Victorian Stud Staff A Step Above
Harness Breeders Victoria, were pleased to be involved with Barastoc and Nutrien Equine in recognising and rewarding the efforts of preparers with the inaugural Best Presented Yearling awards following the Woodlands Stud Nutrien Yearling Parade on Saturday 2 April 2022.
All horses in Saturday's Yearling Parade were eligible and assessed by our esteemed judge, Dr Charlie El-Hage (Honourary Fellow, Veterinary Clinical Medicine & Surgery - University of Melbourne). Dr El-Hage, who noted that it was “very tough to pick them [finalists] from a high quality group of horses”.
Our congratulations to the following winning and highly commended yearlings (images below):
2022 Best Presented Trotting Filly
Winner: #175 by Father Patrick from Illawong Moonshine. Bred and prepared by Alabar Bloodstock.
Runner up: #191 by Volstead from Maori Daunou. Bred by Gary Toulmin and prepared by Oakbank Estate.
2022 Best Presented Trotting Colt
Winner: #156 by Volstead from Bouttemont. Bred and prepared by Yabby Dam Farms.
Runner up: #166 by Majestic Son from Gloriadon. Bred and prepared by Staffordshire Park.
2022 Best Presented Pacing Filly
Winner: #113 by Sweet Lou from Western Jazz. Bred by Fusinato Bloodstock and prepared by Haley Lang.
Runner up: #183 by Sportswriter from Lady Of My Life. Bred and prepared by Rhiannon Park.
2022 Best Presented Pacing Colt
Winner: #112 by Sweet Lou from Watch The Dream. Bred by Yorkshire Park and prepared by Rhiannon Park.
Runner up: #156 by Lazarus from Eily Lou Lou. Bred by Louise Toulmin and prepared by Oakbank Estate.
You can watch the final judging and announcements as part of the Woodlands Stud Nutrien Melbourne Yearling Parade below.
Dr El-Hage judged yearlings on the following criteria:
* Coat condition
* Muscle development and athleticism
* Conformation
* Presentation of handler and farm
* Behaviour during inspection
* Presentation during parade
* Overall impression
The four winners were presented with a trophy from HBV, garlands and sashes from Nutrien and six bags of quality feed courtesy of Barastoc.
These awards are part of a broader initiative being developed by HBV to reward, encourage, educate and retain those within the Standardbred breeding industry.