Age of Fire Confirmed for Cambridge Stud Future

Group 1 Levin Classic winner and Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas' runner up Age of Fire will be part of the new Cambridge Stud stallion roster upon the conclusion of his racing career.

Te Akau principal David Ellis today confirmed that the magnificent son of superstar sire Fastnet Rock has been secured for future duties by the iconic stud, in partnership with his current ownership.  He follows in the footsteps of Te Akau trained, Group 1 NZ 2000 Guineas' winner Embellish in whom Brendan and Jo Lindsay, who assume ownership of the world-famous farm in April, recently secured an ownership share.

Owned by the Te Akau 2016 Sydney Breeding No.2 Syndicate, Age of Fire was purchased by David Ellis for A$400,000 at the Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale.

David Ellis commented:

“I fell in love with Age of Fire the moment I first saw him in Sydney as a yearling.  As an athlete, this colt is one of the very best: he is as good a moving horse as you will ever see, athletic and strong, he floats over ground with a terrific action; has a superb attitude and most importantly - he possesses a real will to win.”

“With his pedigree, being by Fastnet Rock, out of a Galileo mare, I expect him to be a sensation at stud and I wish Brendan and Jo Lindsay all the very best with him - he has a huge future and will have the very best opportunity at Cambridge Stud.   The New Zealand industry is just so fortunate to have people of the passion and drive of the Lindsay's!  It is exciting to have this joint venture with them.”

The Fastnet Rock/Galileo cross is hugely successful internationally, with top-class Group 1 winners already, including the English Oaks' winner.  Age of Fire harks from a mouth-watering family that includes international Group winners spanning Europe and the United Kingdom - an absolute stallion's pedigree.

The winner of three of his six starts, with stakes' earnings of $286,000, Age of Fire has never finished further back than third in his career to date.

Incoming CEO of Cambridge Stud Henry Plumptre added:

“Given the competitive nature of the stallion market, we believe that securing Group 1 winner Age of Fire as a future stallion is important for Cambridge Stud and the New Zealand breeding industry. With Age of Fire and Embellish, breeders have the opportunity to breed to top class racehorses that both have outstanding pedigrees.  Our clients and all breeders will have the opportunity to take shares in both colts when they retire to stud but, for the moment, we are hopeful that they can add to their record in Australia this autumn and train on as four year olds next year. “

Age of Fire will undertake the remainder of his 3YO racing in Australia where he is expected to be very competitive in races such as the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas and subsequent options such as the Group 1 Australian Derby or the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes.  He travels to Sydney next week.