Six horse studs that will go the distance during spring racing season
With the spring racing season in full swing and the Melbourne Cup just weeks away, all eyes are on the thoroughbreds who will hit the track.
Maybe racing fever has got you thinking about investing in a horse stud, or perhaps the COVID-19 crisis has made you reassess city life, sparking a desire to trade it for a rural tree change among horses.
From the Top End to Tasmania we have found six horse studs that are looking for new owners.
Garfield, Victoria
$1.95 million
This distinct American midwest-style barn is a one-of-a-kind equine property best suited for agistment or thoroughbred breeding.
Located minutes from Pakenham Racecourse, the property spans 15 hectares, with 13 paddocks, hardwood post-and-rail fencing, and a large hayshed.
The barn’s new second-storey living space has four bedrooms, while the ground floor houses six stables, a wash bay, tack and feed rooms, five open walk-throughs, a three-car garage and a workshop.
Whiteheads Creek, Victoria
Expression of interest: close November 5
With a listing that describes the complex as the ideal “opportunity for the thoroughbred industry of any equine pursuit at top level,” this 32-hectare property boasts all the facilities needed to keep champion horses.
Extensively renovated and modernised, this lifestyle and business stud features a state-of-the-art 95 metre by 35 metre horse stable, with 44 large boxes, a feed room, in addition to self-contained accommodation for staff.
There is also a well-formed 2.3-kilometre sand track, with a 600-metre incline and barriers which circle the property.
Quirindi, NSW
Auction: October 23
The future owners of Jilna have the choice of using the property for diverse agricultural pursuits, including livestock breeding and grazing, or simply enjoy a rural lifestyle.
The 95-hectare property overlooks Quipolly Lake, and is located 350 kilometres from Sydney and 62 kilometres from Tamworth, and is north of the Hunter Valley.
Its purpose-built equine facility has a breeding shed with a fully insulated mare handling and breeding section, a store room and bathroom facilities, a semi-open stallion handling and collection section, as well as six stallion pens with shelters, two day yards and an eight-horse exercise walker.
Cropping ventures are a possibility with the property’s renowned Liverpool Plains basalt soils.
Rosehill, Queensland
Offers of more than $900,000
All the hard work to make Cockatoo Ridge a fully functioning horse property has been completed for the future owners.
This includes an undercover Olympic-size dressage arena, a flood-lit outdoor full-size dressage arena, Aussie barn-style stables, a machinery shed and five stables, and seven paddocks.
Boasting camping spots by the dam and riding trails, the property – which also includes a three-bedroom home – could also be used as a camping/glamping accommodation business venture.
Evandale, Tasmania
Offers of more than $2 million
Covering 50 hectares in the historic town of Evandale, Brooklyn Park has been specifically built for spelling race horses and yearling preparation of mares and foals.
The property features an expansive modern stable complex, a hot wash bay and vet room and a 20-metre undercover round yard, 23 paddocks and 13 day yards.
A three-bedroom home with mountain views is set among a private landscaped garden.
Adelaide River, Northern Territory
More than $1.85 million
On the market for the first time, Oakey Downs is a popular equestrian facility located one hour from Darwin.
With Stuart Highway frontage, the property makes a good income from Airbnb, holding events and agisting stock, the listing says.
A lodge rents for $250 a night, while a self-contained cabin earns $165 a night, and a bunkhouse $85 a night.
There are also 11 shaded horse stalls, five paddocks, a barn shed area.
Oakey Downs regularly hosts a Stockman’s Challenge, riding lessons, trail rides and school camps.
