Doubling down on the double Westbred bonus

The Lakes breeder Rob Simmonds has gathered a quality band of 10 broodmares and has sent them all to WA-based sires because he wants to support the local harness racing industry. 

He will offer three youngsters at the APG Perth Yearling Sale on March 3 and all are double Westbred eligible, giving buyers the chance to earn lucrative bonuses in their two and three-year-old seasons. 

“I am a double Westbred man. It puts money back into the WA breeding industry and it gives owners more earning potential,” he said. “I want to breed affordable youngsters that give their owners a lot of enjoyment. They are raised on my (850-acre) property and we feed them well to make sure they are healthy and strong.” 

“My partner Sharon Shanks is a very experienced horsewoman and she does most of the prep work. She often tells me to get out of the way when I interfere” he continues. “My three this year are by Captain Ahab and I am really happy with them. I will go back to him again. They have a bit of cheekiness but have really good temperaments and are very trainable.” 

Simmonds said all 10 mares were in foal this year, including former WA broodmare of the year Living Hei, dam of star filly Water Lou ($187K) and Erskine Range ($250K), who is in foal to Fly Like An Eagle using a recipient mare. 

“This year, I have mares in foal to Captain Ahab, Ultimate Sniper and Fly Like An Eagle,” Simmonds said. “Hopefully, we will have 10 healthy foals on the ground.” 

Simmonds started out in harness racing in the late 1980s when he bought a yearling colt for $1000. 

He turned out to be Berkley Road, who went on to win a Triple Crown final and a Sires Stakes final. 

“He was unwanted as a yearling so I thought I would take chance,” Simmonds said. “He earned $113,000 and gave us a great run. Unfortunately, he died of colic as a five-year-old. 

“I have had some handy winners since – The Rain, Bulldog Mack, Wootty Boy. And Luke Attack is racing well this season. He has had a lot of issues but he has turned the corner and should keep improving.” 

Simmonds said his colt (Lot 429) by Captain Ahab from Booty Shake (1.56.9, $22K) was an eye-catching youngster. 

His grandam is a full sister to champion race mare and broodmare gem Jadah Rose (1.49.6, $465K) and Scooterwillrev (1.55.5, $253K). 

“I call him Enzo Ferrari because he moves so well across the paddock,” Simmonds said. “He is big and athletic and looks like an early goer.” 

Lot 410 is a Captain Ahab filly out of handy race mare All About Pink (1.54.5, $85K). This is an outstanding filly family and also produced Golden Nugget winner Gee Whiz Fizz (1.56.4, $408K). 

For full details of all catalogued yearlings in the 2024 Australian Pacing Gold Yearling Sales please visit our Online Sales Catalogue or Register as a Buyer now.

From APG Ltd