History
Arrowfield Stud was established in 1985 under the visionary and innovative leadership of John Messara. In 1989 Arrowfield made one of the single most important purchases in Australian bloodstock history when it selected and secured a majority interest in Danehill, who proved to be a global breed-shaping influence, and the sire of 89 Group 1 winners – more than any other stallion in history.
After relocating in 1996 to the stud’s present location near Scone, Arrowfield enjoyed success with the outstanding sire Snippets before launching the careers of three champion sire sons of Danehill: Danzero, Flying Spur (retired from stud duties in 2012) and the exceptional champion sire, sale-ring sensation and sire of sires Redoute’s Choice. Redoute’s Choice heads the current roster and stood two northern hemisphere seasons in 2013 & 2014.
In 2003 Arrowfield purchased the champion sire of Chile, Hussonet (by Mr Prospector), sire in Australia of Horse of the Year Weekend Hussler and 35 other stakeswinners. He was followed in 2005 by Charge Forward (by Red Ransom) and Not A Single Doubt (by Redoute’s Choice), and in 2006 by Snitzel (by Redoute's Choice) - all now established among the leading stallions of their respective generations.
Group 1 winner Manhattan Rain (by Encosta de Lago) joined the Arrowfield roster in 2010 and superstar colt Smart Missile (by Fastnet Rock) followed two years later. Arrowfield's charismatic Group-winning colt Beneteau (by Redoute's Choice) stood two seasons in 2011 & 2012 before his death in January 2013. His six stakeswinners and nine other stakes performers have only enlarged the gap he left on the roster.
Arrowfield's 2012 decision to acquire a majority interest in Kentucky Derby & subsequent Dubai World Cup winner Animal Kingdom (by Leroidesanimaux) confirmed the Stud's commitment to offering Australian breeders diverse opportunities of the highest quality.
Six-time Group 1 winner Dundeel (by High Chaparral) joined Arrowfield's line-up in 2014 and Al Shaqab Racing's four-time European Group 1 winner Olympic Glory (by Choisir) stood his first season at Arrowfield in 2015.
The roster expands to a round dozen in 2016 with the arrival of Panzer Division & Scissor Kick, both Group-winning sons of Redoute's Choice, and dual Group 1-winning miler Real Impact (by Deep Impact).
Arrowfield made Australian breeding history in 2014 when Redoute's Choice & Snitzel finished 1st & 2nd on the Australian General Sires' Premiership - the first time this has been achieved by father-&-son stallions, and the first time since 1953 that it has been achieved by stallions standing at the same farm.
Arrowfield also enjoys its share of racetrack success. The Stud's famous Black & Yellow Diamonds with Yellow Cap have been carried by the likes of champion Australian 2YO & champion 3YO filly Miss Finland, her Group 1-winning daughter Stay With Me, Group 1 winner Alverta and Group-winning colts Beneteau, Panzer Division, Scissor Kick & Spill The Beans. In addition, All American, Charge Forward, Snitzel, Animal Kingdom & Dundeel all won Group 1 races after their purchase for stud duties by Arrowfield.
The Stud Traversed by the Pages River, the Arrowfield Estate comprises 2500 acres of prime land in the fertile Segenhoe Valley, near Scone in the Upper Hunter region of New South Wales, long famous as a source of great thoroughbred horses. Free-draining, undulating hill country complements the rich alluvial flats pastured with a mix of high production grasses in order to provide the perfect balance of nutritional requirements for raising thoroughbreds to achieve their maximum potential. When irrigation is required, Arrowfield has substantial access to water from the Glenbawn dam.
The Estate includes Arrowfield Stud, Arrowfield Broodmare Farm and the Arrowfield Sales Centre. The infrastructure and facilities at all three properties have been designed and constructed to ensure the best care of all resident horses and the safety of the people who work with them.
Arrowfield Broodmare Farm Formerly known as Bellerive Stud, the Arrowfield Broodmare Farm is a boutique broodmare farm wholly owned by Arrowfield and adjoining the main Stud property. The Arrowfield Broodmare Farm provides excellent walk-in facilities and a fully integrated service, including sale preparation, for Australian and international clients.
Arrowfield Sales Centre The Arrowfield Sales Centre, adjoining the main stud property, is a state-of-the-art sales preparation facility run by Yearling Manager Denis Griffin. Facilities at the Arrowfield Sales Centre include walking machines, an aqua-exerciser, swimming pool, day yards and large, rubber-lined boxes.
