Dream result for Lawson
Waikato Stud team member Simon Lawson accomplished a remarkable result on day two of selling at the 2025 Karaka National Yearling Sale, turning the first foal out of $500 bargain buy mare Serenella (Jimmy Choux) into a stunning $300,000 sales ring result, writes Tayla Dyke.
The former Group 1-winning harness racing driver switched industries just five years ago, and having begun working at Waikato Stud, purchased a share in young resident sire Noverre (Snitzel) before setting out on a search to secure a mare to send to the first-season sire.
Lawson purchased the unraced Serenella, who herself is a three-quarter sister to three-time Group 1-winner The Bostonian, for $500 via Gavelhouse.com.
“I own a share in Noverre and I was looking for a mare that was suitable for him. I loved her grandmother, Keepa Cheval, who is the mother of The Bostonian, we had her at the farm there for a while,” said Lawson.
“She came up online and she had a few injuries, she had broken her wither and her knee, and that is probably why she was so cheap.”
Offered by Waikato Stud, the colt was purchased by Wexford Stables and Lawson was understandably delighted by the outcome.
“I loved the mare, I loved the stallion too and they produced a lovely colt. For him to make $300,000 and to go to Wexford is a dream come true,” Lawson said.
“There were a lot of good stables on him. He was going to find a nice home, but I am stoked he is going to Wexford.
“To get a result like that, the whole team are just so stoked and have worked so hard for me with my horse, it is just brilliant.”
Lawson said he is now fully immersed in the thoroughbred breeding world, and is committed to the industry and Waikato Stud for the long haul.
“I have been there [Waikato Stud] five years now and I will be there forever, it is just a great joint. Mark, Garry, Pip and Mary [Chittick] have looked after me so well,” he said.
“I have two mares of my own now and myself and our vet Matt [MacKee] have one together as well.
“I have got a full-brother to this guy to sell next year, and potentially another colt, so I am looking forward to that.”