8 December 2017

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One mare is all it took for the Hunter based couple, Darren and Nicole Elder to establish themselves with a breeding line that has given them much success over the past 25 years. NICKALONG SOUNDS a $300 purchase back in the early 1990’s is where it all began. A consistent performer herself winning 15 races in the mid to late 1990’s, the mare then went on to be a wonderful broodmare to the family. Of the seven foals she produced six have been winners. Four of those winning in excess of $50,000.

 

The most successful daughter of NICKALONG SOUNDS was JUSLIKA a very well performed mare with earning in excess of $80,000. This mare since transitioning to the Elder breeding program has produced three foals and all have earned in excess of $30,000 each. The first filly was SHEZLIKA, a winner of 5 races from thirteen starts. One of those wins was the 2012 NSW Breeders Challenge Regional Final at Newcastle.

 

With the introduction of the Kevin & Kay Seymour Evolution Series this season the Elder’s have targeted their 3YO team towards the series and the filly out of SHEZLIKA by WESTERN TERROR aptly named SHEZLIKATERROR is heading towards one of the upcoming heats. This filly from seven starts has already recorded three placings and Darren and Nicole are looking forward to her being able to race her own sex in a $10,000 heat. Another of Darren & Nicole’s mares who won in excess of $90,000 is PAGAN LOVE and her first foal ASHARK has already had success winning two of his eight starts he too is headed to a Series Heat.

 

In order to give their mares and foals every opportunity Nicole looks after the breeding side of their business on one of their farms and on average they breed approximately five mares per year. Darren, Brad and Melanie concentrate on the training and driving side of the business at their training facility. This Saturday night they have smart pacer Bright Energy set to contest the $20,000 Kevin & Kay Seymour Evolution Series Final at Club Menangle, the 3YO is trained by Darren will be driven by his son Brad and was bred by his brother Michael in partnership with long time harness racing participant Rob Cassar. Once again one of the families race mares producing a talented foal.

 

Harness Racing has always had its base in strong family connections and the Elder family continues to breed success from that first $300 purchase!