D'Argento remains at $16,500 after promising start

Written by Keely Mckitterick

Cover image courtesy of Bowness Stud

The Young-based Bowness Stud has announced its exciting stallion, D’Argento, will remain at $16,500 (inc GST) for the upcoming spring.

D’Argento, a Group 1-winning son of So You Think (NZ), has made an encouraging start to his stud career with his first runners this season. From seven runners, D’Argento has sired two winners, Rag Queen and Silva ‘N’ Suave, both of whom are stakes performers. Rag Queen finished third in the R. Listed Inglis Millennium, while Silva ‘N’ Suave was second in the G3 Ken Russell Memorial Classic after winning on debut by 3 lengths.

Silva ‘N’ Suave holds nominations for both the G2 Sires’ Produce S. and the G1 JJ Atkins S. in the coming weeks. He and Rag Queen are joined by the progressive Due Calzini, who from three starts has been placed twice, alongside a host of unraced stock.

The early results indicate a big future for the handsome grey stallion, who was an unbeaten 2-year-old but found his rhythm as a 3-year-old, winning the G1 Rosehill Guineas and placing third in the G1 Winx S. behind the legendary mare Winx (Street Cry {Ire}), before finishing second in the G1 Epsom H. to the classy Hartnell (GB) (Authorized {Ire}).

Understandably, Bowness Stud’s co-owner James Daly has been thrilled with the early results, “For the runners D’Argento has had he’s really performed well. Having 2-year-olds was something that seemed a big ask for him given the style of horse that he was and what he’s producing.

“But in saying that D’Argento was an unbeaten juvenile, and his progeny are such easy horses to train. We’re very happy to have his progeny stepping out early and they’re doing everything the trainers are asking.

Daly expects more is on the horizon for the progeny of D’Argento as they head into their late 2-year-old seasons and turn three in August, “There’s still plenty of them unraced but are ticking all the boxes but their trainers are just giving them the time they need.”

Daly pleased with sale results

The progeny of D’Argento continues to be well-received with an average of $77,235 and a median of $50,000. He also achieved a career high of $300,000 eclipsing his previous record of $230,000 for a colt sold at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.

“We are very pleased with the way they sold this year and we’re very happy for the support. I think it’s just a testament to the style of horse that he’s producing and they’re very consistent types.”

Daly under the Bowness Stud banner will head to the Gold Coast for the Magic Millions Gold Coast National Yearling Sale with a draft of 20, including 11 by D’Argento.

Among them is Lot 1222, a colt from the four-time winner Babelicious, a daughter of Not A Single Doubt, who is a full sister to the Listed Merson Cooper S. winner Jackson, who was also placed in the Listed Talindert S. and fourth in the G2 Sires’ Produce S.

Lot 1227 is from the Pentire Celebre (USA) mare Beautiful Gem, a nine-time winner, including of the G2 Sunline S. The grey colt is a half-brother to the G3 Eskimo Prince S. victor Gem Song (Your Song), who was also fourth in the G1 Epsom H. and the G1 Doomben Cup. Additionally, Lot 1227 is also a half-brother to The Omega Man (Northern Meteor), who claimed the Listed Perak T Charity Cup and won seven races.

Bowness Stud will also present Lot 1313, who is from the Bon Hoffa mare Gold Hoffa, she won four races and is a full sister to the G1 Sir Rupert Clarke S. winner Bon Aurum.

“We’ve got a nice draft going up to the Gold Coast. These are D’Argento’s last yearlings for the season and there’ll certainly be some opportunities there as there’s some very nice horses.”