Watch: The Straight’s review of the 2026 Hunter Valley stallion parades
Bren O’Brien and Tim Rowe review the 2026 Hunter Valley stallion parades, which included Australia’s best established and emerging stallions, including I Am Invincible, Zoustar, Home Affairs, Super Seth, Ole Kirk, The Autumn Sun, Anamoe, Tentyris and many, many more.
The Straight spent three days in the Hunter Valley for the 2026 stallion parade season, visiting eight farms and assessing the horses expected to shape the future of the Australian breeding industry.
From established proven sires to first-season stallions and emerging young prospects, the tour offered a snapshot of the depth of stallion talent now standing across the region
Among the horses to make the biggest impression were newcomers such as Arrowfield’s shuttle stallion Lead Artist and Darley’s Coolmore Stud Stakes winner Tentyris. Both stood out physically, with Tentyris in particular drawing attention as a powerful Australian sprinting type with the credentials to become a significant influence at stud.
Other young stallions highlighted included Jacquinot at Widden, Blue Diamond winner Devil Night at Segenhoe and Coolmore’s Switzerland.
The tour also reinforced the enduring value of proven performers. Vinery stalwart All Too Hard continues to impress despite his long and successful stud career, while Newgate’s Stay Inside has strengthened his reputation after an encouraging start with his first runners. Home Affairs was another standout, with his early sire results and imposing physique suggesting he is well placed to build on the legacy of champion sire I Am Invincible.
Several stallions with first runners or first crops approaching the racetrack also generated excitement, including Newgate’s In The Congo, whose profile has received added attention following the recent Group 1 success of his half-sister Autumn Glow.
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