G1SW and exciting young sire Zoustar (Aus) (Northern Meteor {Aus}–Zouzou {Aus}, by Redoute's Choice {Aus}), who has stood in alternate years between Widden Stud in New South Wales's Hunter Valley and Victoria's Woodside Park Stud for the first four years of his stud career, is now the focus of a legal dispute between the two stallion farms, Racing.com reported on Tuesday. The deal between the two studs has now ended, with Zoustar bound to stand exclusively at Widden Stud going forward, following the decision made by three independent advisers to maximise his earnings potential for shareholders. Woodside Park immediately began legal proceedings to challenge that ruling.
Already responsible for Magic Millions heroine Sunlight (Aus), Zoustar has stood for A$44,000 his first four years at stud covering 184 mares in 2017 in Victoria, compared to 159 in 2016 in New South Wales. Already returned to Widden, where he stood in his first and third seasons, Zoustar is expected to receive a substantial fee increase based on the results of his first 2-year-olds.
Zoustar will also be the focus of a separate court battle, regarding his original purchase and the subsequent purchase and valuation of the colt following his Coolmore win in 2013 between BC3 Thoroughbreds and Qatar Bloodstock.
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