American Ideal, who stands at Blue Chip Farms in New York, will slightly alter his flight plans for the upcoming 2019-20 southern hemisphere breeding season.

In previous down under seasons he stood at Woodlands Stud in New Zealand; but this year, in an agreement between Woodlands and Dr. Kath McIntosh’s Northern Rivers Equine at Kyabram, he will stand in Australia at Northern River’s facility in Victoria’s Goulburn Valley.

The American Ideal Syndicate fully supports the move, as the stallion’s popularity in Australia continues to soar ever higher thanks to his ranking as a leading pacing sire in that country.

Dr. Andrew Grierson, principal of Woodlands Stud, noted that sending the stallion to Australia was an easy decision. “He continues to sire racehorses and sell yearlings at the very highest level, and thanks to his great success, there is a tremendous demand for bookings from Australian breeders,” he said.

“We’re delighted to work alongside one of Victoria’s most progressive vets in Dr. Kath McIntosh and her staff. In a results-driven business, Northern Rivers Equine is a Standardbred leader in Victoria. We look forward to a successful and long-term relationship.”

For the 2019-20 season American Ideal’s service fee in Australia will be $11,000 GST inc. and in New Zealand $10,000 + GST. Normal discounts will apply and semen will be available to New Zealand breeders.

American Ideal, whose book has been full and closed early in past down under seasons, already has a significant number of early bookings lined up.