Gold Standard Joins Widden Stud Victoria

Following the announcement that former Spendthrift Australia sires Dirty Work and Overshare would be taking up stud duties at their Riddells Creek property this season, Widden Victoria are delighted to announce that Gold Standard will also be joining the ranks. Widden have purchased the attractive son of Sebring in partnership with Hesket Thoroughbreds, who recently acquired Spendthrift Australia, and this promising young sire will continue his stud career in Victoria. “Although there was a high level of interest in Gold Standard from a number of major farms, we view the partnership in this lightly raced but highly talented horse as an exciting opportunity to strengthen our association with Widden Victoria,” said Hesket’s David Moodie. A Gr2 winner of the ATC Stan Fox Stakes, where he defeated Group I winners Trapeze Artist, The Mission and Ace High, Gold Standard bears a strong resemblance to his Golden Slipper-winning sire and has made a big impression with his first 2YOs this season. “He is a replica of Sebring, so we’ve always had an interest in him and with two legitimate stakes horses from just five runners he has made an incredible start to his stud career,” said Antony Thompson. Gold Standard stood for just $5,500 in his first season and has already produced two winners and two place-getters from only five starters, highlighted by dual stakes-winner Sheeza Belter (including Saturday's $1 million Gr2 Sires' Produce Stakes) and stakes-placed Golden Queen. He will stand for $8,800 inc GST off the back of an exceptional start by his progeny.

Sebring's Gold Standard will stand at Widden Victoria (pic: Steve Hart)