Welcome to Herbert Bloodstock (Australia), owned and operated by Martin Herbert. This news page is updated regularly and will discuss a wide range of topics surrounding the harness racing industry. The most recent news will be feature at the top of the page.
August 2008
Greetings World...
Great news, we are building a super new website that will have many new, interactive features and the best part is, there won’t be any downtime, we will simply flip a switch and the new site will appear. Make sure that you participate in the blog, guestbook and other areas that will be made available to you.
URGENT SALE: To celebrate the new Herbert Bloodstock venture, Martin has made available for immediate and quick sale, two maiden 4 year old geldings by leading sires Mach Three and Holmes Hanover. Both horses are qualified and ready to race, they are priced for a quick sale, POA. Give Martin Herbert a ring on 0418 665 124 right now, because tomorrow they will probably be gone.
June 2008
Greetings World...
A very busy month this June with quite a few winners and placegetters, let`s start with the locals and one of my favourite horses, Life Story. This durable animal won his 6th race from his last 11 starts when he again sat without cover throughout and prevailed at his pet track, Newcastle Paceway recently. An incredibly strong beast he is and will one day show his true worth when I send him to the USA, where he will revel in the conditions on the big tracks.
King Courage won twice in the month and justified the opinion Bruce Negus had in the Courage Under Fire gelding, and Franco Norseman scored for Dick and Jenny Caine at Harold Park capping off some good performances of late.
My best horse, Franco Nester, bolted in at HP and was runner up in the $25,000 final at Menangle 29/6/08, taking his earnings to over $90,000 and he is still an MO.
In SA, Star General was responsible for a top effort when taking 2nd place in the Group One Trotters Derby, and at Moonee Valley bargain buy Gypsy Franco also placed 2nd at her first run in town.
Another of my charges, Delma Courage was 2nd in 1.55.8, while Franco Tinman was placed in the Winter Cup at Newcastle.
A horse I consider to be Group material one day, and passed over by two so called buyers ( don`t ring me, I`ll call you; there`s plenty of NZ agents just dying to get their hands on you types) was Our Crown Law, which bolted in at Bankstown on debut with earplugs unpulled. This son of Bettors Delight had worked home on 58 seconds for trainer Ali Khouiss and landed a huge bet for lucky connections that took my advice and bought this beaut colt.
In the USA, Flak Jacket took a career best 1.54.1, and his former stable mate Smokey Lonesome was also back in the winners circle in 1.56.
At Freehold Paceway, Step Right won twice with the most recent in 1.53.1 and looks to improve on his already good Australian form.
I have decided not to list any more horses on my `For Sale` page, if anyone wants to inquire then call me direct or lodge an inquiry via the website.
May 2008
The last few weeks have seen a number of winners from Herbert Bloodstock; let’s start with quality 3yo Franco Emerger, winning easily at Newcastle in 1.59 a couple of weeks ago.
I predict this big Falcon Seelster - Emerald Franco gelding will make it to the top grade, as his half brother Franco Extreme should have bar for his bowed tendon and torn suspensory ligaments.
However, with 3 placings from his last 4 starts, Franco Extreme looks close to a win if I can keep him sound enough.
Also at Newcastle, tough 4yo Life Story has won his last 2 starts taking his tally to 6 wins on NSW`s best track (until Menangle commences) . After chairing with a 57.5 last half and nosing out another Herbert Bloodstock purchase, Thunderbolt Cruiser, Life Story led all the way over 2550m to bolt in a fortnight later.
Both horses were sent straight to the paddock for a short let up and will resume this week.
John Street North mare Wandin North has been in good form of late saluting in 3 of her last 4 starts, while Franco Targa and Mystical Franco have been racing well also.
In Victoria, 3yo trotter Star General led all the way for Huntly trainer/driver Anthony Crossland, landing some huge collects for his confident owners, while another of Anthony`s purchases Tell Me Bad was also an impressive winner recently.
And in NZ last week, quality 2yo The Big Mach looked good in scoring at debut, closing in 56.6 and 28.4 to bolt in at Invercargill.
We are overstocked here at the Herbert Bloodstock barn with 5 more horses waiting in NZ to enter training, so I am offering 2 nice yearling colts I bred. Both by Armbro Oliver, one is from Tainui, dam of The Darl, p1.58.7 and all the way winner at Shepparton recently.
Anthony Crossland has a high opinion of this filly, which he is setting for the Vic Sires Stakes series, while Tainui`s other daughter Wandin North has been in top form lately.
The other colt is from Universal Alice, herself a brilliant filly, winning on debut by 25m but shattering her foreleg the same day.
After a year off and a major battle to save her life, Universal Alice returned to win again at her next start as a 3yo and won another 6 races including a Harold Park all the way victory. This filly started favourite at most of her 20 odd starts, but arthritis set in her bad leg and she was retired as a 4yo.
Her first foal, Alice Street, by John Street North, was a Harold Park winner.
I want $5000 each!!! which would not even cover costs to date. Both colts are at Golden Gait Stud and ready to be broken in now.
If a NZ bred youngster is your preference, don’t forget the Falcon Seelster yearling (gelded and being broken in now) out of a Live Or Die mare. This bloke is a great looker and the breaker reports a beaut pacer. Landed here in Australia he is 20k.
Add another 5k and buy a full brother to Jacka Satchem, (Badlands Hanover -Satchem Franco) Vic Derby heat winner and a seriously good horse before injuring his leg.
Also now broken in, he looks as good as he sounds.
Finally, ( the best till last?) I have a magnificent McArdle yearling from a half sister to one of NZ`s best ever mares.
A big impressive type, standing at 16hh, this bloke has class stamped all over him. Also being broken in at present; 25k delivered.
Contact me at martin@herbertbloodstock.com or call 0418665124 and once again the best of luck to all in Harness racing!
April 2008
A big last six weeks for Herbert Bloodstock, with winners galore.
I will begin with my stable star, Franco Nester, who swept all before him winning heat and final of the Carousel, ($30,000) and took out the Malta Cup in between.
His stablemate and inseparable partner, Franco Tinman, took out a heat of the Schweppes Cup at Bankstown (new Regal gig to the trainer) and also won the final of the Honouree Stakes at Bathurst.
 Kevin Stanley, Chin Far and Martin Herbert in the Long Bar, Raffles Hotel, Singapore. (Owners of Franco Nester)
While we are on the Franco`s, bargain mare Laughing Franco scored at Harold Park last week; Franco Torro has been in top form winning 4 of his last 5 appearances; and Franco Enrico saluted at the Gold Coast recently.
Mach 3 3yo Thunderbolt Cruiser has looked good winning 3 straight in Qld and only went down by a nose after death-seating throughout at Bankstown last Sat night, while Mach 3 2yo Mach Be Nimble run a strong 2nd placing at Kilmore.
Also in Vic, Tainui`s 3yo daughter The Darl bolted in at Maryborough, and her half sister Wandin North capped off some sound efforts when an easy winner on a 1.59.6 mile rate at Newcastle.
 A happy group of Herbert Bloodstock owners in Singapore in April 2008
Falcon Seelster 3yo Bad Cat looked unlucky when beaten a nose in the Australian Derby after two great runs in the Victorian Derby. Bad Cat is pictured on my For Sale page at 15k when I drove him as a yearling.. he is now valued at 200k.
Speaking of yearlings, I have a magnificent gelding by Falcon Seelster ($7,700 service fee) from a Live Or Die mare for sale at 15k (nz), he is presently being broken in in Christchurch. Don't wait until he is running along when he be double the price, take my advice and buy him now.
I also have a beaut 3yo by the same Sire, a brother to a 1.51 and 300k+ winner.
Training down to a half in a minute and not offered before, he is a sweet pacer and at the same price not dear (yet).
Anyone not scared of taking on a filly, I have 2 Mach 3 yearlings from good families at 10k. His service fee this season will be 12,500k. Do the maths then call me.
The best of luck to everybody in Harness Racing, Marty Herbert
February/March 2008
Lets start with Franco Torro NZ, which looked good in three Gold Coast wins in good time, along with his stablemate, Thunderbolt Cruiser NZ, a horse that we replaced a share in Flak Jacket NZ for, a most disappointing animal here in Australia for both Alix Khiouss and myself.
Dewey Belfa returned to form at Newcastle recently, almost a year after he came from near last to score in a heat of the time honoured Schweppes Cup.
Wandin North looks to be getting back to her best, and her younger half sister The Darl has put in some big runs in Victoria for Anthony Crossland, including a head second in 1.58+.
In that same State, David Aitken recently qualified a most impressive Mach 3 2yo, as did Anthony Crossland. Both pacers look likely to score soon.
At the Valley, bargain pacer Bad Cat NZ did exactly what ex trainer and Bloodstock agent Bruce Negus said he would. Be a Derby horse. He is. After doing all the work in the fastest heat, Bad Cat was a long way from the leaders at the 600m and had to drag well back to get clear, finishing strongly for 3rd.
Bad Cat NZ is the Falcon Seelster yearling on my For Sale page at $15,000nz.
Nearer to home and my stable stars, Nester and Tinman are both chasing glory at their home track, Bankstown Paceway. The first round of heats of The Carousel and Schweppes Cup are being conducted and both my runners will be hard to beat.
Franco Emerger has had no luck in his two runs and continues to improve,while Life Story was in all sorts of bother at HP recently and is a far better horse than that.
Another very powerful performer in my stable is Franco Extreme. Eased after a good second at headquarters the big Badlands Hanover pacer is coming to hand very nicely and wont be far off the races, with his bung leg its `steady as she goes`.
Planes are coming into Sydney direct now from NZ and there are always nice horses to be bought. Dont be shy, go to back yard and dig up those tins then call me on 0418665124
February 19th 2008
Scruncher Crunches!
Badlands Hanover 3yo Scruncher looked good in recording his 3rd life time win when an easy winner at Kilmore on Wednesday. Patiently driven by trainer Craig Demmler, Scruncher was let loose at the 600m and went on to down a handy field and justify the high regard the Demmler team have of him.
In Queensland, Mach 3 gelding Thunderbolt Cruiser ran on strongly for his 2nd placing and closer to home, bargain priced mare Golden Tarenz ran her usual honest race to take 3rd at Penrith Paceway last night.
I have a couple of top bred Kiwi youngsters available for sale, dont delay as when I book them on the plane, they wont be as cheap as they are now.
As my business partner and lifetime friend, Bruce Negus, once said to me.. ``Marty, strike while the iron is hot``
Sound advice then as it is now. My mobile number is 0418 665 124
February 2008
Herbert Bloodstock congratulates `Uncle Kracker`
Herbert Bloodstock would like to congratulate the connections of `Uncle Kracker` on his superb win at Kilmore recently. The 3yo son of Partywiththebigdog looks to have a promising future in store of him.
On the local scene, trainer Ron Lloyd scored a stable quinella at Bankstown with his two bargain priced pacers, Golden Tarenz and Drummossie, while Our Winsome Hanover looks to be returning to his best with a strong 2nd placing at Harold Park.
Franco Nester raced superbly when he sat without cover throughout at Headquarters for a 2nd placing, the last 800m posted in 57.5 and he is now being set for the rich Carousel series run in March/April.
Franco Extreme also pleased me with his 2nd placing and he is in the paddock for a couple of weeks to let his troublesome leg settle down, while Franco Tinman looked below his best with his plodding 3rd and I have given the big chestnut a short break as well.
The Bettors Delight 2yo offered last month has now been sold, and I have a very promising 2yo Astreos colt for sale, POA.
Also on the books is a T1 trotter, can trot a half in 58 and change and not priced too dear.
My phone number is 0418665124 or email me at martin@herbertbloodstock.com
January 2008
SLY FLYIN NEARS THE $1,000,000
NZ Champion Sly Flyin is closing in on the magical million dollar mark with his slashing victory last week in NZ, taking his lifetime earnings to $911,000+.
Trialled and sold by this Agency after a rousing workout at Bruce Negus`s Burnham property, Sly Flyin was accompanied by another standout pacer, Vanlo Yorker, but sadly I was unable to find a buyer for that horse at the bargain price of $50,000nz.
On the local scene, durable pacer Drummossie won his 4th race at Penrith recently, and in Victoria the 3yo filly The Darl was responsible for an outstanding effort when narrowly beaten at Shepparton last week in 1.59.6.
This weeks Warragul meeting saw the resumption of the highly promising 3yo Scruncher who run away to to score easily after launching from the back row early with an opening 400m in 28 seconds. After racing without cover the Badlands Hanover gelding left his rivals for dead in the straight and looks to have a promising future ahead of him.
My two stable stars, Franco Nester and Franco Tinman, are set down to resume at Harold Park this week and will be looking to improve on their already impressive record.
I have a potential top line 2yo by top sire Bettors Delight for sale, if you are looking for quality dont hesitate to call me on 0418665124.
December 2007
Flak Jacket unlucky in 1.51 placing`. Former top NZ juvenile `Flak Jacket ` lived up to the high opinion he is held by his American connections when a solid third at The Meadowlands, arguably the hardest track to win at in the world.
Drawn on the dreaded outside of the front line for the mile $22,000US conditioned event, Flak Jacket was restrained early and ended up in last position as the first quarter was posted in a slick 26.4.
After an opening half of 54.5 Flak Jacket was well back entering the stretch with no run appearing until half way down when the Courage Under Fire 4yo finally saw daylight and surged home to take third placing, run in -7 degree temperatures.
Sold by Herbert Bloodstock Aust to Gary Dowling and partners the NZ Kindergarten Stakes winner only posted one win in Australia (1.59.1 Newcastle) but an adverse Veterinary report led to his export to the USA, where surgeons soon repaired his defective larynx and after qualifying easily won his only two appearances at Yonkers Raceway, NY, recording a respectable 1.57.1 at both wins conducted in bleak winter conditions.
Flak Jacket now looks to repeat the success his former stablemate `Smokey Lonesome NZ` has had since being dispatched to new York by Herbert Bloodstock Aust.
The latest horse sold to the USA by Herbert Bloodstock (Australia) caused quite a stir as this article shows, click here to read the article.
November 2007
Heading to NSW via Victoria is this magnificent Mach Three 2yo purchased by Denis, Jan and Joel Pengilly. Cruised a half in a minute and I predict he will make a top liner in time.
 Mach Three 2yo purchased by Denis, Jan and Joel Pengilly
Mach Three has been a great success at stud and his stock are held in high regard in NZ and the USA.
If you want a going Mach Three call me as I have a couple more on the market soon.
October 2007
With the EI shutdown, there is no news re NSW however in Victoria Anthony Crossland`s `Heez Running Holme` has captured the Wangaratta Cup in fine style, reeling off a 56.9 last half after leading throughout.
Purchased from Bruce Negus in 2001 the Island Glow gelding took his record to 12 wins and 18 placings with earnings now over $88,000.
Over in NZ, Herbert Bloodstock`s best find Sly Flyin ran a gallant 2nd placing after coming off the 20m mark with the leaders closing in 56.2.
Sly Flyin was shooting for his 5th straight success and looks sure to add to his already impressive tally of $864,123 at the upcoming NZ Cup carnival.
In the USA, Veterinary surgeons have successfully removed an obstruction in Flak Jacket`s throat area with laser treatment and are hopeful the former star kiwi 2yo will return to his best form once again.
His former stablemate, Smokey Lonesome has been in stunning form and has won 4 of his 5 starts in North America including a 1.52.8 performance last month.
Life Story, winner of 4 of his last 5 appearances from my stable, will join Smokey Lonesome
in the USA as soon as travel restrictions are eased.
My other stable stars, Franco Tinman and Franco Nester will resume work in 4 weeks with the NZ Messenger Stakes and the Taylor Mile, both run in Auckland in Autumn, both being considered as targets.
Franco Extreme, winner of 6 of this 12 lifetime appearances, was making good progress before the EI virus halted his comeback but like his stablemates he will return in a month to prepare for another campaign. The Badlands Hanover/Emerald Franco 7yo is one of the best horses I have trained but has a very dodgy joint and does not seem to stand up too long.
I also have a Mach 3 2yo from Lady Butler that has high speed and is my stable hope for the juvenile events next year.
I am trailing several well bred babies in the next few weeks in Christchurch as I await our return to training here in NSW and invite inquiries from interested party`s.
I can be contacted in both countries on 0418 665 124 or martinherbert@hotmail.com
August 2007
No luck in the Qld campaign for Franco Nester and Franco Tinman, my stable stars are spelling but due to resume this week.
Recent winners have been Rick T for Bankstown trainer Ernie Errichillo, Heez Running Home at Shepparton for Anthony Crossland (1.58.1 MR for 2100m),Thunderbolt Cruiser for Ali Khouiss at Bankstown in a last to first effort, Franco Torro at Harold Park for the same trainer, and a quinella at Bankstown Saturday night with King Courage leading throughout and flogging a strong field for trainer/driver Ashley Seijka with Franco Targa running on well at his first Australian start for 2nd.
Smart buyers should check the For Sale page and take a look at the `In The Pocket` yearling I trialled last Friday in Christchurch. A potential Group horse, this stocky built colt cruised a mile in 2.16, last half in 1.04, 400 in 29.04 and hit the line like a good horse.
I have 3 rising 2yo`s already in my stable so I dont need another or I would have bought him myself. Call me direct on 0418665124 or evenings on (02) 9708 1476 if interested.
June 2007
There`s been a few winners lately so why dont I mention just a handfull. Holmes
JB at HP and Bulli, Miami Bravo HP, Smokey Lonesome, Hees Running Home in Tas, Sly Flyin (again) in NZ, Life Story a Newcastle treble. Our Winsome Hanover kept up the good work winning again and in Queensland, Franco Torro showed Group One material when a close up 5th after a torrid run in the Kevin Seymour Pace for colts and geldings.
The Franco pair of Nester and Tinman performed superbly over the Derby week, and will be hard to beat in any upcoming assignment.
Tainui`s filly daughter`s of The Darl and Wandin North both have their share of ability and look like winning soon.
May 2007
Herbert Bloodstock (Aust) kept the winners coming with champ Sly Flyin scoring again in NZ, Franco Tinman capturing a heat of the NSW Derby, Miami Bravo winning on debut for Dick and Jenny Caine, and Delma Courage downing top 3yo Dance Of Life at Newcastle.
Other Herbert Bloodstock horses that placed in the last few weeks were King Courage, Laughing Franco, Smokey Lonesome, Drummossie and Step Right (USA).
Martin has for sale a highly promising 3yo by Presidential Ball, a last start winner by 4 lengths at Christchurch, also a very well bred Falcon Seelster 2yo that trialed his last half in 58 seconds.
They wont last long so call me soon for more info on 0418 665 124. Shown below are a couple of International visitors to Australian shores, that were hosted by Martin Herbert of Herbert Bloodstock (Aust).
 Bob McArdle the Nevele R principal with Martin Herbert
 Martin Herbert with visiting Florida, USA trainer Gary Lewis
Herbert Bloodstock have had a plethora of winners over the last couple of weeks. Some of them include Scruncher Nz, who debuted with an all the way win at Cranbourne 18/4/07, a most promising 2yo. Drummossie Nz, another winner recently at Bankstown plus Franco Tinman Nz, Franco Nester Nz, (Bathurst Gold Chalice winner) Franco Enrico Nz, Franco Regent Nz, ($90,488) Life Story Nz, Smokey Lonesome Nz, Heez Running Home Nz and my best buy Sly Flyin Nz.
 Sly Flyin 61 Starts, 25 Wins, 7 Seconds, 6 Thirds
Prizemoney $824,721.00 as at 19/04/07
All these horses have won in the last few weeks and it is fair to say that our bloodstock agency is now head and shoulders above any other when it comes to sourcing handy horses in New Zealand and landing them sound in Australia.
Martin Herbert the principle administrator of Herbert Bloodstock is personally trialling several well bred horses in Christchurch, NZ on the 29th and 30th of April. Enquiries welcome 0418665124 or 02 97081476 evenings.
 Dewey Balfa after a crushing win at Bankstown, look for many more fine performances from this nice type.
 Voyagair after winning 2 for 2 at Harold Park, this bargain basement priced horse is going places.
Last weeks winners.... Alice Street (Harold Park) Our Winsome Hanover!!!!(HP) Dewey Belfa !!!!(Tas) Franco Enrico(Tas).. and a placing from Franco Tinman (Bankstown)
 Franco Nester after winning at bathurst last weekend, surrounded by happy connections.
Last weeks winners.... Alice Street (Harold Park) Our Winsome Hanover!!!!(HP) Dewey Belfa !!!!(Tas) Franco Enrico(Tas).. and a placing from Franco Tinman (Bankstown)
Martin Herbert was responsible for discovering Sly Flyin, the horse will be contesting the $500,000 SEW-Eurodrive Miracle Mile.
Sly Flyin 58 Starts, 22 Wins, 7 Seconds, 6 Thirds
Prizemoney $659,851.00 as at 23/11/06
Martin Herbert recently returned from the USA where he spent a week networking amongst the Worlds leading horse owners, trainers and stock agents. Below is a photograph of Martin and NZ trainer and bloodstock agent Wayne Ross, as they check out the sights at Harrisburg, PA.
In this photograph Martin Herbert is shown with leading Canadian trainer Darren McCall at the recent Harrisburg, PA yearling sales.
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