With news surrounding shuttle stallions at the Eastern Creek quarantine centre in NSW going from bad to worse, Black Hawk’s ‘release’ is a welcome fillip for an industry under siege.

Undergoing extensive testing for Equine Influenza symptoms since his arrival at Spotswood, Black Hawk was eventually given the thumbs up by quarantine officials and is now rearing to go from his Eliza Park ‘office’.

It’s certainly welcome news for broodmare owners who jumped on the Black Hawk wagon following his outstanding results from last season and an already impressive start to the ‘new year’.

Aside from his 22 individual winners in 2006/07, including the likes of Grafton Guineas winner Jet Hawk, Phillip Stokes’ highly consistent filly St Trinians (5 wins and 7 seconds from 15 starts), dual metrop winner The Black Rod, 3-time Sydney winner, Happy Finish (5 wins from 7 starts), Kurotaka (who won her maiden by 8 lengths) and Tony Noonan’s flyer Asshewaqua, Black Hawk has been as prolific as ever in recent weeks with Kadena Lane, Blackstone Rose, Narita, Insistence, Alfalfa, Quiet Hawk and Weekend Flight all saluting throughout the nation, while promising Kiwi mare, Zeta Black, proved too good for rivals at Awapuni in New Zealand last Saturday.

“We have a lot of faith in Black Hawk and, given the uncertainties arising from the EI outbreak, it’s wonderful to see him on farm,” Eliza Park general manager, Shane McGrath pointed out. “He’s by Nureyev, he produces great types, he’s been hugely successful in Japan and his reputation in Australia and New Zealand is growing daily.

“I also reckon that at a fee of $5,500, Black Hawk represents enormous value for a proven stallion. It’s worth remembering that his oldest Australian progeny are only four year olds and couple that with Eliza Park’s live foal guarantee and extended payment terms, there’s no competition at that price.