Cover image courtesy of Grangewilliam Stud
Once resident on the backblocks of the South Island, Zed has made the most of a second chance afforded to him by Mark and Jane Corcoran’s Grangewilliam Stud to become a sire of quality performers over all distances and conditions.
He continues to receive good support and will be represented by a dozen youngsters at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Yearling Sale, where the first crop of associate stallion Derryn will also be unveiled.
Zed has enjoyed an outstanding spring with his flagship performer Verry Elleegant (NZ) successful at Group 1 level from 1400 to 2400 metres while Listed Ballarat Cup winner Irish Flame (NZ) and Jericho Cup winner Count Zero (NZ) have more recently added to the stallion’s list of achievements.
He won one of his four starts when trained by Murray Baker and was a one-time G1 New Zealand Derby favourite before injury curtailed his career, and as a son of the great Zabeel (NZ) and G1 International S. winner Emerald Dream (NZ) (Danehill {USA}), warranted a stud career.
Zed (NZ) | Standing at Grangewilliam Stud
That began at Sam Williams’ Little Avondale Stud, but the arrival of Nadeem pushed him down the pecking order and, with no takers, Zed relocated to Erewhon Station, a 35,000-acre beef and sheep property in South Canterbury.
“He was there for two years and was serving Clydesdales and just a handful of thoroughbred mares,” Corcoran told TDN AusNZ.
“He was there for two years and was serving Clydesdales and just a handful of thoroughbred mares.” – Mark Corcoran
“I noticed that a few of the Zeds were going alright so I contacted Sam about getting him and he was thinking the same thing, bringing him back, so I was lucky enough to get him off the hills.”
Zed received a royal welcome from breeders at Grangewilliam and has subsequently enjoyed a loyal following.
“That first year we had him he served a massive book, 160-odd mares, and he’s always been consistent and averaged around 70,” Corcoran said. “He leaves good staying types and the syndicate that owns him have always supported him.
“He was bred by Jomara Bloodstock and most of the syndicate that were involved in racing him are still in. Jomara continue to send mares to him and so does another of the original shareholders Don Goodwin, who bred Verry Elleegant.”
Verry Elleegant (NZ)
Zed is a model professional with a kind nature and as an 18-year-old continues to enjoy good health and fertility.
“He’s got a fantastic temperament and he’s probably one of the most laid-back stallions I’ve ever had. He’s a real pet and I’ve chucked the kids on him bareback in the paddock and led them around, he’s like a real pony,” Corcoran said.
“He’s got a fantastic temperament and he’s probably one of the most laid-back stallions I’ve ever had.” – Mark Corcoran
“He’s a character, but I wouldn’t say he’s a quirky horse. One thing about him though is that when he serves a mare and has finished covering he launches himself off.
“It’s like self-preservation and I often wonder if that’s a trait he picked up when paddock-serving the Clydesdales. Once he’s done the job he bails and we all laugh at him.
“He’ll serve about 60 mares this season, about the same as last year, and we find the same people love him and keep coming back. If you look at a lot of horses that have been around as long as he has, they wouldn’t be serving the numbers he still is.
“He looks fantastic, has a great crest on his neck and he keeps himself in pretty good nick.”
Corcoran tipped a colt, Lot 436 in Book 1, as the pick of Grangewilliam’s line-up by Zed at Karaka in January.
“He’s out of Hermione and she is a half-sister to Opulence, the dam of Verry Elleegant. He’s a first foal and a really nice colt, an early foal and I’m picking there will be a fair bit of interest in him,” he said.
Derryn popular acquisition
Corcoran has also been thrilled with the numbers Hinchinbrook’s son Derryn, winner of the G2 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint S. and Group 1-placed in the Doomben 10,000, has received since his retirement to Grangewilliam.
Derryn | Standing at Grangewilliam Stud
“He served 105 mares in his first season, last year he got 120 and will get up to about 90 this year, that’s not bad for a third season,” he said.
“He’s got some really nice yearlings and puts plenty of muscle and strength into them. The feedback has been great and I’m pretty hopeful about Karaka.
“They will appeal to the pinhookers as well and they’re not going to be like Zeds and take a bit of time. They will run early and look the part and obviously the Asian and Australian markets like Hinchinbrook.
“I think there will be plenty of interest and Derryn is also from the family of Not A Single Doubt and Snippets so he’s got a lot going for him.”
Derryn will be represented by two youngsters in Book 1 at Karaka with Lot 500 a half-brother to dual stakes winner Lightning Jack (NZ) (Per Incanto {USA}) and Lot 567 out of a sister to the two-time Group 1 winner Fiveandahalfstar (Hotel Grand) and a dozen yearlings in Book 2.
