Snitzel’s son Snapback added to southern stallion ranks
Richard Edmunds - Raceform • June 19th, 2025 4:27 PM • 3 min read
The baton is being passed to Snitzel’s sire sons to carry on the legendary stallion’s legacy, and one will be available in the South Island this spring.
Arrowfield Stud announced Snitzel’s death last weekend at the age of 23. Himself a Group One-winning son of Redoute’s Choice, Snitzel began his stud career in 2006 at a service fee of A$33,000. The next two decades saw that soar to A$247,500 as he established himself as one of the all-time greats in this part of the world.
Snitzel is a four-time champion Australian sire and has been credited with 1281 winners from 1631 runners. His 160 individual stakes winners include 23 at Group One level – among them a Cox Plate (Shamus Award), three Golden Slippers (Estijaab, Shinzo, Marhoona), two Everests (Redzel), a Coolmore Stud Stakes (Switzerland) and three winners of Ellerslie’s Sistema Stakes (Summer Passage, Sword Of State, Return To Conquer).
Snitzel has 30 sons at stud in Australia, plus four in New Zealand – Sword Of State, Mr Mozart, Sneaking To Win and Clearview Park’s new recruit Snapback.
Standing for an introductory service fee of $5,000 in the upcoming season, Snapback is a full-brother to the Gr. 2 Sapphire Stakes winner Wee Nessy and the Group-placed Adios.
Snapback recorded a win and five placings from a 12-start career, headed by a second placing behind Cifrado in the A$1 million Gr. 2 Sires’ Produce Stakes at Eagle Farm. He also ran third in the A$500,000 The Tapp-Craig and was a close fifth in King Colorado’s Gr. 1 JJ Atkins.
Clearview Park’s Aaron Tapper is aware of the significance of introducing a sire son of Snitzel.
“Not long after we decided to stand Snapback, the news came out about poor old Snitzel,” Tapper said. “It’s just one of those things that can happen – you never know what’s around the corner.
“Snitzel has been a phenomenal stallion that’s had a huge impact on this part of the world. We’re really pleased to have one of his sons coming to stand here. I know there are a few of Snitzel’s sons at stud, but we’re hoping this one might be an exciting addition to the South Island’s stallion ranks.
“He’s owned by Colin Wightman, who bought him some time last year with the goal of standing him at stud. Colin’s been a client of ours with his broodmares, so that’s how it came about.
“This horse showed some good ability on the track, including that Group Two placing in Brisbane. I think he had an injury that affected his performances after that. He comes from a very strong female family, with his full-sister winning at Group Two level in Sydney.
“Snapback is at Colin’s place now in North Canterbury and his due here in August. He’s a nice-looking horse and we can’t wait to get him here. We’ve already got people ringing up about him. We haven’t really publicised him yet, but news travels fast!”
