Shalaa, Woodside Park Stud (Image supplied)
Following Mornington Glory's Group 1 Moir S. success, the spotlight has turned to his sire Shalaa and his growing influence in Victoria. With his recent progeny making significant strides on the track, Shalaa is solidifying his reputation as a top sire for the VOBIS scheme.
We caught up with Mark Dodemaide of Woodside Park Stud, who highlighted a strong start for the Group 1-winning sire in Victoria, "Last year he covered 90 mares. This year, we're looking at a similar number." Shalaa's recent success on the track has been notable, particularly with offspring like Mornington Glory and Recommendation making their mark. "He's been in good form recently, especially with Mornington Glory and Recommendation, both winning three each in succession."
Mornington Glory (ex Crowned Glory) registered his third victory in succession for Gavin Bedggood when claiming the Group 1 Moir S. at Moonee Valley with an outstanding front-running performance earlier this month.
Mornington Glory ridden by Ethan Brown wins the Charter Keck Cramer Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley Racecourse on September 07, 2024 in Moonee Ponds, Australia. (Photo by George Sal/Racing Photos)
Of his sire, Shalaa, Dodemaide said, "We initially bought him because we identified him as a real VOBIS Gold and Sire’s horse. He’s up to 17 stakes winners now, with six individual black-type two-year-old winners. He’s really well-placed to get those bonuses."
Shalaa's offspring have shown remarkable durability, continuing to excel as they age. "Recommendation is maybe racing better than ever. He's five years old and racing better than ever." The stallion’s proven sire line, being by Invincible Spirit, makes him a solid choice for breeders. "With Shalaa, you’re not trying to reinvent the wheel with the sire line. He’s an Invincible Spirit, I Am Invincible. It’s a proven sire line."
This consistency is further evidenced by their recent dominance in Melbourne. "In Melbourne for the last six weeks, if it hasn't been Mornington Glory winning the main sprint of the day, it's been Recommendation. To a point, they’ve dominated those sprint races all this season, even towards the tail end of last season. In those six weeks, they’ve been running on alternative Saturdays and winning almost every Saturday." This sustained success underscores Shalaa's value as a sire capable of producing resilient and competitive racehorses.
Feedback from Victorian breeders on Shalaa’s progeny has been positive, with his foals living up to expectations. Although many of his progeny are from his New South Wales crops, those emerging in Victoria have impressed. "Our Victorian ones are just hitting the ground now. We've been lucky with a small number in Victoria, including Recommendation and Mornington Glory."
As for the standout foals this season, Shalaa's influence is becoming increasingly apparent. "So far this year, we’ve got about four here, all really nice. We still have plenty on the way, so it's a work in progress."
Shalaa stands his second season at Woodside Park Stud this year at a fee of $19,800 (GST inc) payable on live foal.
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