U S Navy Flag and Ten Sovereigns will not return as Valachi change focus
Multiple Group 1-winning sprinters U S Navy Flag (War Front) and Ten Sovereigns (No Nay Never) will not be returning to Valachi Downs for this year’s breeding season, with the Kevin and Jo Hickman-owned operation announcing a change of direction to focus on their ambitions in becoming a boutique thoroughbred nursery.
Coolmore, who raced and now stand both U S Navy Flag and Ten Sovereigns in the northern hemisphere, have indicated their willingness to find at least the former a new home in New Zealand.
In a statement released yesterday by the Matamata stud, general manager for Valachi, Gareth Downey, said the move will see the racing and breeding operation sell approximately 50 mares on Gavelhouse Plus, which would reduce their broodmare band to around 70 mares, with the auction set to go live on Wednesday, March 17.
“Kevin and Jo Hickman are refocusing Valachi Downs as a more private and smaller nursery and racing stable with the same goal of producing, selling and racing elite racehorses,” he said.
“The consolidation is an exciting move for Valachi’s future, allowing laser-like focus on the elements of the business that Kevin and Jo love the most, which is producing a top-class thoroughbred.”
The stud will retain a stallion presence, with young second season sire Vespa (Elusive City), the sire of last month’s Southland Guineas (Listed, 1600m) winner Chokito, remaining on the roster for this season alongside Zacinto (Dansili), who moved from the South Island’s Inglewood Stud to Valachi in 2018 having sired 2016 NZ 2000 Guineas (Gr 1, 1600m) winner Ugo Foscolo, as well as Savile Row (Makfi).
It was only last year that Valachi expanded their stallion roster, with Ten Sovereigns joining his Coolmore barnmate in New Zealand, while the Valachi Downs-bred Vespa returned to his place of birth in 2020 having stood at Wellfield Lodge.
U S Navy Flag, who covered 150 mares in his first book at a fee of $20,000 and 79 during his second season at Valachi, will have his first southern hemisphere-bred weanlings sell in 2021, while Ten Sovereigns covered 66 mares in 2020 at a fee of $20,000.
“We are pleased for the New Zealand industry that Coolmore Stud has informed us of their intention to stand at least U S Navy Flag in New Zealand following exceptional reviews from breeders from his first crop,” added Downey.
Following the bloodstock reduction, Valachi will also offer for sale their 100 acre pre-training property in Matamata. It is likely to hit the marketplace by deadline sale at the end of March.