Pencarrow Stud owned by Sir Peter Vela is considered as one of the finest studs in not just New Zealand but rest of the world. Although developed in tandem with his late brother Philip, five years ago, Sir Peter separated from his brother and continued the enviable legacy of consistently producing world-class horses.
Stud Master Leon Casey has worked with Sir Peter for over 32 years. In that time, Casey has contributed to two Mercedes Breeder of the Year titles, four New Zealand Bloodstock Filly of the Year titles, a world-class Group 1 double by Australasian turf star Ethereal, and a multitude of other accolades.
Casey and Sir Vela met at the Trentham sale ring when Sir Vela purchased Richebourg, who went on to become a foundation mare for the farm.
The Impact speaks to Leon Casey about their 2020 Karaka Yearling Draft and Pencarrow Farm's plans:
Q: Could you tell us more about the one of the 2019 Karaka Yearling sale-toppers?
A: Last year, we sold an excellent filly sired by Savabeel out of Scintillula. She was bought by well respected Australian bloodstock agent, Dean Hawthorne for NZ$ 800,000. She is currently completing her early education.
Q: How do you decide which yearlings will be sent to which sale?
A: Pencarrow Stud sells all its yearlings through New Zealand Bloodstock, which is owned by Sir Peter. We retain 85% of our fillies to race ourselves while we sell all our colts.
Yearlings going for sale, have to meet many criteria these days before they can be classified as 'top quality' horses. These include an excellent physical confirmation, satisfactory x-rays and video-scoping, a good temperament and a superior pedigree. Character is a key factor nowadays. Yearlings need to show composure as they have to be able to handle pressure and event training. At times we see suspect temperaments in the sire or dams which we have to compensate for through the mating process.
Q: You have a large draft of this year. Could you tell us a more about your highlight Lots from your 2020 Karaka Yearling Sale draft?
A: We have two outstanding yearlings in this year's draft. There is a son of American Pharoah out of Posavinaby Tiger Hilland Snitzel filly out of Echezeaux, by Encosta de Lago. Half-sister to Darci Brahma, Burgundy and Saperavi. This is her first foal.
Q: Could you please tell us a bit more about your association with this sale? How long have you been showing at the sale? How do you manage that balance of high quality and the right quantity?
A: We have been selling in Karaka for the last 36 years. Before Karaka, the sale was held at Wellington. We have sold there as well.
Q: Although you have probably sold some costly horses in your lifetime, please tell us about the most expensive horse you ever sold at this sale and where he/ she is right now?
A: A few years ago we sold a horse for NZ$2.2 million, but for us, one of the most critical sales was the yearling we sold for NZ$1.1 million who went on to be named Darci Brahma (Danehill). He won over NZ1 million, and he is the sire of over 40 stakes' winners. His progeny are highly prized today.
Q: How do you decide on your matings? How long does it take you, and what does the process involve?
A: We breed high-quality horses for a range of race distances like the Oaks, Derbys and Cups. Some are bred to be stayers, while others are bred to be quicker. We have 4 -5 significant mare lines, headlined by Richebourg who is the dam of Romanee Conti (Sir Tristram), Ethereal (Rhythm), Grand Echezeaux (Zabeel) and Darci Brahma (Danehill), all bred at Pencarrow Stud.
Sir Vela has an immense passion for pedigree and research, and I contribute to the physical side.
Q: How do you name your horses?
A: We name quite a few of our horses as winemakers, wines or vineyards. For example, Echezeaux is a vineyard in the South Of France and Richebourg is a wine.
Q: How did you get involved with horses? What is your history with Pencarrow Stud?
A: Neither Sir Vela nor I come from families involved in horses. Sir Vela's original business was fishing. We met at the time when he purchased Richebourg.
Q: With 2020 fast approaching, what are the top two things on your bucket list to achieve by 2030?
A: As we race the majority of our fillies, the success or failure of our products rests with us. Our 'bucket list' is to continually rebuild and rejuvenate our broodmare band with strong, successful mares primarily sourced from our successful racing team.