Woodfields Stud closing down

Press, 27 May 1985, Page 29

Woodfields Stud closing down

Special correspondent Dunedin The Woodfields Stud at Otaio will close down and the stud’s four stallions are to be relocated in the South Island. “The operation is no longer economic," said Ray Knight, who set up the Woodfield Stud five years ago. he has been located at otaio for the last three years. "all the stallions are staying in the South Island but their new quarters are still under negotiation." Fan Letter, Butty, Rocky Mountain and Ben Area are the stallions concerned. Fan Letter arrived from Canada last November and he was not in condition to start duty. He has a full book of '6O mares for the coming season. He is the first son of the great Secretariat imported to his country. His dam,

Admiring, is a sister of Priceless Gem, the dam of the champion sire, Noble Bijou.

Fan Letter is owned by a syndicate of breeders. ’lt is understood that Rocky Mountain has gone to Central Otago. Butty is for sale. The sire of winners, he attracted only 12 mares last season. Ben Area, a son of Noble Bijou and shewetta, served 10. Zephyr Palace served 38 mares at Woodfield last spring. The drought in South Canterbury has been a factor in the closing of Woodfields. “We have had four dry years since we have been there and last season we hand fed right through the season. We just haven't got the resources to continue," said Mr Knight, who will seek other employment.