Macca Lodge Venture North for National Weanling Sale

Southern breeding powerhouse Macca Lodge will make their presence known at Karaka this year as they venture north to the 2023 National Weanling Sale for the first time.

Brent and Sheree McIntyre have been operating Macca Lodge at Wedonside, just a few miles from Riverdale, since 2008.

With 14 weanlings to offer at this year’s quality weanling sale, we caught up with Brent and Sheree McIntyre about their draft and their breeding journey in the South Island.

Brent and Sheree McIntyre transformed a 240-hectare sheep and cattle farm into Macca Lodge in the mid-1990s. Former sheep farmers at Tussock Creek near Invercargill, the McIntyres have relished their move into the stud business.

Like his grandfather and father before him, Brent McIntrye trained horses on the farm and had success with mares Just Jazzan (six wins), her daughter Bonnie Lass (10 wins) and Jamie (seven wins). The latter two still playing a part in the quality broodmare band at Macca Lodge.

 

The family operation looks to continue well into the future too, with son Caine McIntyre joining his parents in partnership in 2013.

Brent’s experience and knowledge in all aspects of breeding and husbandry was pivotal in creating a well-established and professional operation that is Macca Lodge.

Made up of 600 acres of highly fertile Southland pasture, an optimum environment for weanlings to grow out, with custom fencing, laneways, yards and stables ideal for sales preparation.

 

New Zealand Bloodstock’s Director of Operations James Jennings who recently visited the farm confirmed the professionalism of their operation.

“The whole Macca Lodge property and how they raise their stock is a credit to them. It really is beautiful there.”

“We are elated to have them join us at Karaka for the Sale in the coming weeks,” commented Jennings.

 

While Macca Lodge had previously been selling their weanling stock on Gavelhouse.com, with their improvement across their draft both by pedigree’s and type, they have decided to head north to offer their draft to a wider buying bench.

 

“We’ve watched the market grow in recent years for decent horses and even with the strength of the middle market, it will be worth the journey north if they have the best opportunity to be sold to the right people,” commented McIntyre.

“The sires we selected are the popular and well-performing stallions at present such as Downbytheseaside, Raging Bull plus first season sire Bettor’s Wish.”

“It’s also a good chance for us to promote the sires we stand with some of the progeny of Fear the Dragon and En Solitaire represented in our draft.” 

“We probably should’ve kept some of these weanlings to take through to the yearling sale, but we wanted to offer the best of what we had for the weanling sale.”

 

When asked regarding any highlights of their draft, McIntrye commented on a few standouts.

“Lot 53 a colt by Fear the Dragon is an absolute standout right now, a cracking sort. His dam hails from the Group winning lines I’m Full of Excuses, Happy Hazel and Imagine That.”

“Lot 108 is another favourite of ours, and Lot 17 has had some recent updates being closely related to rising star B D Joe,” said McIntyre.

 

NZB Standardbred Manager Cam Bray is complimentary of Macca Lodge for their venture into a new market.

“I congratulate them for stepping into the weanling market, with more end users sourcing stock from this sale it is a great opportunity for buyers to access quality bloodlines and types.”

“Having recently visited their farm and inspected the draft, there are some very nice, strong types among them.”

“The McIntyres are incredibly positive and big supporters of the industry. We look forward to welcoming them to Karaka and selling on their behalf,” commented Bray.

View Macca Lodge’s draft and the full catalogue for the 2023 National Weanling Sale on www.nzbstandardbred.co.nz. Selling commences at 12pm (NZT) on Thursday 25 May at the Karaka Sales Centre.

All weanlings purchased at the Sale are eligible to be entered for NZB Standardbred’s lucrative Harness Million Sales Race Series. The Series consists of principal two-year-old and three-year-old races for colts and geldings, fillies, and trotters individually, where NZB Standardbred graduates can contest for their share in a one-million-dollar prize pool.

For more information about the Sale co­ntact NZB Standardbred Manager Cam Bray by calling +64 21 737 199 or email [email protected]