Bearcat stood for a $4,400 fee in WA but will be available for $3,300 at Bowness Stud.