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Yarran Thoroughbred’s Stud Manager John Doherty speaks to The Impact about their mare Booker, which was knocked down to Coolmore’s Tom Magnier for A$1.6m at the recent Chairman’s Sale organised by Inglis.
Located on the banks of the divine looking Goldburn River, Yarran Thoroughbred boasts of an abundant supply of green and scenery. That perhaps is one of the reasons you get to see such great horses coming out of that stable. It seems unstoppable. Doherty joined Yarran Farms three years ago and has led the success story of Yarran from day one.
Q: You sold the exquisite mare Booker for A$1.6m which was one of the top 4 horses sold on the day. What makes her special? Please tell us about how this sale came about?
A: Booker was a special mare in every sense, she had good looks, a great temperament and she won a Group One. Her owners, Barrie and Midge Griffiths are my next-door neighbours and they entrusted us with Heatherley a couple of years ago and we sold her at the Magic Millions Broodmare Sale for A$1.6 million, so we were delighted when they asked us to consign Booker, who incidentally reached the very same price.
Unfortunately, due to COVID19 restrictions, we weren’t able to make the trip to Sydney with Booker so in order for her to be available for inspections before the sale she spent 2 weeks at Fairview Park Stud and they looked after her for us.
I do believe she had many inspections during this time and Coolmore was one of those that inspected her. The underbidder was Katsumi Yoshida from Japan.
Q: And finally what are your plans for growth over the next twenty years?
A: Yarran thoroughbreds is currently operating on just over 6oo acres. However, we have recently purchased an adjoining 1000 acres and work is already underway to fence the property and plans are in place for accommodation and stable barns.
We now have approximately 6 kilometres of Goulburn River frontage and our large, sheltered river flat grazing paddocks make the ideal environment for growing up young horses and spelling racehorses. We are in a very central location, being on the same road as Godolphin, Aquis and Swettenham studs, with all other major Stud Farms under an hour, so walking out mares is an easy stress-free process.
We always welcome new clients and encourage inspections of the farm at any time.