From passion to success with KTC Bloodstock

It is hard to believe KTC Bloodstock has only been selling yearlings since 2015. 

The progressive breeding operation, spearheaded by Kody Charles, has already bred horses that have won more than $11 million in stakes. 

KTC has produced 13 Group 1 winners and 29 horses that have won $100,000 or more in prizemoney. Five of those have won more $500,000 each – Wonderful To Fly ($736K), Lavra Joe ($615K), Patrickthepiranha ($574K), Shockwave ($567K) and Lady De La Renta ($526K). 

There are five KTC youngsters in the APG 2YO Sales Classic finals on March 1 – two fillies and three colts. 

Kody Charles said these phenomenal statistics were driven by a desire to continually improve the broodmare band. 

“I registered KTC Bloodstock in 2013 because I wanted to create a product and brand that was successful and trusted by the industry,” Charles said. “Mum and Dad used to breed a couple before that but they sell under the KTC banner now. We first sold yearlings in 2015 and they started racing in 2016, so we have amassed these figures in eight years. 

“Our aim is to keep bringing in quality bloodlines. We are always on the lookout for good broodmares, whether they be local, New Zealand or even American. We go to good sires and we spare no expense to make sure the youngsters are ready to deal with the rigours of racing. Every foal we breed is put through the ring and is for genuine sale. We only race a few that did not reach their reserves.” 

Kody said a passion for harness racing was the reason for the growing success. Three generations of the Charles family – led by his father Kevin and mother Annette – work to ensure the yearlings are polished and well promoted come sales time. 

“Mum and Dad bred Wonderful To Fly, who is our best horse, and we are all very proud of that,” Charles said. “They also allowed me the resources to develop the operation and create the product we have now. The whole family, including the grandkids, help out with the horses at the yearling parade and on sales day every year, which takes a lot of planning and work.” 

Charles said they cherished the support KTC Bloodstock received from owners and trainers. 

“We try to offer a range of horses to suit all buyers,” he said. “Mysta Moon Walker (who won a heat of the APG 2YO colts classic on Tuesday) was only $15,000. Wonderful To Fly was passed in and sold for $20,000 after she was broken in. 

“Jim and Willie Giumelli have been great supporters – Cabsav won a fillies sales classic, then they bought Lion Queen, who was going to be anything, and Water Lou ($187K) the following year. 

“And this year they have Ruby Lou, who has won two of her first three starts. And it was exciting to watch Tom Erceg and Kat Warwick take home Queen Of All last year for $140,000 – that was real theatre.” 

KTC Bloodstock will offer 24 yearlings at the APG Perth Yearling Sale on March 3.  

Two “big names” in the draft will be (Lot 455) a half-sister to Shockwave and full sister to star filly Double Expresso (1.55.4, $328K) and (Lot 507) a half-brother to superstar mare Wonderful To Fly by boom sire Tall Dark Stranger. 

But they also have some exciting youngsters from quality mares that have just recently joined the roster. 

These include (Lot 470) an American Ideal colt out of brilliant race filly La Machane (1.54.6, $335K), who has already produced La Captain (1.52.8, $174K) and La Puddie (1.53, $143K). 

This colt is bred on the same cross as million dollar WA star Magnificent Storm. 

Lot 478 is a filly by Bettors Wish from star WA race mare Libertybelle Midfrew (1.53.9, $640K). Libertybelle Midfrew already has three winners, including last year’s impressive two-year-old filly Libby Lou (1.54.7, $71K). 

Another filly sure to be in the spotlight is (Lot 496) by Rock N Roll Heaven from Mint Julep. This filly is a half-sister to outstanding three-year-old Pacifico Dream (1.51, $359K). Her grandam Jadah Rose (1.49.6, $465K) was a champion racehorse and has become a broodmare gem. 

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