Talented Skilled mare wins again

Riverbank Farm’s Caroline Osborne was thrilled with the victory of the former Godolphin mare and daughter of Skilled as she raced clear impressively to win over 1300 metres against a qualify field of mares.

Osborne said both Riverbank and the mare’s trainer Joe Pride had benefited greatly from Godolphin and its stallion division Darley.

“Both Joe and I have certainly done well from them as Pecans is a former Godolphin horse and Skilled was a former Darley stallion at stud,” Osborne said.

“Additionally, the race was sponsored by Godolphin, she beat another Godolphin runner home and even her jockey used to be a stable rider for Godolphin, riding Skilled home in his Group 1 victory. It’s quite incredible how the win is all linked together,” Osborne said.

“Riverbank Farm will certainly be keeping an eye on any other stallion Darley may be looking at a new home for!” Osborne added with a degree of cheeky Irish humour.

“But in all seriousness, it’s fabulous, as it is exactly the time of the year you want to be getting Group winners like that as breeders are starting to seriously think about their mating plans.

“Let’s hope that she can continue her great run as she heads up to Brisbane for the upcoming winter carnival.”

Skilled who was relocated to the Riverbank Farm in 2017 and will begin his second season at the picturesque Benalla property in September.

“He has settled in beautifully and has been a gentleman to handle. His fertility is excellent, so we are very happy with him. We are looking forward to seeing some of our homebred foals arrive this season.”

With Osborne being an experienced equine veterinarian specialising in reproduction, Riverbank is able to provide savings for breeders.

“Riverbank Farm is offering a special this year that all reproductive veterinary work is included in the service fee, which is brilliant for mare owners and helps out with breeding costs enormously. As we want every mare to go into foal, you can be assured that we will do everything possible to safeguard a positive result,” Osborne said.

For more information on Riverbank Farm or its stallions, contact Caroline on 0401 364 188 or Russell on 0423 768 155 or visit www.riverbankfarm.com.au