The Odyssey to stand at Telemon
Queensland Champion 2YO The Odyssey (Better Than Ready) will enter stud for the beginning of the 2022 breeding season at leading Queensland farm Telemon Thoroughbreds and will be introduced at a fee of $5,500 (inc GST).
The son of Better Than Ready (More Than Ready) won ten times, headlined by successes in the Phelan Ready Stakes (Listed, 1100m) and Magic Millions QTIS Open Handicap (RL, 1300m), which saw him earn $1.7 million in career prize-money.
“QTIS is, we believe, the leading incentive scheme in Australian racing” said Telemon principal Dan Fletcher. “We can think of no better candidate to target QTIS than the King of QTIS himself, The Odyssey.
“He’s the horse that so many Queenslanders dream about” he continued. “He was up and going in the first two-year-old races in October, he won in elite company before Christmas and went on to have an incredible career. He won the QTIS clean sweep winning both two and three year old Jewels and came back at four to win the $1 million race on Magic Millions Classic day.
“He ran in Exhilarates’ Magic Millions 2YO Classic. I thought it was interesting to look at his form and see that he ended up defeating her when they met again at level weights as three-year-olds. He was certainly a high-quality horse that acted on all surfaces”.
The Odyssey was prepared by leading Queensland trainer Kelly Schweida, who’s wife Vera was also in the ownership. “We’re delighted to see The Odyssey get his chance at Stud” said Schweida.
“He was a stable favourite from the very first time he came into work. He’s very much in the mould of his father who I also trained and it’s no coincidence we came home from Magic Millions with him as a yearling.
“The Odyssey was just as effective on rain affected going as he was on top of the ground and I haven’t had an easier, better natured animal through my yard. He’ll pass that onto his progeny and I’m really looking forward to getting his babies into our stables in years to come.”
Major owner Darren Wilson and his partner Janelle were pivotal in striking the deal for The Odyssey to head to the Queensland-based nursery. “We obviously love the horse and we will be supporting him heavily.” Wilson said.
“Janelle and I have been investing in our bloodstock portfolio for some time now and we’re committed to supporting The Odyssey’s next chapter with some real class mares”.