On Sunday 19th December 2004, we welcomed a number of trainers, clients and other associates for a presentation of the five Honours List (IRE) yearlings that Couzinz is preparing on behalf of Bill Duncan Bloodstock Pty Ltd for the 2005 Conrad Jupiters Magic Millions Sale at the Gold Coast.

In his welcoming address Cameron Osborne said that whilst the function and the yearling parade were important steps along the way to a successful outcome to the sale, it was also a great opportunity for us to invite those in attendance to review the progress that had been achieved in establishing our breeding and accommodation complex. He said that the yearlings on parade will prove that Bill Duncan has shown great foresight in acquiring an interest in Honours List as a stallion and his progeny are so much like himself- a true athlete. However, each of the yearlings was also an individual and had inherited the quality genes belonging to the mare.

Bill Duncan gave an overview of Honours List and said the stallion was acquired by Australian interests in March 2002 to stand at Baerami stud in the Hunter Valley for the 2002 breeding season. He is represented by his first crop of yearlings at the 2005 Magic Millions Yearling Sale.

As the most precocious son of Danehill he had four European starts as a 2 year old, winning his Maiden in Ireland over 7 furlongs by 7 lengths. At his next start, he won the Railway Stakes 6 furlongs (Gr.3.) by 2 lengths when ridden by Damien Oliver who in describing the horse said "physically, he was the perfect 2 year old". He went on and contested two Group 1 events in France with a 2nd and 3rd placing on unsuitable heavy tracks.

The horse is impeccably bred by Danehill from an outstanding female family and as a yearling was purchased by Demi O'Byrne for FF$3 million. His trainer stated, " he was a strong, attractive horse who matured early and had lots of speed. He was a very good 2 year old and had he not been injured he would have been a very exciting 3 year old".

The stallion has produced quality Danehill type foals with plenty of muscle and athleticism. Today's yearlings are outstanding representatives of the first crop of Honours List.

The yearlings were paraded in catalogue order as follows:

Lot 856 Brown Colt from Wham Bam
Lot 870 Brown Filly from Zirascible
Lot 880 Bay/Brown Colt from All Wild
Lot 891 Bay/Brown Filly from Autumn Day
Lot 1015 Brown Colt from Grand Scenic

For more information on these yearlings including pictures and pedigree details click here.

The Couzinz Team		Ian Crompton, Wayne Crompton & Michael Nolan
Jason Sharp, Dianne Darwon & John Rounsefell		Bill Duncan, Rex Lipp, Michael Lakey & Greg Bourke

At the conclusion of the parade, Cameron Osborne said that the key to the successful preparation of the Honours List yearlings to this stage some three weeks out from the Magic Millions Sales was Ian Crompton, the foundation Manager of Couzinz and that the attention to detail of all aspects regarding the presentation of these young horses today and their healthy appearance was a credit to Ian and his staff.

Cameron said that Ian's name is synonymous with thoroughbred breeding and care on the Darling Downs and his involvement with successful yearling preparation goes right back to the Gold Nugget Sales in the 1970's when he personally supervised the preparation of a draft of sixteen Claudius (IRE) yearlings for Wattle Brae Stud.

In closing, Cameron reminded our guests that at Couzinz our prime objective is to ensure that thoroughbreds entrusted to us by private clients receive the same expert care as resident stock. We have established commitments regarding quality care and the development of an infrastructure that provides first class accommodation services. He invited everyone present the continue to visit this website and follow the changing face of Couzinz as work continues on the process of producing an environment of equine excellence.