 |
|
 |  |
Started in 1994, Ron and Debbie Gilbert’s Highgrove Stud has established a niche as one of Australia’s pre-eminent thoroughbred nurseries with incredible stats whereby an astounding 41.46% of Highgrove’s yearlings sold are Stakes performers.
Like every year, the Gilberts have once again got a small but very high-quality draft of two American Pharaohs and a Capitalist in the upcoming July sales. The Magic Millions’ National Yearling Sale is a proven source for trainers and owners as well as 2YO sale pin-hookers. It has also established itself as a premier source for breeze-up buyers.
Last year’s Gold Coast 2YOs in Training Sale topper – a No Nay Never colt at $525,000 was purchased for $90,000 at this sale twelve months ago.
Ron Gilbert speaks to The Impact about their draft and the challenges the industry faces with COVID19 this year.
Q: Please tell us a bit more about your draft?
A: Our yearlings were supposed to be going into the Magic Millions June sale but because COVID has intervened we had to put them into the July sales instead. We have two American Pharaohs and a Capitalist. All three horses have been broken into the saddle.
Q: Could you please tell us a bit more about your American Pharaohs?
A: We have a filly and a colt. I don’t think they are early 2YOs. They could be late 2YOs or early 3YO. They are both quite athletic. The first crop of the 12th winner of the US Triple Crown includes 8 Stakes winners and these horses have great potential. We bred American Pharaoh with very good sprinting mares so they should turn out to be a more mileage and these days in Australia there are so many mile races worth so much money.
 |  |
Q: And what about your Capitalist colt?
A: Our third horse is a Capitalist filly out of Pokazi (AUS). He is a leading first season sire. I am hearing good reports that his progeny seem to be early. He was a Golden Slipper winner so has every right history tells us that his progeny will be early.
He had the great racing ability, so I believe Capitalist will eventually prove to be a wonderful stallion.
Q: What is different this year because of the COVID19 restrictions?
A: The industry is going through a difficult phase because the prize money levels have dropped and the international buyers are not able to come into Australia for the sales. This year, a lot of horses were purchased locally. Also, sales are a great place to make good contacts and meet friends. Next year I am expecting yearling prices to drop a bit domestically and internationally.