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Matamata based Eion Kemp has always been a strong supporter of the NZB's Ready to Run Sale since its inception. An exciting two-year-old season draft suggests that the Hall of Fame trainer could be set to add to his already impressive reputation for preparing horses for sale.
“We've coined the farm as we've changed the way we've done things a little bit this year
“Usually, we buy up to a dozen average-priced yearlings through a syndicate,” said the co-owner of Kilgraven Lodge.
“This year we haven't bought as many yearlings, but we have bought things by Exceed And Excel and Deep Field and other successful sires.
“We believe these will do much better with clients in Hong Kong and Australia as long as they breeze up well and stay sound.
“It's just a change in direction for us.”
Kilgraven still presents a draft of sixteen quality horses, making them one of the top vendors by sheer numbers.
“It is a tough choice as they are all nice horses, I have to say that Lot 289 (Exceed and Excel X Sebrina – Bay colt) is my top pick,” said Kemp.
“He is a lovely physical type of horse. He is by a stallion that performed well both in Australia and Hong Kong and is well sought after. And there's not many of them left.
“He’s a nice big horse. He stands over a lot of ground. He’s got plenty of ‘zip’ to him,” he said, “I think he's going to be a nice 3YO type of horse.”
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The Kemps founded Kilgravin Lodge in 2002 and it has become a haven for producing high-class racehorses.
“Another top choice would be Lot 103 (Capitalist X Emirates Comfort - Chestnut Colt),” he said.
“He’s out of a Dubawi mare. She has put a little bit of length and size into him, making him bigger than most other Capitalists out there.
“He is probably the type that would be a nice late 2YO. I’m really happy the way he has come together through his preparation,” said Eion of the chestnut colt, “I expect him to do well in Australia, as Capitalist was a great 2YO and his 3YOs are just coming back to re-present themselves this spring.”
Eion spent three years at Massey University where he gained a Bachelor Of Science Degree before winning a scholarship to the Marcus Oldham Equine College in Victoria, Australia, a one-year all-encompassing course aligned to the thoroughbred industry.
“My third pick would be Lot 69 (Deep Field X Certitude - Bay Colt),” he said.
“Deep Field’s have done really well in Hong Kong. This horse we bought specifically come back through the sale.
“He is a lovely moving horse. He’s a 1400m – 1600m horse with good size.”
“Then my fourth one a Lot 111 (Contributer X Falsetto – Bay Colt)”, he said, “this cross has obviously worked well in the past.”
“Contributor is really starting to put his hand up in the industry now
“He is nice 1600m, late 2YO or early 3YO Classic type of horse. I can see him doing well in Australia”
Kilgavin graduates, year after year go on to achieve extraordinary racecourse success on the international stage.
“The filly market is really starting to take off,” said Kemp leading on to his fifth pick of spotlight horses in his draft.
“Lot 140 (So You Think X Enchanted) is an outstanding light brown filly out of a Darci Bramha mare.
“She is a nice physical type with a great family behind her.
“He seems to be a 3YO Classics, Oaks-type filly.
With New Zealand under lockdown, the sale format is still under question.
“Once we have the breeze-up results, the sale will take care of itself
“With the island under tight lockdown, we don't know whether there will be a virtual sale or a physical sale,” he said.
“The most important day of preparation is the breeze-ups because if you don't get them right nothing matters
Kemp has been watching Belarado over the years and feels he is still flying under the radar. So much so is his faith that his draft features a fine bay colt by Belardo.
“He is a really nice strong horse,” said Eion.
The young Haunui Farm stallion by Lope de Vega is currently New Zealand’s leading 2YO and First Season Sire by winners.
Kilgravin Lodge is known for its friendly but well-experienced staff, both the human and equine kind.
“I bought Bizzwinkle for the Ready To Run sale but never sold him. He is retired now and safe at home with us. He is quite the character and we use him as a nanny-horse for our weanlings. He would be probably my favorite.”
The Kemp’s Ready To Run draft has always delivered successful racehorses. And their 2021 edition also seems to tick all the right boxes.