A Season to remember: Waikato Stud’s 2025/26 track stars

The 2025/26 season will be remembered as another outstanding chapter for Waikato Stud, with the farm’s stallions, graduates and homebreds delivering black-type success on both sides of the Tasman. From Group 1 glory in Sydney to Classic triumphs at home, the results are a testament to the quality of the roster and, above all, to the breeders and owners who continue to support it.

It was also a year full of emotion as we said goodbye to Super Seth, who was acquired by Coolmore Australia and relocated to its Hunter Valley base – his fee was subsequently announced at A$137,000 inc GST. We also laid to rest our ten-time Champion NZ sire Savabeel, an absolute gentleman in the barn and our great mate having lived at Waikato Stud for 21 years. Sav leaves behind an indelible hoofprint on the racing, breeding and Waikato Stud worlds.

Savabeel: a Champion who keeps delivering

Season after season, Savabeel proved why he sits among the greats, and 2025/26 was no exception. Leading the charge was the talented Belle Cheval, who took her career to a new level with victory in the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes in Australia, adding two Group 3 wins along the way. She was joined at the elite level by Provence, a decisive winner of the Gr.1 Mufhasa Classic who went on to sell for A$1.8 million at the Inglis Chairman’s Sale for Tony and Vicki Rider.

The depth behind them was remarkable. Von Hauke (ex Tiara) was a star in Melbourne, landing the Gr.2 Crystal Mile and the Listed Ladbrokes Golden Mile, while Hinekaha claimed a Group 2 of her own. Ammirati added a Group 3 and a Listed win to the tally, and Solid Gold (ex Gram), bred and raced by WS, was another Group 3 winner for Sav.

Savabeel’s extraordinary spread of stakes winners was rounded out by no fewer than seven individual Listed winners: Sir Albert, Captain Pluto, Essentric Nature, Witz End, Acer, Major Beel and Force of Nature. It was a season that underlined, yet again, the champion stallion’s unmatched consistency at the highest level.

Ocean Park: Oaks Trans-Tasman domination

Ocean Park enjoyed a season most stallions can only dream of, headlined by the brilliant Ohope Wins. The star filly completed a rare Classic double, winning both the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks and the Gr.1 Australian Oaks, and added two Group 2 victories for good measure in a campaign of the highest class.

She wasn’t alone. Stablemate-in-arms Autumn Glory won at Group 2 level and went agonisingly close to Classic glory herself, finishing runner-up in both the Gr.1 New Zealand Oaks and the New Zealand Derby. Tellum added another Group 2 success, Mystic Park won at Group 3 level and Arcadia Park claimed a Listed victory, capping a superb year for OP!

Ardrossan: building momentum

Ardrossan continues to build an impressive record, and his 2025/26 season featured four individual stakes winners. Ardalio led the way with a Group 3 victory, while Pacifico, De Armas and Saltcoats were all successful at Listed level. It was further proof that the beautifully bred son of Redoute’s Choice is siring genuine, tough black-type performers. Ardy’s

Banquo and Noverre: Milestones for the next generation

There were significant milestones for the younger members of the roster. Banquo notched his first stakes winner when the Waikato Stud-bred and owned Justin Case (ex Do Ra Mi) captured a Group 3, a moment of real pride for the farm.

Noverre, meanwhile, saw his first crop of runners hit the track, and the early signs are exciting. He was represented by the promising winner Hailstones (ex Coolstorm) and the stakes-placed Bella Bonita, giving his supporters plenty to look forward to as his progeny mature.

Homebreds flying the flag

The WS brand was also carried with distinction by graduates bred on the farm. La Dorada (ex Gold Fever), a daughter of Super Seth, won at Group 2 level, while her fellow Super Seth representative Kilman (ex Thy) was a Group 3 winner, an encouraging pointer to what lies ahead for the young stallion’s stock.

The progeny of Tivaci enjoyed a banner season as well. American Wolf won a Group 2, while Numbers claimed a Group 3 and placed at Group 1 level, and Tuxedo and Feminino both added Group 3 victories of their own.

A word of thanks

None of these results happen without the people behind them. To every breeder who has sent a mare to one of our stallions, every client who has purchased a Waikato Stud graduate, and every owner, trainer, jockey and staff member who has played a part in these successes: thank you. Your faith in our stallions, our farm and our team is what drives everything we do, and seasons like this one belong to you as much as to us.

With an exciting new addition of Return To Conquer, WS is building a new generation of stallions finding their feet and with their next crop of yearlings heading to the sales, we can’t wait to do it all again in 2026/27.