The Tardina legacy expands to both sales

In 2024, Tardina Stud will enter a ‘next stage’ in its evolution of breeding quality standardbreds following the passing of family patriarch Dr Tony Parker in March of 2023 but according to General Manager and daughter Faine, it is business as usual as the 2024 yearling sales come around.

“This is the first time of selling without Tony’s input and expertise, but the yearlings look great and we are excited about the eight strong draft on offer which includes two in the Christchurch sale,” Faine explained.

“Obviously, over the last decade he was able to pass on a huge amount of knowledge to myself and our farm manager, Caroline Coombe. In 2022 we made the decision to send a few of Tardina’s in foal mares to my sister and family to foal down and produce in Oamaru at their Meadowbrook farm. It’s great being able to extend the reach where the Tardina principles are believed in and so closely followed.”

The Tardina processes for foal development and then yearling preparation has been meticulously refined over 50 years where the pasture management and feeding regimes take centre stage. Working closely with feed nutritionists, the young horses are weighed monthly and their feed closely monitored. This platform for positive equine development has been supported by the local vets (courtesy of Vet Associates Equine, Karaka), another integral part of the horse care at Tardina initiated by Tony when so active himself as a vet over the last 60 years.

“We feel confident here at Tardina that when someone purchases one of our yearlings and then send it to their trainer, they will be acquiring a well-developed, well-mannered young horse, more than ready to handle the rigours of being broken in and raced,” she said.

The strong veterinary relationship also helped the Tardina team to seamlessly and successfully navigate the new normal for foaling and breeding this past spring. As for the sales prep, they come in at the beginning of Jan and all they then need is a ‘final tweaking”, Faine shared.

The Tardina draft begins early at Auckland with Lot 10, a filly by Creatine from proven producer Dutch Annie.

It’s a good time for selling a Creatine who has done a super job to date and this filly is a half to six winners (from six to race) including Yagunnakissmeornot (17 wins) and Hot Pants (four wins, NZ record), both of whom are now at stud and breeding on. This is the family of Miss Whiplash (13 wins) and she has been the source of many winners from the stud.

Lot 102 is a Creatine colt from Yagunnakissmeornot (3rd foal) and he should attract plenty of attention from buyers. Her first foal Kiss And Run has already set a NZ record.

From the same family is Lot 74, a first foal from five-win mare Sex On Fire, a Crazed daughter of Miss Whiplash. “This What The Hill filly is a farm favourite and we’re excited to see her on the track” says Faine.

Tardina are offering two yearlings by ‘hot’ sire Captaintreacherous.

Lot 47 is the first foal from three-win Bettor’s Delight mare Little Miss Perfect who was good enough to win a Sires Stakes heat as a 2yo and ranks as a half to multiple group 1 winner Chase Auckland. While a typical smaller first foal she has great conformation according to Faine and is a real character, loving nothing more than being centre of attention.

Lot 83 is a second colt from the lightly raced Silvia (Art Major). This pedigree was given a timely boost when first foal Silver Spoon placed on debut recently for trainer Tony Herlihy. This is another family Tardina have enjoyed long time success with the likes of Hunka Hickling and Sharp And Telford headlining many times over. “He is a well grown colt and has a great attitude” enthuses Faine

Lot 19, a filly by Captain Crunch and a half to USA winner Sprinter (52w) who won the 2015 Australian Golden Slipper as a 2 year old. She is a beautiful bold filly, and in my mind, has all the hallmarks of a winner.

The expansion of Tardina bred mares to North Otago will see Tardina offering two yearlings prepared by Meadowbrook Farm.

Lot 128 is very early on day 1 in Christchurch. The Always B Miki filly is closely related to Lot 83. Her half-sister, You Little Beauty, has been a consistent performer in Cambridge this past year and sits at the top of their 2023 performance table. The owner group racing her have had a lot of fun watching her develop into the racemare she is.

Lot 293 is a colt by Downbytheseaside from the 2 win mare Silence Is Golden, making him a half to the smart Speech Is Silver (20 wins + $170k in stakes).

In addition to the Tardina draft, Meadowbrook is also presenting Lot 329 owned by sister Melanie and Mark Kingsbury. This filly, by Father Patrick from the Love You mare U Dream (two wins) is a half to Interdominion champion Galleon’s Sunset.

All four are well grown and have thrived on the Tardina principles of yearling development.

With over 20 mares foaled down between the two properties and another 15 back in foal this breeding season, Tardina seems well placed to continue their breeding legacy.

by Rob Courtney, reprinted with permission from New Zealand Standardbred Breeders Assn