Written by Paul Vettise
Sam and Catriona Williams’ Little Avondale Stud are convinced their new stallion acquisition for 2018 will stand the test of time.
The Wairarapa farm were delighted to win the Southern Hemisphere rights to a high-class middle distance performer by the champion sire Dubawi (IRE) (Dubai Millennium {GB}.
Time Test (GB) was the dual Group 2 winner of the Joel S., and the York S., and was a multiple Group1 placegetter. “I got a call from Danny Rolston at New Zealand Bloodstock about the horse, he knew I’d been on the lookout for the last couple of years, but hadn’t committed due to the state of the industry,” Sam Williams said.
“There were a couple of sires lines I was keen on – Dubawi and Snitzel and when I got this guy’s pedigree it didn’t take long to take it further. He’s out of a Group 1 winning 2-year-old by Dansili, beautiful female lines.”
Time Test
“There were a couple of sires lines I was keen on – Dubawi and Snitzel and when I got this guy’s pedigree it didn’t take long to take it further. – Sam Williams.
Time Test’s dam is Passage Of Time (GB) won the Criterium de Saint Cloud and the G3 Musidora S. She is a half-sister to the G1 Falmouth S., winner Timepiece (GB) (Zamindar {USA}).
“I did some more research and when I saw Time Test’s race record and what style of horse he was I was sold,” Williams said. “He’s got genuine speed and obviously Dubawi can leave sprinters and beautiful mile to a mile and a-half horses.”
Time Test
Southern Hemisphere rights
Williams subsequently travelled to the English National Stud, where Time Test stood his first season, and completed a deal. “We safe-guarded the Southern Hemisphere rights and then put together a syndicate of 40 shares. We went to the majority of the biggest studs in New Zealand and breeders and pretty much got them all.
“I think it’s a testament to the support Little Avondale have given these guys over the years that they are supporting us with repeat business. Time Test arrived here on July 28 and he’s let down and settled in well. He’s got a great nature, laid-back and very athletic.”
“I think it’s a testament to the support Little Avondale have given these guys over the years that they are supporting us with repeat business.” – Sam Williams.
He won six of his 11 starts in England from Roger Charlton’s yard and in three Northern American appearances for Chad Brown he posted two Group 1 placings and a Group 3.
“There’s been a great response to him here,” Williams said. “He will be limited to 130 mares and he’s up to 116 already. Among them is Sharvasti, a Group 1 winning Montjeu mare so Sadler’s Wells doubles up nicely, and Centaine Gu Li who is the dam of Hong Kong stakes winner More Bountiful.
“Can’t Keeper Down, who ran second in the New Zealand Oaks, will be going to him as will the mothers of Group 1 winners Nashville and St Emilion.”
The dams of black type performers Don Carlo (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) and Jacksstar (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) are locked in, as is the Group 3 winner Eloa (NZ) (Volksraad {GB}).
“The breeders have really got behind him – Valachi Downs, Haunui Farm, Waikato Stud, Mapperley Stud, Windsor Park, James Chapman, Lib Petagna and the Wallace family to name a few,” – Sam Williams.
“The breeders have really got behind him – Valachi Downs, Haunui Farm, Waikato Stud, Mapperley Stud, Windsor Park, James Chapman, Lib Petagna and the Wallace family to name a few,” Williams said.
Time Test will stand his first season alongside Per Incanto and Nadeem (Redoute’s Choice). “Per Incanto had another great season with 10 stakes performers and six stakes winners,” William said. “He’s got 120 mares booked so he’s close to getting full and Nadeem had Group winners on both sides of the Tasman. It’s all looking good for the future.”
