Lazarus N full & closed for his return ‘down under’

The drums have been beating down under for Lazarus N (Bettor’s Delight x Bethany x Christian Cullen) since the news that the prodigal son of Canterbury harness racing would be returning home to his roots for the Southern Hemisphere breeding season.

The response to the announcement has been overwhelming.

Despite being three weeks from arriving on farm at Nevele R Stud, farm principal Ged Mooar was forced to announce his book as full and closed last Thursday (Jul. 28), such is the demand for the champion.

“We’re very happy with the reception and the support he has received,” said Mooar.

“He hasn’t even arrived and we’re already facilitating a waiting list which is just incredible and obviously a sign that breeders have taken notice of his early success in North America,” he said.

Lazarus N has hit the ground running in North America with his debut juvenile crop showing they will be a force to be reckoned with.

Lazarus N currently has the fastest two-year-old in North America with Voukefalas posting 1:50 in winning the $240,000 New Jersey Sires Stakes final at the Meadowlands 10 days ago.

VOUKEFALAS REPLAY

Voukefalas has already won $137,400 in stakes.

Lifes A Puzzle another Lazarus N two-year-old has earned $51,300 and is the fastest first starting two-year-old in history in 1:50.4.

Five of his two-year-olds have already posted race day times in 1:55 or faster with three of his male pacers winning in sub 1:52.

57 percent (53 of 92) of his debut crop have started and he is currently the sire of 15 winners coming from nine different dam sires, showcasing some the versatility he displayed on the race track is transferring to the stallion barn.

Total earnings of his progeny to date is $575,000.

“He’s crossing really well with the Mach Three line and already has three of his five fastest progeny coming out of Somebeachsomewhere mares. But he is also crossing really well with the Western Ideal sire line and also a number of Art Major mares,” said Mooar.

Nevele R Stud has a rich history of standing some of our greatest stallions and the fact that the Prebbleton based farm was home to the last great NZ Bred stallion is not lost on Mooar.

“Everyone will know Christian Cullen spent most of his career on farm here and Lazarus N looks to be the next bright hope for our breed at stud. It’s quite neat that he is out of a Christian Cullen mare himself.”

“It’s also very exciting for the stud with Lazarus N being a Canterbury horse. He was trained just down the road at Rolleston by the All Stars and had some of his greatest performances on the track down the road at Addington Raceway.”

“Ever since it was announced he would be standing on farm the staff have been really excited and are eagerly awaiting his arrival,” he said.

Breeders wanting to send a mare to Lazarus are encouraged to add their name to the waiting list.

“Being based in Canterbury where the majority of New Zealand mares are based will give him his best opportunity to get mares in foal and we have about 60 percent of his mares being served on farm which should also help.”

“All things going well Laz will be doing the job we know he is capable of doing and we will be in a position to meet more of the demand for his services,” said Mooar.

by Brad Reid, for Harnesslink