Race on for Bodyguard's $1.6m pedigree

The offers rolled in to breed from three-year-old colt Bodyguard at a spectacular launch of the $1.6 million thoroughbred at Armidale Stud, Carrick, on Saturday.

With a $8,800 service fee he was considered great value for some of the racing world’s elite who came from around the country to see him paraded as the newest stallion prospect for owners David and Rhiannon Wishaw.

It was a positive response for the Wishaws on the back of what was the largest private thoroughbred purchase in Tasmania’s history when they bought him for $1.6 million.

Simply known as “Frank” around the stables, Bodyguard will bring mares from around the country into Tasmania.

Bodyguard made an immediate impression as a two-year-old on the track, turning heads early with an explosive two-length win on debut in the Listed Maribyrnong Trial Stakes (1000m) at Flemington in October, defeating subsequent Group winner Dublin Down. 

He returned in the autumn to confirm his class in the Group 3 Blue Diamond Prelude (1100m), showcasing a blistering turn of foot to put away a strong field.

“He has the pedigree and physique to match his racetrack credentials with plenty of precocity in his lineage, Mr Wishaw said.

“By I Am Invincible, the sire of Group 1-producing stallions Hellbent and Brazen Beau, Bodyguard descends from one of the most speed-oriented pedigrees in the Australasian studbook. His dam Tumooh is a Fastnet Rock daughter of Golden Slipper-winning heroine Mossfun, who has already produced Group winner Dajraan.”

Standing 16 hands high, Bodyguard cut a fine figure as he was led glistening from the stables for a crowd of more than 300 people to admire in one of the most significant events in the Tasmanian thoroughbred breeding Industry in years.

Leading trainers, owners, jockeys and breeders were all in attendance to get up close and personal with the horse and enjoy a social occasion in the stable grounds.

The event was emceed by respected racing identity Jayne Ivil, who travelled from New Zealand especially for the day.

Stallions Needs Further, whose progeny includes a Group 1-winning Champion 3YO, a Flemington stakes winner and multiple leading two-year-olds and Alpine Eagle, who was awarded the title of Leading Tasmanian Sire and Leading Juvenile Sire and has sired stakes horses and city winners in four states across Australia, were also showcased in the stallion parade. 

Trainer Peter Snowden declared Bodyguard “the best-looking horse I have ever been associated with”.

“He’s an attractive, well-balanced stallion with an exceptional presence, strong shoulder, great hindquarter, and a gorgeous head. His versatility makes him an ideal physical match for a broad range of mares,” he said.

“Bodyguard mirrors the early career of his own sire, I Am Invincible, who overcame limited racing opportunities to become one of Australia’s most influential stallions. 

“He offers breeders the opportunity to tap into one of the most powerful speed families in Australasian racing for an affordable fee. His career at stud is only beginning - but all signs point to a stallion ready to make a big impression.”