Four years ago, Ohukia Lodge sold eight horses at the New Zealand Bloodstock Ready to Run Sale of Two-Year Olds including Group One performer Ferrando (NZ) (Fast ‘n’ Famous). The following year, they sold Group One winner Vin de Dance (NZ) (Roc de Cambes). Their ascension says everything about the importance of great horsemanship and positive people.
It’s been eight months since Ohukia Lodge started breaking in and pre-training 32 horses for the 2019 Ready to Run Sale, which kicks off at Karaka this Wednesday.
Ohukia Lodge have embraced every horse that has entered their property since day one. It typifies the way things are run by Chanel Snowden and her fiancé Jamie Beatson.
“We treat every horse on our farm as different and unique,” Beatson said. “The key is to let each horse just be themselves. That way we can get the most out of them.”
This affection and care are reasons why Waikato Stud principal Mark Chittick has engaged Ohukia Lodge to prepare horses for the leading thoroughbred farm since the fledgling business began.
“Jamie and Chanel are good horse people – through and through,” Chittick said.
“They have a positive approach and I’m a great believer in positive people because the horses will be positive as well.”
Set on flat, expansive terrain near Lake Karapiro, Ohukia Lodge is spread over 62 acres and boasts 32 paddocks, 36 boxes, a swimming pool and training track.
“This is a quiet and peaceful place,” Beatson said.
“The spaciousness allows for horses to rest well, but it has been carefully curated where needed. It’s testament to the development of the land and what has been going on here since its inception must be working.
“The results after just four years of operation have been nothing short of astonishing.”
With their focus firmly on the 2019 edition of the Ready to Run Sale, Ohukia Lodge will present a 32-strong draft with more than a dozen sires represented, including Brazen Beau, Charm Spirit, Contributer, Fastnet Rock, Ferlax, Mongolian Khan, Pins, Pride of Dubai, Rock ‘n’ Pop, Sacred Falls, Shamexpress and Zacinto.
The draft has 10 lots by Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) winners Savabeel and Ocean Park, while a pair of trial winners from the Taupo meeting on November 7, a pacey Super One colt (lot 280) and a determined Dissident gelding (lot 76), are tipped to attract plenty of attention.
Snowden is pleased with the Savabeels and Ocean Parks – the latter receiving a timely boost of status thanks to the successes of Kolding (NZ), Tofane (NZ) and Oceanex(NZ) in recent weeks.
She also likes the son of Medaglia d’Oro (lot 10), who boasts “beautiful looks and a beautiful stride”.
“There are many impressive types to choose from. They are just a cracking bunch,” she said.
“If I had to pick one, for his athleticism and professionalism, it would have to be the Tavistock colt out of Mary d’Or (Lot 63) who boasts an extended family of multiple stakes-winners across four continents.
“His dam has an impressive pedigree extending to Europe with stallion potential and features French Group One winners Stormy River and Silverwave.”
