The “B” in BOTRA Tasmania is for breeders, and the association recently recognised those that were successful enough to breed one of the six Sires’ Stakes winners in Tasmania during the season.
Although small in numbers compared to their mainland counterparts the Tasbred pacers have done an outstanding job so far this season from Ignatius winning the Group 1 New South Wales Breeders Challenge Final for four-year-olds at Menangle to as far as the United States where Shezallapples has been finding the winners stall on a regular basis.
The most successful breeder of the Sires’ Stakes Final winners was Nathan and Sandra Bennett who owned and bred Colby Sanz (Dandy Patch Stakes) and his half brother Sunny Sanz (Globe Derby Stakes).
Doug and Angela Nettlefold (Blame It On Me) and Corey Hazlewood (Still Hungover) are some of the smaller breeders on numbers in the state but they have an excellent percentage with what they produce, while Charlie and Connie Beadman (Ideal Bliss) along with Wayne McLaughlin and the Rattray Family Trust (Izaha) added more silverware to the mantlepiece.
Sire’s Stakes BOTRA Breeders Award winners:
2YO Colts & Geldings
Nathan and Sandra Bennett – Colby Sanz
2YO Fillies
Doug and Angela Nettlefold – Blame It On Me
3YO Colts & Geldings
Nathan and Sandra Bennett – Sunny Sanz
3YO Fillies
Corey Hazelwood – Still Hungover
4YO Entires & Geldings
Wayne McLaughlin and Rattray Family Trust – Izaha
4YO Mares
Charlie and Connie Beadman – Ideal Bliss
There has been no better time to breed a horse in Tasmania with the increases to the Tasbred Breeders Bonus Scheme through to the Sires’ Stakes Final which this year has seen each final worth $50,000, and also seen them elevated to Group 2 status to the first time.
Also showing the association’s support to the future of the industry the presentation took place during the BOTRA Claiming Novice Drivers series which was won by Matthew Cooper.
BOTRA Tasmania was very appreciative of the trainers and owners that supported the four-race series.
As the season comes to a close BOTRA Tasmania will be out in force selling memberships for the upcoming season with a members draw including a service fee to Betterthancheddar and a brand new Finn Tack Saddle up for grabs for those that buy a $10 membership early.