Duchess threads a new path for Savile Row
Henrietta, Duchess of Bedford has thrown her support behind emerging stallion Savile Row (NZ) (Makfi) with the Group One performed son of Makfi to relocate to Brighthill Farm this season.
The now 12-year-old entire was bred by the late Kevin Hickman and originally retired to stud at his Valachi Downs in Matamata.
However, upon Hickman’s passing and subsequent sale of the Matamata property, Savile Row has resided at Mapperley Stud for the past four seasons.
Trained by the late Michael Moroney and Pam Gerard, Savile Row was a three-time Group One runner-up, placing in the Herbie Dyke Stakes (2000m), the New Zealand 2000 Guineas (1600m) and the Levin Classic (1600m).
From limited opportunities, Savile Row has sired 14 winners from 25 runners, including stakes-placed fillies She Suits Herself and Perfectly Suited, in addition to Group Two fourth Suit Yourself.
“Many will think I have gone a bit mad, however he is a stallion in whom I really believe, as did his breeder, my friend Kevin Hickman,” Bedford said.
“Tragically Kevin died in August 2024 and due to his illness was never able to promote him as he would have wanted.
“Kevin bought his dam Fleece from me at the Tattersalls December Sales, so I have always felt in a way that I had played a role in his very existence.
“I kept in touch with Kevin’s wife Jo and about a month ago went to see her about Savile Row, as I knew she was anxious about his future.
“To cut a long story short, I asked if I could buy him and it was a combination of relief and delight for all parties, including Kevin’s daughter Jasmine.”
Savile Row is out of the winning Daylami mare Fleece and is a full brother to the highly talented Group Two winner Needle And Thread, who shot to prominence as the dam of classy juvenile Warwoven.
“He has arrived at Nick King’s Brighthill Farm where he will be standing for $2,500 plus GST, and he arrived in superb condition from Simms Davison’s Mapperley Stud,” Bedford said.
“He was a winner at his only start at two and a tough and sound Group One horse.
“I love the fact he is free of Danehill blood, with his grandsire the extraordinary breed-shaper Dubawi.
“To me, the most exciting part is what he has achieved with limited opportunities to date, with 14 winners and two black-type performers from juts 25 runners. That statistic really caught me by surprise and hopefully it will pique the interest of others in a similar way.
“We have already sent two of my best mares to him and have a winning three-year-old out of Next called What Next.
“In the coming season we’ll be sending a number of mares to him, including additional members of my Mrs Moss family that has produced the likes of Tavistock and Precedence.
“I am keen that he get every opportunity and fingers crossed he will be recognised one day as a good stallion.”
