Bel Esprit 24/9/09

Stallion Bel Esprit’s a Legend with the Fillies
Macedon Ranges Leader
16 Sep 09 @ 08:00am by Barry Kennedy

Lay one on me baby! Champion stud Bel Esprit shows his best features at Eliza Park stud in Kerrie near Romsey. Picture: DENNIS MANKTELOW

IF Errol Flynn had been reincarnated as a horse, he might have been Bel Esprit.
Like the Hollywood showman, Bel Esprit, a resident stallion at Eliza Park in Kerrie near Romsey, is legendary with the ladies.
A former front runner on the track, well-connected but from humble beginnings and a strongman with impressive stamina, the 10-year-old horse is in his prime in spring.
In 2007 as the thoroughbred industry was in lockdown with equine influenza, Bel Esprit was busy servicing 266 mares - an Australian record and possible world record for a season’s work in the stud, which has 10 prized stallions.
This year with several of his offspring such as Black Caviar making names for themselves on the track, Bel Esprit is again in demand.
Reigning Victorian sire champion, Bel Esprit is ranked eighth in the country.
Offspring of the champion have won close to $500,000, with 21 wins this season to September 9.
Eliza Park marketing manager Greg Tobin said the regular wins by sires of Bel Esprit were keeping the mares coming through the stable door, paying $15,500 for the privilege.
Fortunately the stallion rises to the challenge.
“Some would say it’s too punishing, but he is like an 18-year-old in a nightclub,” Mr Tobin said.
“Every horse has its idiosyncrasies - Esprit has an unrivalled libido.”
Meticulous preparations are made with every mare, while Bel Esprit’s condition is monitored throughout the spring.
Joint owner and former Essendon footballer Brian Donahoe said watching big wins by Bel Esprit alongside fellow owner Kevin Sheedy was one of his life highlights.
Bel Esprit was bought for $9000 at the 2001 Sydney Classic Yearling Sale.