Dashing – Country Horse of the Year
Overview
Dashing has been crowned 2024–25 Country Horse of the Year, a milestone achievement for his ownership group and trainer Aaron Purcell. His success story highlights the value of combining pedigree analysis with conformation and veterinary insights when selecting yearlings.
Background & Purchase Story
We purchased Dashing, a gelding by Magnus out of Westchester (by Reset), at the 2021 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.
- Bloodstock agent Bill Mitchell (Mitchell Bloodstock) rated him an 8, placing him among the top yearlings of the draft. Bill’s expertise in yearling selection is second to none, and in partnership with him, we’ve enjoyed success sourcing several quality stakes winners.
We were seeking a horse for Aaron Purcell, who had recently delivered success with another of ours. Aaron loved this colt as well.
While his statistical profile wasn’t standout, his distance profile as a natural miler was exactly what we wanted.
Importantly, he balanced out perfectly across the key selection factors:
- Pedigree – no negatives at the time.
- Conformation – strong and well-suited to a mile.
- Vet – cleared by Dr Chris Lawlor without issues.
This purchase is a perfect example of why decisions should never be made on numbers alone. Pedigree, physical type, and veterinary clearance all play vital roles in uncovering future champions.
The Red and White Silks
Dashing races in the distinctive red ‘V’ on white silks, a design inspired by the heritage of the South Melbourne Football Club (now the Sydney Swans). For the ownership group, the silks are more than colours – they symbolise tradition, pride, and core sporting values.
Those same values – resilience, discipline, and teamwork – are at the heart of Stallion Match. Just as the silks connect past and present in sport, Stallion Match connects breeders, agents, and farms with the data-driven insights that power tomorrow’s winners.
Career Highlights
Dashing has since proven himself with a string of high-class performances, winning some of country racing’s most sought-after prizes:
Major Wins
- Warrnambool Wangoom Handicap (Listed) – May 2025
- Swan Hill Cup – June 2025
Key Placings
- 2nd – Werribee Cup
- 2nd – Ladbrokes Coastal Classic
- Multiple metropolitan wins and consistent black-type placings
His ability to win big races and consistently feature in strong company is what secured him the Country Horse of the Year title.
Why This Matters
- First Warrnambool-trained horse to win the award, a proud milestone for Aaron Purcell and the ownership team.
- A case study in smart buying: Dashing’s story reinforces the value of combining pedigree tools, expert opinion, and practical horsemanship.
- The achievement also reflects the strength of partnerships – with Bill Mitchell’s eye for yearlings, Aaron Purcell’s training, and the ownership group’s shared vision, Dashing has become a champion.
Next Steps
- Explore Dashing’s pedigree and match profile on Stallion Match.
- Learn how to apply the same principles to your own bloodstock decisions.
For further support or to explore Stallion Match features, contact us anytime at support@stallionmatch.com.