Sport
Ex-Shepparton native Sam White heads up new Seymour-based stallion station Lovatsville
Former Shepparton local Sam White is back to make a big splash in the Goulburn Valley horse breeding scene.
White heads up the fresh venture of bespoke stallion station Lovatsville, operating out of the Northwood Road facility in Seymour that was previously operated by thoroughbred pre-training and breeding organisation Leneva Park.
Lovatsville will focus on stallion management and has been established through partnerships with several key industry stakeholders, including Leneva Park and Seymour Bloodstock.
With more than a decade of experience in the breeding industry under his belt, White was elated to cut the ribbon on Lovatsville with a clear message in mind.
“Our goal is to stand good-looking, well-bred stallions that have proven themselves,” he said.
“We will make them available at ‘real rates’ to ensure that our clients have the best chance to see a return on their investment, whether that’s through the sales ring or on the racetrack.
“Our partnership's background in both breeding and racing gives us a unique perspective on what the industry needs right now.
“Having open and ongoing conversations with our clients is central to our approach. This transparency and dialogue will be key to shaping the future of our stallions.”
There is no shortage of big coups for Lovatsville as a wave-making player in the industry.
Royal Meeting, the sire of Group One 2024 Blue Diamond winner Hayasugi, transitions into Lovatsville’s care.
“We are absolutely thrilled for Victorian breeders that Royal Meeting remains in Victoria and stays on Northwood Road,” White said.
“It is a credit to Aquis, Leneva Park and the stallion’s shareholder group that he has started his career in such amazing fashion, siring a Blue Diamond winner from his first crop.
“Given the feedback we have received over the past nine months from some excellent judges, we are extremely pleased, but not completely surprised by this given the pedigree, performance and profile of Royal Meeting himself and the type of stock that he was producing.”
Alongside the standing rights for Royal Meeting, Lovatsville has also acquired three-time Group One winning champion miler Fierce Impact through support from Leneva Park, while freshman Generation also comes under the organisation’s wing.
“Generation suits our model perfectly, being an undefeated city winning two-year-old, dual Group Three winning sprinter who was Group One fourth in the Manikato and the Moir,” White said.
“Being out of the dual Group winning two-year-old Fontiton, who was an extremely attractive filly, and with Fontiton’s dam, Personal Ensign, also being a stakes winning sprinter, we have identified a prospect that breeders can access at an affordable price with a view to producing a good-looking, fast type of yearling.”