Sweet Lou's Arrival Delayed

Woodlands Stud advises breeders that champion stallion Sweet Lou has had a short delay to his arrival in New Zealand ahead of the upcoming breeding season after becoming acutely lame in a hind leg while awaiting departure in the quarantine facility in North America.

The lameness was identified quickly and Sweet Lou has received the best veterinary care and attention since.

 Unfortunately, there was not enough time for him to recover before his scheduled flight and with his health the priority, the decision was made for him to remain in North America and continue his recovery. 

Thankfully, the issue does not appear to be anything concerning and he is improving well.

Woodlands Stud principal Dr Andrew Grierson said the decision to delay Sweet Lou’s travel was made with his long-term welfare in mind.

“While it is certainly not ideal that Sweet Lou will be arriving later than planned, his health and welfare always come first. Alongside our partners at Diamond Creek Farm, we believe it is in his long-term best interests to give him the time he needs to recover properly before travelling.

“He is improving well, and we are looking forward to having him safely back at Woodlands and seeing him get back to doing what he does best.”

Sweet Lou is now booked to fly to New Zealand on Saturday, September 5, where he will complete his required two-week quarantine before arriving at Woodlands Stud. He is expected to be on farm and available for breeding duties from Monday, September 21.

For New Zealand breeders, frozen semen is available should it be required during the two weeks Sweet Lou is unavailable. Breeders who think they may require frozen semen during this period are encouraged to contact Cameron Grant to arrange this.

Unfortunately, frozen semen is not an option for Australian breeders. However, Sweet Lou is only expected to miss a week or two of the Australian breeding season and will be available as normal once he completes his quarantine and arrives on farm.

Any Australian breeders with existing bookings who have concerns about timing are encouraged to contact Mark Hughes to discuss their options and make a plan.

Woodlands Stud thanks breeders for their understanding and looks forward to welcoming Sweet Lou back to New Zealand for another successful breeding season ahead.