Grunt
O’Reilly (NZ) x Ruqqaya (NZ), by Van Nistelrooy (USA)
2014
16.2hh
Standing at Yulong Stud, VIC
FEE: $16,500
GST inclusive
FOUNDATION SIRE AND GR.1 PRODUCER GRUNT
Approaching his eighth season on roster, foundation sire Grunt continues to prove a loyal servant to Australian breeders, providing a consistent source of tough, attractive and progressive winners across the country.
Grunt’s first-crop son Veight burst onto the scene with a six-length maiden win at two, before dominant success in the Gr.2 Sires’ Produce S. at Flemington one month later. Trained by Tony and Calvin McEvoy, Veight was one of the best three-year-olds of his generation, winning the Gr.1 WFA George Ryder S. at Rosehill following placings in the Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas and Gr.1 Australian Guineas.
Grunt’s second crop included another smart Stakes winner in Yulong homebred Pocketing. Out of the High Chaparral mare Pickpocket, Pocketing progressed through this three-year-old season to take a hard knocking win in the 2025 Gr.2 Tulloch Stakes at Rosehill.
Another star emerged from Grunt’s third crop, with the Thomas Carberry-trained Strictly Business an emphatic winner of the Gr.1 VRC Oaks following her second-place finish in the Gr.2 Wakeful Stakes just under a week earlier.
With smart wins and placings from Miraval Rose and Manolo Bling, plus his emerging presence in Hong Kong through runners Hong Lok Golf and Never Peter Out, there is plenty of excitement around this young stallion as crops emerge from Yulong’s elite mares.
Purchased from the 2016 New Zealand Bloodstock National Yearling Sale for NZ$220,000 by Cameron Cooke Bloodstock and trainer Mick Price, Grunt himself made a quick impression on the track.
Having only the one two-year-old outing, placing third to eventual Gr.1 winner Aloisia, Grunt broke his maiden impressively at the beginning of his second campaign when starting a four-race winning streak. Showing his talent, his third victory was in the Gr.3 C S Hayes Stakes, defeating Cliff’s Edge and Embellish.
This campaign culminated with a tenacious victory in the Gr.1 Australian Guineas, in only his fifth career start.
Grunt returned as a four-year-old to impressively win the Gr.1 Makybe Diva in 2018 by two lengths at Flemington, beating eight Gr.1 winners in the process, and retired with a Timeform rating of 123 as a four-year-old, ranking him as elite among his generation.
“An outstanding individual and brilliant 1600m horse. Grunt had an excellent temperament and I think he will make a great stallion,” said Mick Price.
Grunt’s first crop of yearlings were presented at the 2022 yearling sale and were immediately popular. At the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale they totalled an impressive $1,480,500. Five of the 15 offered made six figures and sold to leading trainers such as Ciaron Maher & David Eustace, Graeme Begg, Freedman Racing, Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott and Danny O’Brien Racing. It was a similar story the following year, with his second crop selling up to $340,000 across Australia’s premier yearling sales.
As Yulong’s foundation sire, Grunt offers Australian breeders a valuable proven outcross to Danehill-line mares, capable of producing an attractive sales type alongside a tough and progressive racing prospect.
Performance
Facts
- Dual Gr.1-winning miler by Champion stallion O’Reilly (NZ).
- Winner of the Gr.1 Australian Guineas at three, then took out the Gr.1 Makybe Diva Stakes at four, like turf legends Zabeel (NZ) and Mahogany.
- Retired with a Timeform rating of 123 as a four-year-old, ranking him as elite among his generation.
- Yearlings have sold up to $350,000 at auction.
- Stakes winners in his first three crops, and the first stallion in over a decade to sire a WFA Gr.1-winning three-year-old from their first crop, with Yulong-bred Veight taking out the Gr.1 George Ryder Stakes.
Race record
Age |
Runs |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | – | – | 1 | $9,000 |
| 3 | 4 | 4 | – | – | $728,250 |
| 4 | 7 | 1 | – | – | $645,200 |
| Totals | 12 | 5 | 0 | 1 | $1,382,450 |
at 2
3rd VRC Saintly Hall of Fame 2YO Trophy (1400m)
at 3
VRC Australian Guineas, Gr.1 (1600m)
CS Hayes S., Gr.3 (1400m)
SAJC Holdfast Insurance H. (1600m)
Werribee RC Winning Edge Presentations Maiden P. (1400m)
AT 4
VRC Makybe Diva S., Gr.1 (1600m)
TOP-PRICED YEARLINGS
Media
Grunt
1:05
9:24
2:17
3:14
1:52
2:00
Pedigree
Grunt’s Leading Progeny
VEIGHT (20g, Fastnet Rock, Miesque’s Son). 5 wins from 1200m to 1500m, A$2,130,740, 1st ATC George Ryder S., Gr.1, MVRC Australia S., Gr.2, VRC Sires’ Produce S., Gr.2, MRC HDF McNeil S., Gr.3, 2nd MRC Caulfield Guineas, Gr.1, VRC Australian Guineas, Gr.1, MVRC Australia S., Gr.2, 3rd MRC Kevin Heffernan S., Gr.3, 4th ATC Sires’ Produce S., Gr.1, MRC CF Orr S., Gr.1
STRICTLY BUSINESS (22f, Uncle Mo, Al Maher). 2 wins from 1400m to 2500m, A$920,150, 1st VRC VRC Oaks, Gr.1, 2nd SAJC South Australian Derby, Gr.1, VRC Wakeful S., Gr.2
MIRAVAL ROSE (20f, Zabeel, End Sweep). 5 wins from 1115m to 1400m, A$693,670, 1st VRC Rose of Kingston S., Gr.2, MRC Twilight Glow S., L, VRC Kensington S., L, MRC Taggart S., 2nd MRC Thoroughbred Club S., Gr.3, 3rd VRC Frances Tressady S., Gr.3, MVRC Chautauqua S., L, MRC Village S., L, MRC Magic Millions Victorian 3YO & 4YO Classic, 4th ATC Hot Danish S., Gr.2, MRC Tristarc S., Gr.2, MRC Sir John Monash S., Gr.3
POCKETING (21g, High Chaparral, Zabeel). 5 wins from 1200m to 2000m, A$478,935, 1st ATC Tulloch S., Gr.2, ATC Bob Ingham AO H., ATC Midway H., 2nd Newcastle JC Trans-Tasman Trophy, ATC TAB H., 3rd ATC All Too Hard H.
TIPTOP TORI (22f, Hallowed Crown, Zabeel). 2 wins from 1200m to 1600m, A$154,045, 1st SAJC Adelaide Guineas, L, SAJC Winning Edge Presentations Maiden P., 3rd SAJC Sires’ Produce S., Gr.3, SAJC HC Nitschke S., L
All Grunt (21g, Encosta de Lago, Zabeel). 4 wins from 1100m to 2000m, A$160,710, 1st WATC Glenroy Chaff H., WATC Tabtouch H., 2nd WATC Lex Piper S., L, 3rd WATC JC Roberts S., L, WATC Challenge S., L
Manolo Bling (21f, Snitzel, Timber Country). 4 wins from 1000m to 1100m, A$543,000, 1st VRC Schweppervescence P., MRC Sportsbet 2YO H., Bendigo JC Mazda H., Southside Racing Shawn Mendis Lawyers H., 2nd Ipswich TC Gai Waterhouse Classic, L, MRC Sportsbet H., GCTC Bat Out of Hell H., BRC Kilcoy Global Foods H., 3rd GCTC Goldmarket H., L, MVRC Vale Black Caviar P., VRC Be a Mate Trophy, MRC Thoroughbred Club of Australia H., 4th SAJC John Hawkes S., Gr.3
Rhythm of Love (20g, Not a Single Doubt, Cherokee Run). 3 wins from 1200m to 1400m, A$230,950, 1st ATC James Squire H., ATC Hyland Race Colours H., 2nd BRC Fred Best Classic, Gr.3, ATC TAB 2YO H., ATC John Ramsay 40 Year’s Service H., ATC James Squire H., 3rd ATC South Pacific Classic, L, BRC XXXX P.
Heeza Phoenix (22c, Charge Forward, Flying Spur). 2 wins from 1200m to 1400m, A$213,330, 1st WATC Thank You Northam Race Club P., WATC Morley Growers Market Maiden P., 2nd WATC Western Australian Guineas, Gr.2, WATC Fairetha S., L
Siberian Siren (20f, Lonhro, Palace Music). 5 wins from 1000m to 1400m, A$274,725, 1st WATC Bisley Workwear H., WATC McA Polytrack H., WATC Join a Racing Syndicate H., WATC Quayclean H., WATC Quayclean H., 2nd Pinjarra RC Magic Millions WA 3YO Trophy (R), L, WATC Amelia Park P., 3rd WATC Accolade Wines H., WATC Hemlock Stone P.
Geemes (21f, Stratum, Zabeel). 4 wins from 1600m to 2000m, A$191,950, 1st ATC Midway H., 2nd Canberra RC Canberra Cup, L
Hong Lok Golf (20g, High Chaparral, Nashwan). 7 wins from 1200m to 1650m, A$2,101,452, 1st HKJC Hillwood H., HKJC Cheung Sha H., HKJC Chevalier Cup, HKJC Cosmos H., HKJC Sustainability H., HKJC Environmental Engineering H., HKJC Tai Lam H., 2nd HKJC Heroes in White H., 3rd HKJC Beijing H.
Dragoon (20g, Commands, Singspiel). 4 wins from 1400m to 1600m, A$214,450, 1st MRC Chairman’s Club H., MVRC Alinta Energy Maiden P., MRC Stow Storage Solutions H., MRC Sportsbet H., 2nd MRC Quayclean H., MRC Welcome to Sandown Maiden P., MRC Sportsbet H., 3rd MRC Sportsbet H.
Never Peter Out (20g, Star Witness, Fastnet Rock). 4 wins at 1650m, A$822,876, 1st HKJC Green Island H., HKJC Tin Ha Shan H., HKJC Prince of Wales Hospital Anniversary Cup, HKJC Boccia H., 2nd HKJC Flamingo H., 3rd HKJC IH Warm Jar H.
Super Lad (21g, Half Hennessy, Spectrum). 6 wins from 1200m to 1600m, A$184,165, 1st SAJC Adelaide in Autumn Series Final H., SAJC Adelaide Galvanising Industries H., SAJC Lexus H.
Dobbinair (21g, Exceed and Excel, Chromite). 4 wins from 1000m to 1400m, A$162,010, 1st SAJC Festival State Sprint Series Final, Murray Bridge RC McGrath Foundation H., Murray Bridge RC Spry and Honner Builders Maiden P., 2nd SAJC Hahn H., 3rd SAJC Grand Syndicates H.
Yuen Long Elite (20g, Sebring, Rock of Gibraltar). 3 wins from 1200m to 1600m, A$761,646, 1st HKJC Better Future H., HKJC Ruby H., HKJC Para Badminton H., 2nd HKJC Lugard H., HKJC Austin H., 3rd HKJC Fo Tan H., HKJC Chengdu H.
Aratiri (21f, Lonhro, Mt. Livermore). 4 wins from 1650m to 1700m, A$129,030, 1st Ipswich TC Schweppes Maiden P., BRC XXXX Gold H., 2nd BRC Empire of Japan Maiden P., Ipswich TC TAB H., 3rd BRC Gotransit Media Group H., Ipswich TC Seven H., BRC Jace McMurray H.
Our Cracklin Rosie (20f, Commands, Bin Ajwaad). 4 wins at 1000m, A$218,350, 1st MVRC Centec Security Group H., MVRC Legacy Centenary H., 3rd MVRC Summer Membership on Sale Now H.
Cinematic Star (20f, Dane Shadow, Success Express). 4 wins from 1000m to 1300m, A$160,500, 1st MRC Lockettled.Au H., ATC Maurice at Arrowfield H., 2nd MRC Ive H., 3rd MRC Selangor Turf Club H., ATC TAB H.
Pure Grunt (20g, Street Cry, Danehill Dancer). 3 wins from 1600m to 2400m, A$152,360, 1st MRC Robert Hunter H., MRC Tile Importer H.
Ton of Grunt (20g, Taimazov, Paris Prince). 3 wins from 1400m to 1600m, A$127,140, 1st WATC Tabtouch H., 2nd WATC Quayclean H., 3rd WATC Peters Investments H.
Inaugural (20g, Commands, Fusaichi Pegasus). 3 wins from 1550m to 1800m, A$79,465, 1st SAJC Fotobase Group H., 2nd SAJC Sportsbet H., 3rd SAJC Adelaide Galvanising Industries H.
Mr Blunt (21g, Kheleyf, Straight Strike). 3 wins from 1200m to 1800m, A$120,600, 1st VRC Ian Bayles DFC H.
So Polite (21f, Street Cry, Redoute’s Choice). 2 wins from 1000m to 1050m, A$77,500, 1st SAJC Hahn H., 2nd SAJC Sportsbet Maiden P.
Cherrabah (21f, Rock ‘n’ Pop, Military Plume). 2 wins from 1110m to 1200m, A$57,590, 1st BRC XXXX Gold H.
Kiwi Spirit (21g, Rubick, Flying Spur). 2 wins from 1200m to 1240m, A$50,450, 1st Ipswich TC Brookvale Union Maiden P.
Mount Rinjani – Friendship Star (Mal.) (21g, High Chaparral, Broad Brush). Winner at 1519m, A$60,127, 1st MVRC Drummond Golf Maiden P.
Etincelle (20g, Testa Rossa, Danehill). Winner at 1200m, A$59,080, 1st MRC IVE Maiden P.
Reach the Peak (21g, Medaglia d’Oro, Danehill Dancer). Winner at 1800m, A$41,275, 1st MRC Sportsbet Maiden P., 2nd MRC Sportsbet Maiden P.
Perfect Beth (21f, Lope de Vega, Cozzene). Winner at 1100m, A$24,460, 1st WATC Tabtouch Maiden 2YO P.
Mastretta (21f, Encosta de Lago, Volksraad). 5 wins at 1200m, A$131,340, 3rd TTC Steve’s Liquor Trophy
Leg Drive (21g, Redoute’s Choice, Snippets). 5 wins from 1507m to 1800m, A$131,550
Hot Pursuit (20f, Exceed and Excel, Candy Stripes). 4 wins from 1200m to 1500m, A$137,880
Squander (21f, Onemorenomore, More Than Ready). 4 wins from 1600m to 2050m, A$78,055
Gidday Gidday (20f, Shamardal, Singspiel). 4 wins from 1200m to 1400m, A$76,190
Akicita (20g, Not a Single Doubt, Encosta de Lago). 4 wins from 1100m to 1210m, A$94,775, 2nd MRC Ladbrokes Hub H.
With Strength (21g, Not a Single Doubt, Hussonet). 3 wins from 900m to 1175m, A$61,465
Savee (20f, Redoute’s Choice, More Than Ready). 3 wins from 950m to 1214m, A$95,055
Dancer for Money (21f, Savabeel, Senor Pete). 3 wins from 1100m to 1130m, A$70,413
Isleham Village – Last Supper (Sing.) (20g, Street Cry, Pulpit). 3 wins from 1100m to 1200m, A$137,727, 4th Singapore TC Singapore 3YO Sprint, L
Short Reply (20f, More Than Ready, El Gran Senor). 3 wins from 1400m to 1512m, A$59,130
Trangoojahray (20f, Stravinsky, Montjeu). 3 wins from 1200m to 1600m, A$74,065
Geraldine’s Wish (20f, Encosta de Lago, Last Tycoon). 2 wins from 1000m to 1250m, A$75,945
Bayside (20g, Redoute’s Choice, True Version). 2 wins from 1350m to 1400m, A$73,025
Combs (20g, Written Tycoon, Marscay). 2 wins at 1200m, A$44,675
Vetwelve (21g, Exceed and Excel, Tale of the Cat). 2 wins from 1300m to 1350m, A$159,150, 2nd ATC Midway H., ATC Midway H., ATC James Squire Maiden H., 3rd ATC Midway H., ATC Drinkwise Maiden P., ATC Asahi Super Dry Maiden P.
Bit of Grunt (20g, Dream Ahead, Danehill). 2 wins from 1200m to 1400m, A$75,760
Mohnar (20f, Medaglia d’Oro, Hussonet). 2 wins from 1200m to 1650m, A$83,650, 3rd MRC Sportsbet Maiden P.
Piglet (20f, Northern Meteor, Danehill Dancer). 2 wins from 1400m to 1602m, A$55,310
Grunt Brochure
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