Prominent couple celebrate milestone
PROMINENT breeders Marie and Peter Neil celebrated a milestone earlier this week.
Operating under Rayngold, the New South Wales-based Neils began their venture in breeding after purchasing a pair of fillies in a Sydney Yearling Sale in 1992.
From “that inauspicious start” the Neils have increased their involvement to “quite a few broodmares”, which spend their time at the couple’s breeding establishment, Shannon Springs.
Rayngold’s operation also includes a training facility – Shannon Lodge – which encompasses full-time staff and “lots of farming equipment”.
“It’s been 30 years since we bought two fillies at the ‘92 Inglis yearly sales in Sydney,” Peter said. “That’s when Rayngold was born.
“From that inauspicious start Rayngold has grown in terms of horse numbers and dollars invested to a large private commercial enterprise incorporating a broodmare farm and a training facility.
“Between the two properties we have a lot of horses, staff and equipment.”
Having bred more than 250 foals, with a winning strike rate of 70 per cent, the Neils have owned several highly-successful dams, including Universal Treat and Cordon Franco.
Crowned New South Wales Broodmare of the Year in 2007 thanks to five of her progeny winning that season, Universal Treat’s descendents have won 79 races and more than $350,000 in stakes.
Fairfield Horse of the year in 1994, Cordon Franco’s line has secured more than 170 races and $856,965 in prizemoney.
“We’ve had some wonderful foundation mares, which is important for any breeding operation,” Peter said.
“Progeny from our top 20 broodmares have been winners of 914 races with earnings of $5,050,236.”
Along with their band of matrons, the Neils have stood three stallions, with Million Dollar Cam – a quadruple New South Wales Sire of the Year – the most successful.
From 311 Australian foals, Million Dollar Cam has produced 109 winners with average earnings of $32,596.
“We also stood Ball And Chain, which had 148 foals for 32 per cent starters and 18 per cent winners, as well as John Shannon, which had 11 foals for five winners,” Peter said.
As for their latest milestone, the Neils registered their 1500th win when Hard Rock Shannon scored in Yarra Glen on Monday.
“We celebrated 1500 lifetime wins this week,” Peter said. “That includes wins from horses both purchased and bred.
“There have been a lot of good types during that time, including two World Champions in Oneinamillion and Roman Gladiator.
“We’ve been fortunate to win some big races such as three Derbys, a Sires’ Stake Final and a host of Cups, Championships and Finals.”
Referring to their time as “an enjoyable and rewarding experience”, Peter closed off the interview by noting the $5million in earnings his team have banked.
“Over the years we have met some wonderful people,” Peter said. “It has been an enjoyable and rewarding experience and we can confirm the adage: “You can make $5million out of harness racing but you need to start with $10million!”
- Harness Breeders NSW