Rich Hill’s Proisir setting record-breaking pace

Rich Hill stallion Proisir is enjoying a remarkable season. Photo: Trish Dunell

Proisir’s remarkable season went to another level at the weekend with his progeny’s earnings surpassing $4 million, the first time that mark has been reached in New Zealand stallion history.

The Rich Hill Stud resident has an unassailable lead in the race for the General Sires’ Premiership with the 13-year-old breaking the hold of Savabeel, who has won the title for the last eight seasons and previously held the earnings record of $3,951,419 set in 2018/19.

The chief contributor to Proisir’s current season’s tally of $4,041,315 has been the high-class filly Prowess (NZ) with more than $940,000 banked through her three-year-old campaign.

She was successful in the Gr.1 New Zealand Stakes (2050m), the Gr.2 David & Karyn Ellis Fillies’ Classic (2000m), the Gr.2 Auckland Guineas (1600m) and the Listed Karaka Million 3YO Classic (1600m).

Prowess also made her mark in Australia with an outstanding performance at Rosehill to claim top honours in the Gr.1 Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m).

Proisir’s stellar season also includes Levante’s (NZ) wins in the Gr.1 Telegraph (1200m) and the Gr.1 Otaki Maori WFA Classic (1600m) while Legarto (NZ) was victorious in the Gr.1 New Zealand 1000 Guineas (1600m) and became the first New Zealand-trained winner of the Gr.1 Australian Guineas (1600m).

Earlier in the term, his son Dark Destroyer (NZ) won the Gr.1 Tarzino Trophy (1400m) while Pier (NZ) was successful in the Gr.1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m).

Proisir’s service fee has risen to $70,000 + GST for the 2023 season and breeders have again flocked in their droves to the son of Choisir.

“We decided to restrict him to around 150 so he been fully booked for some time,” Rich Hill Principal John Thompson said.

“This level of demand is understandable. He will end this season as Australasia’s leading sire of Group One winners having sired five Group One winners of eight Group One races.”