Westbury strengthens its ranks

Karaka based Westbury Stud has added further depth to its stallion roster after acquiring proven G1 stallion Postponed.

The deal was finalised after prominent Australian businessman Gerry Harvey secured a 50% share in the son of Summer Squall.  Harvey is a part-owner of Westbury Stud, while his thoroughbred investments in Australia include Baramul Stud and shareholdings in both Vinery Stud and Magic Millions.

Only lightly raced, Postponed’s (Summer Squall-Bridal Tea by Gulch) career highlight came with a dominant victory in the G2 Peter Pan Stakes (1800m) at Belmont.

His outstanding pedigree has seen him prove very popular with broodmare owners.  His grand-dam, Chapel Of Dreams (Northern Dancer), is a multiple group winning three-quarter sister to champion North American sire Storm Cat (Storm Bird) while his third dam, Crimson Saint (Crimson Satan), is the dam of dual G1 winner and proven sire Royal Academy (Nijinsky).

Already the sire of the G1 winners Pasta Post and Dorabella, the best is ahead for Postponed, in the opinion of Westbury Stud manager Russell Warwick.

“Postponed is heading into some exciting times with his biggest books about to hit the track,” Warwick said.  “He’s got some 94 rising two-year-olds to step out, with 79 yearlings coming through and he covered 96 mares in 2008.  “Postponed has a terrific stallion’s pedigree and has continued the family’s proud record himself with a spectacular start to his stud career.  “It’s exciting to be able to offer him to breeders and he complements our roster perfectly.”

Postponed will stand for a service fee of $14,500 inc gst with a limited book of 125 mares and will stand alongside Librettist, Captain Rio, Faltaat and second season sire Cecconi.