Volksraad
A Stallion That Shaped Our Racing Landscape
In the annals of thoroughbred racing history, few names stand as tall as Volksraad. This British-bred stallion, who made our shores his home, left an indelible mark on the breeding industry and transformed the racing landscape for over a decade.
Early Days and Arrival
Born on 5 February 1988, Volksraad was bred by the prestigious Darley Stud in the United Kingdom. His name, derived from an old Afrikaans parliamentary assembly, would become synonymous with racing excellence in the Southern Hemisphere.
Volksraad’s racing career, though brief, showed flashes of brilliance. Trained by the renowned Henry Cecil, he won as a two-year-old at Newmarket and later triumphed at Royal Ascot as a three-year-old. His promising career was cut short by a training accident, leading to his early retirement from racing.
In a stroke of fortune for our breeding industry, Volksraad was purchased for 21,000 guineas at the 1992 December sales in England by a consortium of Kiwi breeders, including Nelson Schick, Steve Till, Pat Connell, and the Davison family. This decision would prove to be one of the most significant in our racing history.
Rise to Prominence
Volksraad began his stud career at Mapperley Stud near Matamata, standing for a modest $2,500 service fee. However, it was his move to Windsor Park Stud that would see him ascend to greatness. As his progeny began to make waves on racetracks across Australasia, his popularity soared, and his service fee peaked at an impressive $27,500.
Steve Till, part-owner and Windsor Park executive, reflected on Volksraad’s impact: “He’s been such a grand old stallion for us. Windsor Park has been home to some magnificent stallions such as Montjeu, Gold Brose and High Chaparral, but Volksraad was master of the hill.”
Dominance in the Breeding Shed
Volksraad’s influence on our breeding industry cannot be overstated. He dominated the sires’ lists with an unprecedented six consecutive titles from 2001 to 2007. This remarkable achievement solidified his status as one of the greatest stallions to ever stand in the country.
His progeny list reads like a who’s who of racing champions. Notable offspring include:
- Sir Slick: A six-time Group 1 winner who showcased Volksraad’s ability to produce top-class performers.
- Military Move: Winner of the 2010 Derby, demonstrating Volksraad’s influence in classic races.
- Dantelah: Victorious in the 1999 Oakleigh Plate, proving Volksraad’s progeny could excel across the Tasman.
- Dezigna: A multiple Group race winner, including the 2007 Rich Hill Mile and 2008 Captain Cook Stakes.
Volksraad’s influence extended beyond his direct progeny. As a broodmare sire, he contributed to the success of horses like Beauty Flash, winner of the 2010 Hong Kong Mile, and Kawi, a multiple Group 1 winner including the Makfi Challenge Stakes and Zabeel Classic.
Legacy and Final Days
Volksraad’s impact on our racing industry was profound and long-lasting. His ability to consistently produce high-quality runners across various distances cemented his place as one of the most influential stallions in our history.
Tragically, Volksraad’s life came to an end on 28 December 2011, just days shy of his 24th birthday. He suffered a fractured shoulder in a paddock accident at Windsor Park Stud and was humanely euthanised. The decision to put him down was made with heavy hearts, as Till explained, “We decided to give him the best possible send-off we could.”
Volksraad’s story is one of remarkable success and enduring influence. From his modest beginnings as a British import to his reign as the dominant force in our breeding industry, he left an indelible mark on our racing landscape.
His legacy lives on through his progeny and their descendants, continuing to shape the future of thoroughbred racing in our country and beyond. Volksraad stands as a testament to the impact a single stallion can have on an entire industry, and his name will forever be remembered as one of the greatest to grace our shores.
As we look to the future of our racing industry, we can be certain that the influence of Volksraad will continue to be felt for generations to come. His contribution to our breeding landscape has set a benchmark for excellence that future stallions will strive to match, ensuring that his legacy remains an integral part of our rich racing heritage.