Twin Hills Stud near Cootamundra stands three well-credentialed stallions for the 2026 season. Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Daumier, by Epaulette, heads the roster at $16,500. The perennial producer Smart Missile, by Fastnet Rock, is available at $13,200. Peltzer, the fast son of So You Think, completes the line-up at $11,000. All fees include GST.
The Tait family’s association with thoroughbred breeding stretches back to the 1920s. Olly Tait’s great-grandfather Oliver Osborne acquired the foundation mare Theophane, from whom a century of high-class performers in the family’s red-and-white colours have descended, including Doomben 10,000 winner In Love and Oaks heroine Wild Iris. Grandparents Griff and Daisy Tait purchased the Star Kingdom mare Dark Jewel, dam of Thousand Guineas winner Heirloom and Golden Slipper winner Baguette. The family was inducted into the Australian Racing Hall of Fame in 2014.
Twin Hills itself has a distinguished ownership history. Established by American breeder Ferd Calvin, it was developed by media identity Mike Willesee into Trans Media Park Stud, home to influential stallions Rubiton and Snippets. In 1993 it became part of the Ingham brothers’ Woodlands empire, housing mares and stallions such as Quest For Fame, Strategic and Domesday. Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley acquired the property in 2008 as part of the Woodlands purchase.
In 2017 Olly and Amber Tait bought Twin Hills from Darley and returned from the United Kingdom to operate it, bringing Olly’s extensive international experience as former Darley chief operating officer.
The current roster reflects both commercial realism and racing quality. Smart Missile continues to deliver at the highest level. His $4.5 million earner Briasa captured the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes and contested The Everest, while Aviatress has chased Group 1 glory. The stallion’s long record of winners and stakes performers at a modest fee makes him a low-risk, high-reward option.
Daumier’s first yearlings sold strongly, averaging well into six figures at major sales and achieving a top price of $200,000, confirming commercial appeal. Peltzer has already produced 14 winners from limited numbers, including stakes performers Buccleuch and Thanks Gorgeous. As a son of the late So You Think he offers a rare and valuable bloodline at an accessible price.
Twin Hills’ state-of-the-art facilities on 2,500 acres of prime Cootamundra country provide ideal conditions for mares, foals and yearlings. The farm’s location in proven horse country that has produced numerous champions adds further appeal.
With the breeding season commencing on 1 September, only a month away, breeders should move decisively. Twin Hills Stud near Cootamundra combines Hall of Fame family heritage, world-class facilities and three stallions offering genuine value and proven or emerging ability. Securing a nomination now ensures access to this outstanding regional nursery before books close.
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