With no less than 11 Yearlings in their National Yearling Sales draft, Backworth Stud offers an interesting selection that has appeal to a wide range of buyers. As a young Stud, they are gaining a reputation for producing a good legged, sound horse that stands up to training, at value for money.
Backworth breds are producing the results for a large selection of Trainers, with the horses performing well from Sprint races to more Classic distances. Statistics speak for themselves – with this racing year reflecting an AEPR of R36,566 and winners to runners at 48%. From their small band of broodmares, overall stats for Backworth reflect 66% of runners are winners, and 84% are placed horses.
Backworth’s recent success is Chocolicious, who after winning the Gr1 Allan Robertson, went on to perform solidly in Dubai. A number of other 3yos worth following are June Bug, Raise The Bar, Ampere and Fancy Flutter. The early 2yos have also performed well – Variometer winning 2 of 3 starts including the Ruffian Stakes, Top Of The Chocs and Step It Up. Blingle Bells is performing well as a 4yo. Backworth also bred First Again – highest rated filly of her generation, sold at the ‘03 NYS.
At the 2011 Emperors Palace NYS, Backworth has an outstanding crop of Yearlings, with an average conformation mark from the Inspectors of 8.5.
Ones to note are: Go Again – First Again’s full brother – a magnificent colt (rated 9.5). Bermuda Breeze – half brother to 5 time winning Bermuda Prince by first season sire Atso (rated 9). Song Of Victory from the sensational family of Lizarre. Gaining Ground is half sister to 3 time winning Raise The Bar, and Step It Up. Goldkeeper, Miesque’s Approval, Var, Kahal, Muhtafal and Joshua Dancer are all represented in their draft, and can be viewed in their permanent stables in Block G, and on www.backworth.co.za
Owner Keith Russon attributes Backworth’s growing success to the fact that he has stuck to his principle of being a Boutique establishment that is staffed sufficiently to enable horses to be treated as individuals. The Stud follows a regime of monitored feeding, bi-daily temperaturing, and vigilant management for all horses on the farm. Extensive research, time and opinions are applied in the annual Stallion matings, balancing the commercial, fashionable and suitable match factors.
With a Veterinary background, and 20 years experience of breeding, Keith is a respected horseman, who believes in his approach to breeding, and together with Ian Todd, they operate Backworth Stud in a highly professional manner.
Were it just scientific matings and formulated care programmes the breeding game would be much easier, but in looking for that ‘contributing’ elusive factor – Backworth Stud’s situation in the most picturesque surroundings, has an unmistakable spirituality seeped in to its very core. Residents, visitors and horses cannot avoid coming under its influence.
For those who are yet to visit Backworth – it is well worth the invitation!
For those looking to buy a horse – Backworth breds look worth backing!
