Vinery Stud has announced its first stallion acquisition in three years, striking a deal to stand I Am Invincible's hulking son Hawaii Five Oh.
The dual Group 3 winner and Stradbroke Handicap placegetter will stand the coming season at the famed Hunter Valley Stud at a fee of $16,500 (in GST).
The decision was made to look for a home after racing for Hawaii Five Oh following his first-up second-last placing in the Group 3 Star Kingdom Stakes at Rosehill on March 30 and Vinery general manager Peter Orton said he has several attributes that will appeal to breeders.
"Hawaii Five Oh is a spectacular-looking horse, he is a good size, well-balanced and has perfect confirmation," Orton said.
"Pedigree depth is so important to us and is what constantly strive for in our standing stallions. Hawaii Five Oh has the looks, the pedigree and showed he was a superior athlete."
By the Australian Champion Stallion of the past two seasons, who is hurtling towards a third title this year, Hawaii Five Oh is out of the Group 1 Coolmore Classic winner Aloha, a daughter of Encosta De Lago.
That makes him a brother to former glamour filly Libertini.
Hawaii Five Oh started his racing career with Michael Freedman, winning on debut and placing in the Listed Heritage Stakes (1100m), before joining Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott.
There he became one of the most exciting horses in the country, winning the Group 3 Hawkesbury Guineas (1400m) and Group 3 Fred Best Classic (1400m) the two starts before his third placing in last year's Stradbroke, which was won by Think About It.
His best performance since was a head second in the Group 2 Premiere Stakes (1100m), also behind Think About, who won the $20 million The Everest at his subsequent start.
"I truly believe we did not see the best from him," Bott said.
"However, in his short career, he was able to showcase some exceptional talent. He was explosive when breaking through at stakes level with a brilliant Group 3 victory.
"In an Everest Campaign, he ran the eventual winner to a nose at Group 2 level prior, before performing creditably in the big event itself, starting well in market.
"He is an exciting prospect that I'm sure will be well received."
