This week on Dunstan Horse Feeds’ Meet the Breeder, we speak with Michael Stokes, who together with his friend Alister McCann bred Cluedo Lane, the impressive winner of the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge Weight For Age (1600m) at Wingatui last Saturday.
Tell us the story of Cluedo Lane
I bred Cluedo Lane with my friend Alister McCann. We purchased his dam, Treat Me, at the Karaka Mixed Bloodstock Sale. She won two races for us and showed exceptional speed before an accident in the starting gates unfortunately led to her retirement. We then bred her to Ghibellines, producing Givealittle and Cluedo Lane.
How did you get into thoroughbred breeding?
I got into thoroughbred breeding at the age of eighteen. Chris Rowe and I purchased a Noble Bijou mare called Dentine, and bred Simon Snorkel and The Blonde Bimbo. Simon won ten races, including the Ansett New Zealand Stakes, while The Blonde Bimbo won both the Hazlett Stakes and the South Island Breeders’ Stakes.
How many mares do you currently breed from?
I currently breed from a Pins mare called Pinaz. Unfortunately, I recently lost Howbaddoyouneedit during foaling. In the future, I plan to breed from Treat Me’s daughters, Givealittle and Scarlett.
What else is included in your bloodstock portfolio?
I currently have several racehorses. These include Kings Palm, a half-sibling to Palmetto, which I bred, as well as Verdian, a Verdi half-brother to Cluedo Lane. From Howbaddoyouneedit, I have a Bold One filly and a two-year-old Derryn gelding. I also have shares in Meridiana and Zeclipse in Sydney with trainer John Sargent, and may potentially breed from them in Australia as part of a breeding syndicate.
Do you seek advice on your breeding decisions?
I don’t usually seek advice on breeding decisions. I have a good understanding of the old families and bloodline influences. I’m not commercially driven — I simply want to breed good horses. I prefer strong, well-muscled horses, almost slabby types, ideally sprinter-milers that can develop with age and stay a bit of ground.
What is the best breeding advice you have received?
The best advice I ever received came from trainer Neil Coulbeck, who said: “Look at the horse’s backside — that’s where the power comes from.” Because of that, I look for powerful stallions and mares, medium-sized mares that are strong behind. I also believe in breeding like to like.
What do you love most about the thoroughbred breeding industry?
What I love about the breeding industry is that I have just as much chance as anyone of breeding a good horse. Money can’t buy everything — you just need to be smart and back yourself.
What advice would you give someone entering the industry as a breeder?
If you’re entering the breeding industry, I would advise speaking with the NZTBA to get an idea of the costs involved in breeding and raising a racehorse. They can help guide you in the right direction when it comes to purchasing or leasing a mare and connecting with suitable studs. At the end of the day, it’s a very costly game.
Your proudest moment as a breeder so far?
My proudest moments include winning a million-dollar race at Randwick with Palmetto, which I bred. I’m part of a syndicate and hold a 10% share. However, winning the Gr.3 White Robe Lodge Stakes with Cluedo Lane, whom I fully own, would have to be the pinnacle.
If you could breed from any past or present mare and stallion, who would they be?
If I had the choice of any stallion, Noble Bijou would be number one. He was an incredible upgrader who left quality, class horses. As for mares, among current runners I would keep an eye on Imperatriz, who showed tremendous speed, courage and determination.
