Xtravagant Impresses

David Ellis recently visited Newhaven Park to inspect Xtravagant and his foals and weanlings - as you know he was very impressed indeed - as was our veterinary surgeon Dr Douglas Black - who shares his thoughts ...

Last week I was fortunate enough to visit Newhaven Park in New South Wales. It is one of Australia's iconic horse properties and is cared for by four generations of Kelly's. 

Part of the reason to be there was to see Xtravagant and some of his first season weanlings. Joe Walls, David and myself were over the moon to see “Blake”, and he looked as if he could return to training next week - retaining all of his good looks and athleticism!

It was no surprise really then that he has stamped his first crop so well. They were uniformly outstanding. All the weanlings we inspected in four different large paddocks were correct, had great bone and were athletic. 

At Newhaven, Xtravagant has been given a wonderful opportunity, and the mares to have been covered by him included ones by Fastnet Rock, Excede N Excel, Mossman, Snitzel and Redoutes Choice amongst others. 

The progeny looks just outstanding. 

To complement their physical stature, they all seemed at this young age to be blessed with good temperaments.

It's hard to imagine that Xtravagant won't tick the boxes as a stallion.

What a privilege it was to spend some time at Newhaven and to see him again, as well as those weanlings.

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