By DAVID BRASCH
WHILE his son Elite Machine spectacularly led throughout to win the $1 million Group 1 Brisbane Cup, Aussie Infrared’s commercial stud dog career has been curtailed.
Breeder and owner, Michael Eberand, frantically watched the Brisbane Cup via the internet while on a family holiday in Italy.
But he also announced plans for Aussie Infrared.
“We wish to advise we have ceased Aussie Infrared’s commercial frozen semen production program,” said Michael.
“This decision should best ensure we maintain Aussie’s legacy rather than see a decline in production performance.
“Based on current usage levels, we estimate we have sufficient supply of semen to service the breeding market for approximately 12 months.
“Given this defining milestone in Aussie’s career, we wish to make some acknowledgements.
“Firstly, thank you to breeders who have utilised his services to date.
“There has been a total not too far short of 300 inseminations to date, resulting in a 94% conception rate, and 7.3 pups a litter average .
“Those statistics require not only strong performance by Aussie, but it reflects on how well breeders look after their dams and the high quality performance of the various reproductive clinics around the country.
“More than half of these litters are not yet due to start racing.”
Michael laments the breeding market “did not catch on to how good he is until he got to five or six”.
Aussie Infrared’s track stars include:
- Elite Machine (G1 Brisbane and Perth Cup, 3rd The Sandgroper)
- Lala Kiwi (G1 Australian Cup and runner up Melbourne Cup)
- Zipping Kyrgios (G2 Black Top, Gosford Cup, Bob Payne Sprint, Country Classic, 2nd MDChase)
- Ebby Infrared (49 Wins)
- Matt and Bianca Clark’s litter brothers Playlist (G1 Vic Peters) and Catch The Thief (25 wins, $254,000) who first showplaced Aussie Infrared with their Group 1 deeds
- Electrified(G3 Young Stars Classic, Listed The Peter Thomas, 2nd G1 Perth Cup, G2 Qld Derby, G2 All Star Sprint)
- Ffabulous youngster Big Energy (Sandown 28.93)
Eberand reports Aussie Infrared had 90 matings last year and these pups are still to hit the racetrack.
“We are pleased to see the emergence at stud of sons Catch The Thief, Zipping Kyrgios, obviously Elite Machine in the future and more to come,” he said.
“Aussie’s younger half- brother, Group- winning star Ebby Jet Power (Maitland Cup winner just like Aussie, 29.40 Wenty running phenomenal splits) is available at stud and busting to be given a go.”
He was particularly keen to thank Geoff Collins and Roz Hume “who had the vision to introduce Aussie to stud and has been partnering in Aussie’s on-going management.
Eberand said semen inquiries should be made through Geoff on 0408 295 736 or himself 0405 353063.
“Breeders should note, Aussie may be available (very occasionally) for fresh service,” he said.
