White Robe Lodge resident Ghibellines has made his mark on the biggest stage in Australia this season and, combined with excellent domestic results, the well-bred stallion continues to do the Mosgiel operation proud.
Ghibellines’ son Smokin’ Romans has been his leading performer following his Gr.1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) victory during the Melbourne spring carnival while at home Live Drama claimed the Gr.3 South Island Breeders’ Stakes (1600m).
He has also been represented by Group and Listed placegetters Markus Aurelius, Jack Knows Best, Capo Dell Impero, Redmond, Burgie, Abit Sassy, El Gladiator and Golden Harvest.
In line with White Robe’s ongoing commitment to offer value for money, Ghibellines will remain at $8000 + GST in 2023 and unchanged service fees also apply to associate stallions Raise The Flag ($6000 + GST), Ancient Spirit ($7000 + GST) and Gallant Guru ($2000 + GST).
“We think our stallions represent great value and we also understand the way the breeding game is at the moment and the costs involved so we will really be looking after people again with the on-farm grazing side of things,” Jack Stewart said.
A son of champion sire Shamardal and the Group One-winning Elusive Quality mare Camarilla, Ghibellines’ racing highlight was his victory in the Gr.2 Todman Stakes (1200m) before he retired to White Robe.
“He has carried on from last season and then into the spring with Smokin’ Romans winning the Group One, Live Drama won the Group Three,” Stewart said.
“His winners to runners (33 from 81) have been very good so he continues to do a great job for us.”
Stewart is a grandson of White Robe patriarch Brian Anderton and works full-time on the farm alongside his father and Stud Manager Wayne and his mother Karen.
“At this point in his career, Raise The Flag has a niche market for people wanting staying-bred horses,” he said.
“Trainers Ciaron Maher, Declan Maher, Symon Wilde and Amy Yargi send mares to him and so does major owner Sandy McGregor. They make great distance horses.”
The Gr.1 Sydney Cup (3200m) winner Etah James and the Gr.3 Newcastle Gold Cup (2300m) winner Broadside have been his best representatives while Yogi, Parthesia and Civil Disobedience have also won middle distance stakes races.
Raise You Ten, Orepuki Lad and Madam De Soir have been leading domestic black type winners over ground.
A son of the legendary Sadler’s Wells, Raise The Flag’s ability to leave stamina-rich performers is further emphasised by his feature jumping race winners including Ablaze, Chequered Flag, Heberite, Tommyra, Flying Agent, Riding High and Kajino.
Ancient Spirit, by Invincible Spirit out of Galileo’s daughter Assisi, was a dual Group Two winner in Germany before he retired to White Robe in 2021.
“We’re just weaning the second lot now and between Wayne, Grandad and I we think they are great types, but we would love any participants to come to the farm and see for themselves and they won’t be disappointed,” Stewart said.
“He’s had the majority of our good mares and off the back of what we have seen of his foals we will be doing so again this season.”