Photo Credit Llowalong Farms
Confederate’s Arrival Down Under
The hype for Confederate’s first crop has been building ever since the blisteringly fast pacer was announced for shuttle duty back in early 2024. Confederate is the fastest three-year-old pacer in history, with a 1:46.1 mile and over $2 million earned. In 2023 he swept major USA stakes, winning the Meadowlands Pace, Cane Pace, Tattersalls Pace, Max Hempt Memorial, and the Breeders Crown – earning the triple crown of U.S. Horse of the Year, Pacer of the Year and Three-Year-Old Pacer of the Year honours. Bred on the golden cross (Sweet Lou from the Rocknroll Hanover line) and blessed with explosive speed and grit, Confederate was secured by Cobbitty Equine Farm to stand the 2024/25 season in the flesh for Australasian breeders. The enthusiasm translated into a fantastic first book and now the resulting foals have begun arriving across Australasia.
First Foals Earning High Praise
The first Southern Hemisphere foals by Confederate have breeders singing their praises. Welcoming the arrival of Confederate’s very first Australian foal early last month, a filly from the mare Aviation, a stunning foal with size and quality. Shortly after, again at Burwood Stud in Queensland, the first Aussie colt by Confederate was born out of Alwaysbme, described as a striking individual with an athletic build and strong hindquarters. And in Victoria came the much-anticipated Yankee Showgirl colt, who has quickly become a showpiece foal for Confederate’s potential for Lauriston Bloodstock, who were among the lucky few Southern Hemisphere breeders to see Confederate race in the flesh. “He’s an absolute cracker of a colt, so correct and carries himself like a future star.”
Early feedback from breeders and studs has been glowing for Confederate’s progeny, often stamped with their sire’s dark coat and powerful athletic build. “They’ve got great legs and a real presence about them,” reports a New Zealand breeder who has already welcomed two Confederate foals this season. This echoes reports from the Northern Hemisphere, where Confederate’s initial foals (born in early 2025) have also been turning heads for their physique and demeanour. With such positive first impressions, anticipation is high that Confederate’s first crop will be highly sought after when they hit yearling sales and eventually, the racetrack.
Confederate’s First Crop: A Who’s Who of Australasian Broodmare Royalty
Confederate’s 2024/25 Southern Hemisphere book features one of the most exceptional collections of mares ever assembled for a freshman sire in Australia or New Zealand, reflecting the outstanding depth of support from leading breeders across the region. Here is a list of a few noteworthy mares in Confederate’s first Southern Hemisphere book – the complete roster is extensive and underscores the remarkable quality of his debut broodmare band.
- Ladies In Red (Mach Three) – Champion mare with 24 wins from 30 starts and over $1 million in earnings. Seven-time Group One winner including the Victoria Oaks and Queen of the Pacific.
- Encipher (Captaintreacherous) – Inaugural $2.1M TAB Eureka winner and multiple Group One champion. Earned over $1.58 million from 17 wins.
- Maajida (Somebeachsomewhere) – Multiple Group One winner and the first filly to sweep the Vicbred Super Series at 2, 3, and 4. Earned $684,000 including the Breeders Crown 2YO Fillies Final.
- Frith (Four Starzzz Shark) – Eight-time Group One winner and one of the modern era’s most decorated mares, earning $1.18 million. Now the dam of Peaceful (Sweet Lou), G1 APG 3YO Gold Bullion winner and $150k+ earner.
- Just Hope (Bettor’s Delight) – NSW Oaks (G1) winner and consistent elite-level filly. Earned over $370,000.
- Rocknroll Angel (Rock N Roll Heaven) – Multiple Group race winner and $240k earner, including three consecutive Ladyship G3 titles.
- Beach Music (Somebeachsomewhere) – Stakes-placed $153k earner from the same family as Ladies In Red and Kabbalah Karen B.
- Cheesy Fingers (Betterthancheddar) – Group 2 Raith Memorial winner (1:50.3); from the “Lady Fingers” family of The Orange Agent.
- Tact Hayleys Delight (Bettor’s Delight) – NZ-bred, $300k+ earner, G2 Sibelia Stakes winner and a durable open-class mare.
- Amarillen (Fake Left) – Australian Broodmare of the Year (2017). Producer of Villagem ($626k), Miss Graceland (G1), and Nostra Beach (G1). Her influence extends through her daughter Pixel Perfect, Australian Broodmare of the Year (2018), dam of Soho Tribeca ($1.10M), Carla’s Pixel ($480k), and Soho Nolita ($238k).
- Our Cavort (Falcon Seelster) – Dam of Encipher, from a strong black-type family that consistently produces Group winners.
- Twist And Twirl (Artsplace) – NZ Oaks (G1) winner and NZ Broodmare of the Year. Dam of King Of Swing ($3.39M) and Bettor Twist ($605k, 7× G1).
- Oh Tara – Dam of Lakelsa, 2023 NZ Breeders Stakes (G1) winner; proven producer from a powerful Southland family.
- Tara Tutaia (Somebeachsomewhere) – Half-sister to Tiger Tara ($1.70M) and G2 winner Stingray Tara.
- Bare Knuckle (Raging Bull) – NZ 3YO Filly of the Year and G3 Raith Memorial winner. Dam of Better Knuckle Up (Bettor’s Delight), winner of The Velocity 3YO Slot Race (Listed, $500k), earner of nearly $280k.
- Delightful Lana (Bettor’s Delight) – Dual-country winner with 10 wins, $148k, and stakes placings in both NZ and Australia.
- Gina Grace (Bettor’s Delight) – Group-placed in NZ/Aus; 1:53.3 performer and U.S. campaigner. Family of Linda Lovegrace (G1).
- Rockabilly Blues (Rock N Roll Heaven) – Half-sister to Chicago Bull ($2.4M); Jewels finalist with a high-value pedigree.
- Kept In Play (Bettor’s Delight) – Daughter of Kept For Pleasure (dam of Vincent $610k, My Mackenzie $520k, Keep Rockin $371k). Kept In Play brings this elite producing family directly into Confederate’s first crop.
And that’s only scratching the surface of the class supporting Confederate’s first crop.
Importantly, Confederate’s quality has not gone unnoticed overseas. His Northern Hemisphere books have featured many of the sport’s leading mares, reflecting widespread confidence in his potential. With elite backing both in North America and Australasia, the racetrack star is being given every opportunity to forge a lasting legacy as a sire on the world stage.
Bright Future for Confederate’s Progeny
With foals of such elite pedigree and quality hitting the ground, expectations are sky-high for Confederate’s impact. Yearling sales in 2026-2027 will likely feature many of these impeccably bred youngsters and buyers are already watching closely. The fact that breeders from across Australia and New Zealand – and even international players – targeted Confederate in his first year speaks volumes about his commercial appeal. His second Southern Hemisphere book (2025/26) is also filling with top names, ensuring the momentum continues.
