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· Stallion name: Ustinov (AUS)
· Breeding: 1998 Bay Stallion by Seeking the Gold (USA) out of Let’s Elope (NZ)
· Stud name: Moorookyle Park, Smeaton, Victoria
· Fee: $4,400 Inc GST
· Key statistics and information:
o Sire of 196 runners, 104 winners to date
o Beaten close 2nd to Lonhro in the 2001 Caulfield Guineas
o Sire of Group 1 winner Vonusti
o Back serving in Australia following a stint in New Zealand
1. What was the best horse you competed against on the track?
I was lucky enough to race against the great Lonhro on a few occasions – wow, what an absolute champion he was! Finishing a close half head second to him in the VRC Caulfield Guineas was without question one of my proudest moments on the track. He had great will to win, and I was very proud of myself for pushing him to his limits in that race.
2. Which of your progeny are you most excited about?
I am proud of all my young ones! I have been lucky enough to cover mares in New Zealand as well as in Australia. Watching my son, Vonusti win the WRC Telegraph H. Group 1 in NZ was extremely exciting – he has been a great horse and was still running recently as an 8 year old!
More recently, back in Australia, I have been really proud of Use the Lot. Coming off a 2L win at Moonee Valley over 2500m, he contested the Ballarat Cup (as an emergency entrant) and finished a really strong 4th. He performed well on a wet track for the first time in that race, which really shows he is a versatile and tough horse. I feel he is definitely poised to win some big races in the future which gives me a thrill.
3. What do you enjoy most about stud life?
Well, what’s not to enjoy really!!? It has been fantastic returning back home to Australia after a few years in New Zealand. Nioka and the team at Moorookyle have done a great job in getting me more mares to cover this year than last (my first year home) and I am absolutely loving it!
4. What maiden filly would you most like to cover this year?
To be perfectly honest, I’m really not fussy at all!! However, my handler, Nioka, keeps talking about a horse called Angelic Light. I think one of her friends may be a part owner? Apparently she’s a really nice sort and a very handy race horse too, so I’d be more than happy to take her word for it and get to know her one day!!
5. Who is your all time pin up filly?
Sunline. Without question - Hubba Hubba!! I was extremely lucky to get a great look at her powerful rear end in her second last ever start – the MRC Yalumba Stakes – I was chasing after her as quickly as I could which probably helps explain the terrific third I ran in that race! She was definitely passed her best at that point, but wow - was she special. The way she won her cox plates still gives me goosebumps – just a class act, beautiful to look and an absolute thrill to be around.
6. What is your favourite colour? Black, Grey, Brown, Bay or Chestnut
I must say the grey fillies really do tickle my fancy! I love all colours, but definitely have a special taste for Grey’s. Whenever I have one walk past my paddock I just can’t control myself! Poor Nioka has to try and calm me down and often I get the cold hose treatment and a stern word. How could you blame me, they are just beautiful I think!
7. If you were a human what would your profession be?
Well Nioka is always telling me I’d make a great showman – and I must say, I don’t mind the look of my own reflection when I happen to catch a glimpse!! I’d probably be either a Prince or hmm… some sort of stripper!! Something where I got all the attention I deserve and people would appreciate my good looks and charming personality (even if I do say so myself!) Saying that, I am very happy with my life at Moorookyle Park and I look forward to years of continued success here in the future.
To find out more about Ustinov visit Bloodstock.com.au Stallions
