WS NEWS | Fit. Fertile. Firing
/As spring approaches, things are in full swing at Woodlands Stud. Our five stallions have settled in and are getting into their collecting routines ahead of the first official shipping date.
Energy is high on the track too, with Woodlands sired winners dominating across Australasia and turning in record-breaking performances internationally.
With just a fortnight to go until breeding season officially begins, the signs couldn’t be better, our stallions are fit, fertile, and firing. From proven legends to rising forces, the Woodlands roster continues to deliver results that breeders can count on, season after season.
Below is a snapshot of the week’s news and highlights, both in the breeding shed and on the racetrack.
BETTOR’S DELIGHT IN TOP SHAPE
With just two weeks to go until breeding season, BETTOR’S DELIGHT has come through his first-ever “off-season” in New Zealand in outstanding condition.
“Bettor’s Delight’s semen is progressively motile at 65% and he is very well in himself, so on track for another strong season at stud,” reports Dr Andrew Grierson.
Now permanently based in New Zealand, the 27-year-old marvel continues to raise the bar, both on the track through his world-class progeny, and in the breeding shed with his unmatched consistency.
He joins SWEET LOU, DOWNBYTHESEASIDE, LATHER UP and SPEEDING SPUR as part of our world-class roster.
Key Dates and Timings:
Monday 8 September – First official shipping date across Australasia
Orders due by 2pm NZT / AEST, Sunday 7 September
All sires are in routine, fertility is strong, and the countdown is officially on. The Woodlands Stud team is ready for a huge season ahead!
Photo: Bettor's Delight & Tony Grayling
Photos (left-right): Sweet Lou filly, Downbytheseaside filly, Downbytheseaside colt
FIRST FOALS ARRIVE AT WOODLANDS
The wait is over, foaling season has officially begun at Woodlands Stud!
Last week we welcomed our first foals, all healthy and strong. It’s always a special moment seeing the first arrivals of the season, and it sets the tone for the busy months ahead.
With plenty more foals due before the end of the month, our dedicated team are working around the clock to ensure every mare and foal gets the very best of care.
Here’s to a season of safe arrivals and bright futures ahead for these little stars in the making!
Photo (Monica Toretto): A terrific photo of three progeny of DOWNBYTHESEASIE fighting out the finish of the 2-year-old race at Gore on Sunday. Winner was Lizzie Borden, second was Indulge Me, third was Seaside Brucie and not pictured but fourth placing was Crimson Tide who was also sired by Downbytheseaside.
LIFE IS GOOD, DOWNBYTHESEASIDE
Breeders are being rewarded for their faith in DOWNBYTHESEASIDE as his progeny continue to make waves worldwide.
11 winners across Australasia last week – including a First Four result in the Gore 2YO feature.
Lizzie Borden (Bettor's Delight dam) – 1st for Woodlands & Syndicate No.3, trained by Kentuckiana Lodge.
Indulge Me (Sweet Lou dam), Seaside Brucie (Bettor's Delight dam), Crimson Tide (Bettor's Delight dam) – were 2nd to 4th.
Ten Da Touch (Dream Away dam) – winner of the $25,000 Southern Surge Final.
Double at Menangle – Coastal Drive (Art Major dam) and Itzbuddha (Bettor's Delight dam, 1:53.3 career best time).
33 individual 2YO winners in Australasia this season – more than any other sire!
In North America – top three on both the 2YO & 3YO sire leaderboards. His son BYTHEMISSAL equalled the Canadian & track record (1:46.4) in the Canadian Pacing Derby Eliminations.
OTHER NEWS
Photo: Lather Up
LATHER UP – SMALL CROPS, BIG RESULTS
LATHER UP, dual World Champion who broke two World Records and seven track records, continues to make a big impact as a sire despite his smaller crops to date:
Over 51% starters to winners overall.
75% winners-to-starters with Australian 2YO’s
Of his 28 winners, 25 have gone 1:59.9 or better – with seven under 1:56.
He’s proving one of the best-value sires across Australasia, stamping his progeny with good manners and natural speed.
A DOUBLE DOSE OF SWEETNESS
SWEET LOU continues to be a dominant force, with 17 winners last week, including doubles at Menangle, Gloucester Park, Penrith and Newcastle.
To date in 2025: 296 progeny have won 616 races, banking over $8.25M in Australasia.
His popularity remains unmatched – with another full and closed book in Australia, following another full book in North America for 2025.
