Sidestep will remain at Telemon Thoroughbreds in Queensland for the 2020.
Golden Slipper Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m)-producing sire Sidestep (Exceed And Excel) will remain at Telemon Thoroughbreds in Queensland for the 2020 covering season, Darley and the Queensland-based operation announced on Tuesday.
The son of Exceed And Excel (Danehill) was crowned champion first season sire by earnings in 2018/2019 with the highlight coming when his daughter Kiamichi landed the Golden Slipper Stakes at Rosehill, while he is also represented by another stakes winner in Real Appeal, who won the Prix La Fleche (Listed, 1000m) at Maisons-Laffitte.
"When Darley originally allowed us to offer the horse the formalities of that arrangement extended to two seasons," Telemon's Dan Fletcher said.
"With the Magic Millions QTIS Sale just around the corner and the Queensland breeding community set to come together, the market has been seeking some clarity as to the future plans for Sidestep. We are absolutely thrilled we're able to continue to stand Sidestep."
"We think it's a pretty special time for this sire line," Fletcher said. "Sidestep went to stud as Exceed And Excel's only champion two-year-old colt and has emulated his great sire in achieving champion first-season sire status. He's a horse that's had to 'build his own house' insofar as he's started at a modest fee with lesser opportunity. From that base, he's thrown five first-crop stakes horses already across both hemispheres and Kiamichi's Slipper win cements Sidestep as an exciting son of Exceed And Excel. We're so privileged to stand him."
Meanwhile, Alastair Pulford, head of sales at Darley stallions said: "Sidestep has had excellent support from Queensland breeders, particularly last season and we are delighted to continue our association with Telemon this season."
Sidestep stood for a career high fee of $22,000 (inc GST) in 2019 where he covered 112 mares including a large contingent of the elite Godolphin broodmare band and Fletcher said no decision had been made about the stallion's fee for the 2020 season.
"We'll talk that over when the time comes," said Fletcher. "The main thing is to be able to go to Magic Millions QTIS Sale and speak to breeders and buyers about the horse and give them confidence that they can get behind him."
