With a focus on continuing on a rich history of breeding excellence achieved by the Sangster family, the Northwood Road farm was purchased and transformed into an elite breeding facility in 1995.

Located just 90km north of the state capital city of Melbourne, Swettenham Stud encompasses 900 acres of improved pasture on well drained loams with Goulburn River frontage.

The stud is abounded by some of the premier properties of the entire region. Mitchelton (a neighbour) and Chateau Tabilk are two vineyards to the immediate north and Northwood Park to the south surround and enhance a truly magnificent property and setting.

The land was always well regarded as a cattle property in the hands of the Sleigh family prior to its acquisition in 1995. The farm is an efficient and very functional stud facility and the stallion paddocks below the office along the river encompass what a stunning environment it is for any thoroughbred to enjoy.

Paddocks and fencing are of the highest standard, being built specifically for horse safety and practicality. The property was entirely re-fenced upon the purchase. The majority of the paddocks are double fenced with lanes separating paddocks, enabling isolation and ease of management for large numbers of broodmares as befits a large commercial stud operation.

The stud can accommodate up to eight stallions in stallion boxes and barns and has a modern well ventilated barn for yearlings and another for mares and foals. Also located on the farm is an isolated veterinary hospital area with hospital boxes and a laboratory that facilitate the work of the resident full time veterinarian. A foaling unit complete with lights is also an integral feature of the farm.

The Swettenham gardens around Adam Sangster’s home were commenced in 1939 and designed by famed writer on gardens at the time in Jennifer Stackhouse. The terraces were sculptured by horse and scoop and the gardens have featured in Greatest Gardens of Australia. The property is well tended by the full and part-time gardeners.

The Sangster family, headed by the late Robert Sangster a revolutionary and famed owner/breeder, have left an indelible mark on the international thoroughbred industry. The winners of 177 Group 1 races worldwide have raced in the famous colours or were bred and sold by the farm. Legendary names that come to mind include Lomond, The Minstrel, El Gran Senor, Detroit, Belldale Ball, Marauding, Special, Alleged, Storm Bird and of course one of history’s greatest sires Sadler’s Wells.

A successful business man, Robert Sangster was hooked on racing upon at his first exposure. His legendary buying raids at the Keeneland yearling sales turned the industry on its head and he was a leading pioneer of the shuttle stallion. His love affair with the Australian racing scene was cemented when he joined forces with another racing legend in CS Hayes to establish Collingrove in the Hunter Valley. His purchase and modernisation of the famous Manton training facility sees the Swettenham Stud tradition continue in the UK thorough his sons Ben and Guy.

In recent times Adam Sangster has continued the family tradition of excellence. The evergreen Group 1 star Zipping is a product of Swettenham Stud and in 2008 the farm presented for sale a striking daughter of Bel Esprit and Helsinge who was later named Black Caviar and is currently the highest rated horse in the world.