Canterbury vet Peter Scholes is expanding his thoroughbred involvement.
He was the major shareholder in the well-related stakes performer El Doute during the entire’s racing days and this season will be standing the son of Redoute’s Choice at stud at his Leithfield Lodge operation in North Amberley.
Scholes is well-known in racing circles through his veterinary work.
“I graduated in Australia in 1970 and worked in England and the United States before I started the Canterbury Equine Clinic,” he said.
“I retired from that 20 years ago and went on to other things. It’s still the biggest clinic in the South Island.
“I’m still practising and three or four horses come to my place every day, mainly those with back issues.”
El Doute was a A$90,000 yearling purchase for Scholes and his brother-in-law Gary Kirkpatrick, former Black Caps captain Brendon McCullum, Brian McLaughlin and Riccarton trainer Michael Pitman.
“He’s a lovely animal with a beautiful temperament,” Scholes said. “I’ve dabbled in this game as a breeder and owner for a long time and I wanted to keep him a colt at all costs.”
El Doute won twice as a two-year-old and the following season doubled his winning tally before finishing fifth in the Gr.1 Levin Classic (1600m). He was then narrowly beaten in the Listed Dunedin Guineas (1400m).
“I always believed he was capable of Group victories in New Zealand,” Pitman said. “His two wins as a two-year-old showcased his real ability.”
El Doute subsequently transferred to Chris Waller’s Sydney stable and was successful during his stint with the champion trainer.
“He won in a class record time at Rosehill,” Scholes said.
The winner of five of his 21 starts, El Doute is a son of the Gr.1 Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) winner Ellicorsam, whose four foals to race have all been winners and also includes the stakes winner Elicazoom.
“We’re going to stand El Doute at $2000 + GST with grazing and stud veterinary bills included in the fee,” Scholes said.
“I’ve got a very good and experienced studmaster in Arnold Acton-Adams, he’s handled a lot of stallions. He’s been a real positive for me.”
