Widden Stud is set to expand its operation into Victoria by taking over the lease of Sun Stud.
Sun Stud has been operating as a private breeding facility in recent years and will operate as Widden Stud Victoria, with the existing stallion roster of Bel Esprit, Fiorente (Ire), Magnus, National Defense (GB), Palentino, Ready For Victory, Squamosa and Thronum being retained and bolstered by the addition of Group 1 stallions Nicconi and Star Witness from New South Wales.
“The Widden brand is synonymous with longevity and success at the highest level in thoroughbred racing and breeding and we saw an opportunity to expand into a growing Victorian market,” Antony Thompson (pictured above) said in a statement.
“Despite the challenges we have faced as a country in the past 12 months due to the pandemic and the ensuing economic uncertainty, our breeding and racing industries have proven remarkably resilient and our yearling sales this year have demonstrated the strength of the Australian market.
“Given these factors we believe there has never been a more favourable time to invest in a strategy that will see Widden Stud emerge as a premier source of thoroughbreds in Victoria as well as New South Wales, with establishments in both states offering commercial services including a stallion station, mare agistment, pre and post-natal care, foaling and weaning, as well as yearling handling and sales preparation.”
“We could not have wished for a better outcome, it is a privilege to have Widden as the custodians of our farm and stallions.” Danielle Cheng, principal of Sun Stud, said.