Alpine Eagle to Armidale

Alpine Eagle to Stand at Armidale Stud

Breednet - Media Release - Monday, 30 January 2017

In a major coup for Tasmanian breeders, Armidale Stud is excited to announce they have secured the ultra-good looking Alpine Eagle.

The Group II winner who finished off his races with speed to burn will stand his first season at the Whishaw family's leading Tasmanian farm in 2017.

"Alpine Eagle has the pedigree, charisma and abundant athletic ability that is vital to be a top stallion. He is set to soar at Armidale Stud," said leading bloodstock agent Adrian Hancock.

Alpine Eagle marked himself as a serious talent from day one when he was a dominant winner by 4.5 lengths on debut as a two year old.

At three, he went on to win the Group II MRC Autumn Classic (1800m) at Caulfield, displaying an extraordinary turn of foot when he flashed home in lightning speed to claim victory.

Trainer Tony McEvoy has watched a lot of races and trained some seriously good horses in nearly four decades in the thoroughbred industry, but Alpine Eagle gave him a ride like no other.

"The hairs on my arms stood up as I watched him finish," McEvoy said following Alpine Eagle's amazing win in the Autumn Classic. 

"He really gave me goose bumps when he put on his after-burner in the last 200m, and I have to say that hasn't happened to me many times."

McEvoy backed Alpine Eagle up in the hotly contested Group I VRC Australian Guineas where he was second by the narrowest of margins behind Wandjina, beating Group I winners Stratum Star and Kermadec.

"Alpine Eagle was an absolutely sensational racehorse with untapped ability. He's a horse with an amazing presence and an exceptional athletic physique. He is without a doubt one of the best horses that I have ever trained. He had freakish talent which he displayed but it is a tragedy that the public didn't get to see how good he actually was," said McEvoy.

Armidale Stud, nestled between the Liffey and Meander Rivers in Northern Tasmania, have been breeding winners for three generations.

"Alpine Eagle ticks all the boxes for us, he has the pedigree being by influential sire High Chaparral and out of Zephyira who is a daughter of champion broodmare sire Zabeel. He has stunning good looks and a race track performance that you can't help but get excited about. The Sadlers Wells line has proven to work so well for us here in Tassie. We had great success in the past with Savoire Vivre," said Armidale Stud Principal David Whishaw.

"I feel Alpine Eagle will provide breeders with the opportunity to breed the classic style racehorse which we are most famous for here in Tassie. We can't thank his former owner Mr Wolf Blass enough for giving us the opportunity to negotiate the purchase.

"We're passionate about what we have to offer here in Tasmania and we are committed to constantly improving the local industry. In our opinion Alpine Eagle is the highest profile horse to ever retire to stud in the State and we anticipate strong interstate support," said Whishaw.

High Chaparral is now establishing himself as a sire of sires with So You Think, Toronado, Dundeel and now Alpine Eagle looking set to carry on the greatness.

Dundeel who stands at Arrowfield Stud is bred on the exact same cross as Alpine Eagle being by High Chaparral out of a Zabeel mare. Dundeel dominated the first season sires at Magic Millions on the Gold Coast.

Alpine Eagle is completely free of Danehill making him an ideal outcross option for breeders. Sadlers Wells crossed with mares of Danehill descent has proven to be extremely successful globally with champions such as Frankel, Tuesday Joy and Teofilo bred on this cross. 

Alpine Eagle will stand alongside young son of Encosta De Lago Needs Further, who has made a promising start to his stud career. Needs Further's oldest progeny are two year olds and have won three of the four Tasmanian two year old races before Christmas.

A service fee will be announced in due course.

For further enquiries please contact David Whishaw 0407 868 269 or david@armidalestud.com.au