2026-27 Stallion Roster
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2026-27 STALLION ROSTER
Woodlands Stud has reaffirmed its commitment to providing Australasian breeders with the world's best Standardbred bloodlines, unveiling an unchanged but powerful roster of proven sires for the 2026/27 breeding season.
Headlined by harness racing's greatest sire Bettor's Delight, the roster also features dual-hemisphere champion Sweet Lou, Australasia's emerging sire sensation Downbytheseaside, exciting young speed sire Lather Up, proven trotting sire Speeding Spur, and frozen semen from the ever-reliable American Ideal (New Zealand only).
The shuttle stallions, Sweet Lou and Downbytheseaside, are scheduled to arrive at Woodlands Stud on Monday 31st August, with fresh chilled semen expected to be available for shipment to breeders shortly after.
While deliberately select in size, the Woodlands Stud roster continues to deliver at the highest level on the racetrack. The stallions consistently produce elite performers and feature race winners throughout Australasia, reinforcing the farm’s long-standing commitment to quality over quantity.
Few rosters can match the current momentum of the Woodlands lineup.
Photo: Sweet Lou
A COMMENT FROM AUSTRALIAN MANAGER – MARK HUGHES:
"The 2026/27 breeding season will mark my 15th season with Woodlands Stud. It's hard to believe how quickly that time has passed.
"We remain committed to offering Australasian breeders the world's greatest Standardbred stallions. In an ever-changing marketplace, the Woodlands Stud brand remains as dynamic as ever on and off the track, but especially in the breeding shed.
"I'm proud to be part of a team that continues to support the industry on both sides of the Tasman and I wish the very best of luck to everyone breeding this season."
Photo: Lather Up
A COMMENT FROM NEW ZEALAND SALES MANAGER – CAMERON GRANT:
"It's always an exciting time of year when the shuttle stallions return. Both Sweet Lou and Downbytheseaside are coming off huge seasons in both hemispheres and continue to prove why they're among the most sought-after stallions available to Australasian breeders.
"Downbytheseaside's progeny are strong, fast and perfectly suited to our style of racing, while Sweet Lou is simply the hottest sire on the planet. He's an incredible stallion and a wonderful horse to have around the farm.
"I recently spent some time with Bettor's Delight and he certainly doesn't act like a 28-year-old. He's an unbelievable horse who continues to defy the odds, and I don't think we'll ever see another quite like him.
"Lather Up has become a real favourite around the farm. He consistently overdelivers and I'm excited to see what his next crops can achieve. Then there's Speeding Spur, who continues to represent outstanding value. Breeders know exactly what they're getting, a horse with tremendous heart that passes that toughness onto his progeny."
Photo: Bettor's Delight
FAST FACTS
BETTOR'S DELIGHT
Over $650 million in worldwide progeny earnings
Leading six of eight sire leaderboards across Australasia
Still performing at elite level at 28 years of age
SWEET LOU
Champion 2025 Sire in North America and Australia
Continues to rank among the most dominant pacing sires globally
Returning for another high-demand season - full and closed in AU
DOWNBYTHESEASIDE
Leading Sire of 2YO Individual Winners across Australasia in 2025
Among the top-ranked sires of 2YOs and 3YOs Worldwide
Producing strong, fast and athletic progeny suited to Australasian racing
LATHER UP
Consistently producing high-quality performers from limited books
Multiple Group 1 winning sire already
Proven source of natural speed and commercial value
SPEEDING SPUR
One of Australasia’s most reliable value trotting sires
Consistently produces tough, genuine racehorses
AMERICAN IDEAL (FROZEN SEMEN)
Proven international influence
Continues to leave feature race winners
Available to NZ breeders via frozen semen
2026/27 SEASON NOTES
Shuttle stallions arrive 31 August 2026
Semen shipments commence approximately one week later
Early bird and multi-mare discounts may apply
Woodlands Stud servicing breeders across New Zealand and Australia
'WOODLANDS WINNERS' WITH CAMPBELL'S COMMENTS SERVICE FEE ANNOUNCEMENT VIDEO
Photo: Speeding Spur
As another breeding season approaches, Woodlands Stud remains committed to providing breeders with world-class bloodlines that consistently perform at the highest level. Every stallion on the roster has earned his place through racetrack performance, giving breeders confidence in proven genetics backed by decades of success.
For Woodlands Stud, the philosophy remains unchanged:
PROVEN SIRES. PROVEN RESULTS.
Contact our friendly team today if you have any queries regarding our sires ahead of the 2026-27 season.
Cameron Grant (NZ): +64 22 096 1897 or cameron@woodlandsstud.co.nz
Mark Hughes (AU): +61 451 650 707 or mark@woodlandsstud.co.nz
Office: +64 9 292 8250 or office@woodlandsstud.co.nz
