Racing: Oaks Stud under offer

Prominent owner Terry Jarvis looks set to sell his Oaks Stud in Cambridge.

Jarvis, who lives in Auckland, is considering an offer for the 80ha farm and much of the bloodstock.

"Someone made an approach to us about buying the stud and we are going through that process now," Jarvis said.

"We have had people at the farm valuing it, and the stock."

Jarvis, who recently stepped down from the New Zealand Thoroughbred Marketing board, said he preferred racing horses to breeding - "I do prefer the racing side of things".

He added he would probably have enjoyed breeding more if he actually lived on the stud farm.

Jarvis said the stud had not been placed on the open market, though internet reports had suggested the stud has been listed for sale with Auckland bloodstock agent Michael Otto.

Jarvis was named owner of the year in 2000 after three of his horses - Buzz Lightyear, Hill Of Grace and Winged Foot - won four group one races between them.

His greatest success as a breeder has probably been the Nureyev colt Pure Theatre.

He was sold for $850,000 at Karaka in 2000 but ended up back in Jarvis' ownership and this season won the group three Caulfield Guineas Prelude and was third to Lonhro in the group one Caulfield Guineas.

Stallions to have stood at The Oaks include Entrepreneur and Manntari. Current resident sire is Yachtie.

Founded by West Australian businessman Laurie Connell in the 1980s, the farm was bought by Des and Janet Hawkins in 1992 after the collapse of Connell's financial empire.

Jarvis took over in 1998.

- NZPA