Rebel Dane is Ready to Stand and Deliver

The time has come for Rebel Dane, the dual Group 1 winning entire to conclude his incredible racing career and begin a new phase as a stallion at Swettenham Stud this spring.

While the team at Swettenham Stud are full of excitement at the arrival of the stunning seven-year-old later this week, it will be a sad day for all at Portelli Racing as they say goodbye to their stable favourite.

It was evident by the way Portelli spoke about his old champ, that there was a real sense of respect and awe, looking back at what this horse has accomplished throughout his career.

“He was such great flag bearer for the stables, a great booster to staff morale racing at Group level each carnival, and the old saying rings true “you don’t know what you miss till it’s gone,” Portelli said.

“Horses come and go out of your stables, but he has been there a long time, he was a member of the family and will be dearly missed.”

“Horses like him don’t come around very often, not with his record. He has more wins and placings at Group 1 and 2 level than what most horses going to stud have had starts.”

“He raced at the highest level, season after season, he couldn’t dodge them, he always put up a fight. He is a genuine Group 1 horse, he raced and beat the best horses in the country.”

“He is a war horse, he has finished sound, he never had an issue, a real trainers horse.”

“I hope he sets the trend for breeders to appreciate well-campaigned, well performed and proven gallopers, and the advantages of breeding to them.”

Louis Mihalyka of Laurel Oak Bloodstock, Rebel Dane’s managing owner, reflects on his career and is excited about his future as a successful stallion.

“Having a horse race in Group 1 or 2 company for over 30 starts is an owner’s dream. The fact he was competitive virtually every time he raced (especially if he drew a good barrier!) made it even more special. And spread over 5 years has been just sensational and a testimony to the quality of the horse, his soundness and Gary Portelli’s brilliant handling of him,” Mihalyka said.

“The Manikato Stakes win was the highlight as there were nine Group One winners in the ten horse field. Once he drew well we knew he had a chance and the fact he delivered was a magic moment in life for all of us.”

“Bred on a Danehill/More Than Ready cross, he has the pedigree to go with his looks and soundness, to be as good at stud as he was on the racetrack. We are really looking forward to the next stage of his career.”

As Portelli Racing says goodbye, they can take comfort in the knowledge that Rebel Dane will now call the lush Nagambie paddocks at Swettenham Stud home.

Earning a good spell, the team at Swettenham Stud will guarantee he receives the best care and attention possible, while ensuring Rebel Dane gets the quality mares he deserves, setting him up for the future and giving him every opportunity to succeed.

Retiring in peak condition Rebel Dane will be a showstopper with mare owners, and will make an exceptional Super VOBIS stallion.

Rebel Dane will stand for the highly competitive fee of $12,500 (Inc. GST)

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