Across the Tasman, we saw super-sire I am Invincible’s progeny once again become sale-toppers at the NZB Ready to Run sale at Karaka—so what is the scope of his influence within the Australian breeding scene?
From his humble beginnings at a modest service fee to establishing himself as a dominant force in the industry, Vinnie’s influence has not only elevated the standards of thoroughbred racing but also reshaped the breeding landscape.
Although this may not be exactly a ‘rags to riches’ story, the stallion, who is fondly known throughout racing circles as “Vinnie”, his breeding career has had a remarkable trajectory. Retiring to stud in 2010 at a fee of $11,000 (inc GST) as a Group 3-winning sprinter and Group 1-runner-up, many underestimated what he may become as a sire, but it wasn’t long before Vinnie claimed first-season sire honours in 2013-14, with his service fee quickly rising to a 2022 equal-high figure of $247,500.
Last season, Vinnie’s dominance continued as he joined another elite sire in Snitzel; he extended his Australian Champion Sire award to make it 3 winning seasons in a row, breaking the Australian Prizemoney record with his progeny accruing over $32 million in prize money in a single season, with his progeny running at nearly 80 percent winners to runners and 9.5 percent stakes winners to runners.
Vinnies ability to sire athletic, sound, and versatile horses has put him on the map. With trainers having success with his two-year-old progeny, who seem to get better as they get older. But his influence extends beyond his own progeny’s abilities on the track, with a large band of his sons now standing at stud led by Group 1 producing sires Hellbent, Brazen Beau, Santos, and Overshare being joined by the newly retired King’s Gambit, while his Champion son Home Affairs will have his first yearlings offered at sales in 2025.
Now rising 20-years-old, the super-sire is already dominating this season, siring 16 stakes winners already, including Estriella, I Am Me, and Tiz Invincible, alongside the recently retired King’s Gambit.
As his progeny continues to excel on the racetrack and a new generation of sons begins to carry forward his genetic legacy, it is clear that I Am Invincible will remain a cornerstone of Australian racing for years to come, proving that true greatness often transcends initial expectations.
