Back in 2015 Graham Fisher published the below (in part):
“The future belongs to those who plan for it,” is a quote from the late great thoroughbred trainer Colin Hayes who made a move from suburban Semaphore in Adelaide to the world famous Lindsay Park Stud at Angaston in the Barossa Valley.
It can also apply to former dairy and sheep farmer Peter Medhurst from Glencoe in the South-East of South Australia. Medhurst, 73 (now 80), has transformed an enjoyable hobby into a successful business.
When he sold his farming interests about eight years ago, Medhurst set up a breeding and training property for son-in-law Barry Finnis and his wife Katherine and their son Jayson.
“When I was in the cattle and sheep industry I believed breeding to be a very important aspect and it forms the foundation of the business,” Medhurst said.
“I ran a good business for more than 40 years so I guess the principles on which I operated must have been good. When I got involved in harness racing I brought the same breeding ideas across, and it looks like they are still working.”
Medhurst, capably backed by his wife Lesley, has built up an amazing broodmare band, the majority tracing back to his first standardbred purchase. Progeny from the Medhurst property have won races in most states of Australia and even in the United States.
The Medhurst name has been synonymous in South Australian racing circles for nearly a century.
Peter’s involvement in harness racing began in 1989 when he purchased a yearling filly by Kentucky from the Garry Rowan mare Scarlet Sunrise.
Named Roses In Paris she won nine races, including at Moonee Valley and Globe Derby and little could he have hoped for what was about to begin.
At stud, Roses In Paris produced 12 foals of which 11 were winners and from the family more than 100 wins have come.
This gives us a snap shot of Graham’s piece, and it also highlights the dedication, effective hard work and the massive investment the Medhurst’s have injected into this wonderful sport.
Time stands still for no family and it’s with pride the team at APG have been entrusted by Peter and family to have a massive cut back of numbers.
It’s clear to us that the Medhursts have great faith in some of our strongest and best families available in the southern hemisphere and they are regarded as one of the greatest and most successful breeders from the “Festival State“.
Some examples of these families are:
N2 – Unnamed 3YO ready to go back into work by Betting Line – Three Queens – Mach Three a crosse that just makes sense.
N2- Problem Maker a young Western Ideal mare that should have re-stockers excited.
N2- Dazzling Delight a 2010 Bettors Delight daughter of Roses In Paris (SA Broodmare Of The Year), she produced 3 x $100,000 plus performers.
N2- Burston Holme a 2008 Holmes Hanover that may just be ready to do some good work.
N2- Surfing Royal a 2011 Royal Mattjesty mare that’s sire has already got more 20 or so $100,000 plus broodmares credits.
Other successful horses out of this N2 family are:
| Terror To Love | N2 | $2,377,125 | Western Terror | Live Or Die |
| Lombo Pocket Watch | N2 | $1,522,638 | Jet Laag | Windshield Wiper |
| Lochinvar Art | N2 | $1,389,956 | Modern Art | Ponder |
| Beaudiene Boaz | N2 | $1,255,177 | Badlands Hanover | In The Pocket |
| Alta Orlando | N2 | $1,012,080 | Courage Under Fire | Totally Western |
| Preux Chevalier | N2 | $791,331 | Lumber Dream | Thurber Frost |
| Handsandwheels | N2 | $666,739 | Mach Three | Perfect Art |
| Lombo La Fe Fe | N2 | $654,493 | Troublemaker | Classic Garry |
| Suave Stuey Lombo | N2 | $587,032 | Bettors Delight | Classic Garry |
| Ameretto | N2 | $565,419 | Million Dollar Cam | Courage Under Fire |
| Scandalman | N2 | $501,035 | Live Or Die | Holmes Hanover |
The U303 is another great family Peter has been able to build on:
U303- Unnamed 3YO Filly by Betting Line – Princess Fiona – McArdle a mare that lots of options going forward. McArdle already has Boston Red Rocks winner of $1,486,357 as a broodmare sire credit.
U303- Free Rolling ( who is in foal ) by Roll With Joe – Princess Fiona – McArdle this mare carry’s the blood/cross as Nocturnal Bluechip winner of $771,076
U303 – Princess Fiona (who is also in foal) being a McArdle mare opens up lots of breeding possibilities,
Captaintreacherous – Captain Victorious winner to date of $469,143
Rock N Roll Heaven – Heavenly Sound winner to date of 312,690
Sweet Lou – Crimson And Chrome winner to date of $312,020
American Ideal – Kango winner to date of $217,033 just to name a few.
There can be no doubt that Peter Medhurst has done an amazing job planning for the future, however its time to hand over the reins to the next generation of passionate breeders.
Go To https://www.apgold.com.au/ today to view all these and all 212 astonishing lots.
For all Bloodstock Enquires contact Dean Baring on 0459 215 333
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
Driving The Future Of Harness Racing
