Darley stallions and Telemon Thoroughbreds have announced Champion First-Season Sire 2018/19, Sidestep, will continue to stand in Queensland.
Telemon’s Dan Fletcher explained, “When Darley originally allowed us to offer the horse the formalities of that arrangement extended to two seasons. With the Magic Millions QTIS Sale just around the corner and the Queensland breeding community set to come together, the market has been seeking some clarity as to the future plans for Sidestep. We are absolutely thrilled we’re able to continue to stand Sidestep.”
Sidestep covered 112 mares in 2019 including a large contingent of the elite Godolphin broodmare band.
The Champion Two-Year-Old Colt of his year and first colt home when second in the G1 Golden Slipper, Sidestep is a multiple G2-winning son of the incomparable Exceed And Excel.
Exceed And Excel remains a global phenomenon and his influence has arguably never been greater. He is the sire of three G1-winning colts from last season.
“We think it’s a pretty special time for this sire line,” explained Fletcher. “Sidestep went to stud as Exceed And Excel’s only Champion Two-Year-Old Colt and has emulated his great sire in achieving Champion First-Season Sire status. He’s a horse that’s had to ‘build his own house’ insofar as he’s started at a modest fee with lesser opportunity. From that base, he’s thrown five first-crop stakes horses already across both Hemispheres and Kiamichi’s Slipper win cements Sidestep as an exciting son of Exceed And Excel. We’re so privileged to stand him.”
Alastair Pulford, Head of Sales at Darley stallions said, “Sidestep has had excellent support from Queensland breeders, particularly last season and we are delighted to continue our association with Telemon this season.”
Telemon’s Dan Fletcher expressed no decision had been made in relation to Sidestep’s 2020 fee.
“We’ll talk that over when the time comes. The main thing is to be able to go to Magic Millions QTIS Sale and speak to breeders and buyers about the horse and give them confidence that they can get behind him.”
