Zoustar retains commanding position as Widden’s premier sire

Widden Stud has released its service fees for its 2026 breeding season, covering a roster of 19 stallions across NSW and Victoria, led by Zoustar at $275,000 (all fees inclusive of GST).

Zoustar, the reigning Australian champion sire, has produced eight domestic stakes winners this season, including five-time Group 1 winner Joliestar, and was the leading sire of winners globally in 2025. 

“Zoustar is at the height of his powers and maintains excellent fertility with his recent books of mares surpassing the quality of all that have gone before,” said Antony Thompson.

“Last year we welcomed mares from many of the very best stud farms in the country to be covered by Zoustar and they included Everest and four-time G1 winner Bella Nipotina in her first season at stud, Medaglia Valore, the dam of Campione D’Italia and Autumn Glow’s dam, Via Africa.

“This year he produced six yearlings selling for $1million or more and averaged more than $544,000 from 57 yearlings, underlining the extraordinary commercial appeal.”

Young sire Jacquinot, a dual Group 1 winner by Rubick, will stand for $19,800  after his first yearlings averaged $218,125 at the season-opening Magic Millions book 1 sale on the Gold Coast.

“Champion trainer Ciaron Maher purchased three of his top five-priced yearlings which speaks volumes for their quality, and we can’t wait to see them on the track next season,” Thompson said.

“The feedback from breakers and trainers has been incredibly positive, and reports continue to flow in. 

“His value this year is exactly what the market is looking for, and he represents a great option for breeders.”

Trapeze Artist, who sired Group 1 Australasian Oaks winner Panova at Morphettville on Saturday, will stand at $27,500 after siring eight Australian stakes winners this season, while Zousain, who has produced two new stakes winners this season, will stand at $22,000.

Supido and Anders will both stand at $9,900, with Supido represented by Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Unit Five and Anders producing two stakes winners this season.

Other NSW-based stallions include Written By ($22,000), Portland Sky ($8,800) and Rebel Dane ($6,600).

“We have a strong group of value stallion options who continue to perform. They offer breeders flexibility across pedigree and commercial appeal, while still producing quality yearlings and giving breeders the opportunity to race their own stock,” Thompson said.

In Victoria, Southport Tycoon will stand at $33,000 in his second season after covering 127 mares in his first year.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the level of support he received, particularly the quality of mares in his first book. The excitement around his first crop of foals is building, and he is an exceptionally well-credentialed stallion. We look forward to him attracting another strong book this season,” Thompson said.

Russian Camelot, Doubtland and Dirty Work will each stand at $11,000, while King Colorado will stand at $13,200.

“It is exciting to see the promising results from their first two crops to race. Breeders have supported them well, and they are continuing to return value both in the sales ring and on the track,” Thompson said.

Nicconi will stand at $13,200  with a restricted book of 50 mares after strong sale results this year.

“Nicconi is a marvel. While his book is now carefully managed, he remains incredibly fertile and continues to deliver exceptional results for his supporters,” Thompson said. 

“He will cover a book of 50 mares this year, and for breeders seeking proven commercial success, it is hard to pass by a sire at this fee averaging over $100,000 at the yearling sales this season.”

Gold Standard and Bruckner will each stand at $5500, completing the Victorian roster.

Shuttler Cogburn, who encountered fertility issues in his first season at Widden last year, will not return while veteran sire Star Witness is also no longer on the Victorian roster.

Widden Stud 2026 service fees

NSW

– Zoustar – $275,000 ($275,000)

– Trapeze Artist – $27,500 ($33,000)

– Zousain – $22,000 ($27,500)

– Written By – $22,000 ($22,000)

– Jacquinot – $19,800 ($24,200)

– Sweet Ride – $11,000 ($11,000)

– Anders – $9,900 ($13,200)

– Supido – $9,900 ($9,900)

– Portland Sky – $8,800 ($16,500)

– Rebel Dane – $6,600 ($8,800)

VIC

– Southport Tycoon – $33,000 ($38,500)

– Nicconi – $13,200 ($13,200)

– King Colorado – $13,200 ($16,500)

– Russian Camelot – $11,000 ($16,500)

– Doubtland – $11,000 ($13,200)

– Dirty Work – $11,000 ($13,200)

– Bruckner – $5,500 ($9,900)

– Gold Standard – $5,500 ($5,500)

*all fees inclusive of GST