Super reward – Waikato puts full faith in Seth after Group 1 treble

For close to 20 years, Savabeel has been the backbone of the Waikato Stud stallion roster but the leading New Zealand nursery is preparing to hand the baton to his successor, Caulfield Guineas winner Super Seth.

After siring three Group 1 winners during the autumn, Feroce in the Australian Guineas, Randwick Guineas winner Linebacker and two-year-old La Dorada in the Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes, Super Seth will be backed to the hilt by Waikato Stud and the stallion’s group of shareholders when the breeding season begins on September 1.

As a result of his newfound popularity ahead of his sixth season at stud, a limited number of outside nominations will be available to Super Seth at an increased fee of NZ$75,000 (all fees plus GST) this year.

Applications to send a mare to Super Seth will close at 5pm on June 4.

Waikato Stud’s Mark Chittick called Super Seth, whose oldest progeny are three-year-olds, as an “unbelievable stallion”.

“I don’t feel as though we have had a stallion start like this in New Zealand for a long time,” Chittick said. 

“Three Group 1 winners across two countries in a month is freakish, and he keeps backing up with trans-Tasman winners every single week.”

Super Seth may be seen as the next champion stallion to stand at Waikato Stud, but rising 24-year-old Savabeel isn’t finished just yet, with Waikato Stud preparing him for a 21st season in 2025 as he closes in on a 10th New Zealand champion sires’ title.

His progeny are also showing no signs of slowing down, with colt Savaglee winning the Group 1 New Zealand 2000 Guineas in November and the sister to fellow Group 1 winner Orchestral selling for a record $2.4 million at the New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Yearling Sale in January.

He will stand for a fee of NZ$100,000.

“He deserves every accolade, and we are very proud of everything he’s done and is doing for the New Zealand industry,” Chittick said. 

“He has great vitality and we’re heading into the season with a bright, happy and healthy horse – the only thing we will avoid breeding this year at his age is maidens. 

“He’s had another incredible season on the track and in the sales ring, and he just keeps reminding us why he’s so special.”

Ardrossan will remain at a fee of NZ$20,000, Cox Plate winner Ocean Park will stand for NZ$15,000, Savabeel’s son Noverre remains at NZ$10,000 and Banquo, a son of Written Tycoon, is unchanged at NZ$3000.

 “It’s a line up we are continually proud of and it continues to fit with tradition which has, and does, lead to success,” said Chittick.

“They are stallions that we have put the time and the investment into because we believe they suit our expansive broodmare band, which continually produces top-class racehorses including three Group 1 winners this season bred by Waikato Stud: La Dorada, Savaglee and Atishu.”

Waikato Stud fees 2025

Stallion	2025	2024
Savabeel	$100,000	$100,000
Super Seth	$75,000	$45,000
Ardrossan	$20,000	$20,000
Ocean Park	$15,000	$20,000
Noverre	$10,000	$10,000
Banquo	$3,000	$3,000