As the anticipation builds toward the Australian Easter Yearling Sale, I’m pleased to report that our draft is looking in magnificent order and will depart Smithfield Farm on Sunday (29 March).

Everyone at Eliza Park is upbeat about Easter, particularly with God’s Own poised to make a name for himself with six outstanding youngsters being offered by Eliza Park and Think Big Stud.

It’s always interesting to see which of the first season stallions tops the charts and we’re confident God’s Own will give it a real shake.

Eliza Park will again be sharing a marquee with Tyreel Stud (opposite Stable 4) and welcome any clients to drop by for a drink.

On the home front things have been particularly busy with the weaning process well underway at our Nagambie farm, working through more than 120 foals.

And the Racing Division also has its hands full with yearlings being delivered from the sales to commence breaking in.

This integral section of Eliza Park’s ‘one stop shop’ continues to be heavily supported by trainers Mick Price, Mike Moroney, Ross McDonald, Shane Nichols, Gai Waterhouse and syndicator Luke Wilkinson.

Throughout the next month, Eliza Park is implementing some radical changes and improvements to our irrigation system at the Nagambie farm.

This will increase the level of pasture under irrigation and enhance rotation and paddock usage throughout the year.

This means that up to 75% of pasture at Nagambie will be under irrigation, providing excellent pasture for young horses to grow.

Philip Hanna is again taking care of our pasture improvement programs and, management across all three farms is first rate.

Over the coming weeks we will be announcing our 2009 stallion roster and you can rest assured that service fees will be carefully considered.

Finally, congratulations to all Bel Esprit shareholders following the victory of Bel Mer in the Group One Robert Sangster Stakes-G1 and to Bel Mer’s breeder Ariel Arnott who has now bred a Group One winner with her mare Drop Anchor.

Enjoy your Easter racing and sales and may good fortune be shared by many.