Keayang Zahara, Derek The Jet, Violet Stanford, Remus Phoenix, Maoris Mac, Enchauffour, Vytis, Maoris Mac, Pinnie, Sam Nien, Ajay Volstead, Empire City, Val Thorens…
The list continues to grow, and so does the influence of Volstead on the Australasian trotting ranks, despite only two full Australian crops making it to the racetrack so far.
Few are better placed to judge than Jason Lee, who partners arguably the best of them all in superstar mare Keayang Zahara.
“I’m a big Volstead fan, which is easy to say considering I’m lucky enough to sit behind Keayang Zahara,” Lee said.
“She’s definitely next level… One out of the box with a great gait, great attitude and a perfect racehorse.”
Lee’s opinion, however, extends well beyond the headline act.
“I’ve worked and driven plenty of Volstead progeny and they all have great attitudes and they’re unbelievable animals to look at.
“They are beautifully gaited but my favourite attribute about the Volstead’s is how hard they try and they want to do it every time they step on the track.”
“He is my favourite trotting stallion and I would have a barn full of them!” Lee proclaimed.
While Lee and Keayang Zahara prepare to test themselves against the world’s best in Cambridge on Friday night, Volstead’s impact will also be on display closer to home.
Five of his yearlings are set to go under the hammer at Sunday’s Nutrien Equine Melbourne Yearling Sale, offering buyers another opportunity to tap into a stallion whose stock continues to go from strength to strength.
213 – SHEZONEOFTHEBOYZ – COLT
Preparer/Consigner: Llowalong Farms
248 – ZEEYENA – FILLY
Preparer/Consigner: Brent Thompson
285 – DREAM OF FLAIR – FILLY
Preparer: Albert Davis
Consigner: R J & P Thomson
313 – I CHOOSE – COLT
Preparer: Benstud Standardbreds
Consigner: Harshell Investments Pty Ltd
317A – JAXNME – FILLY
Preparer: Annie Dalton
Consigner: Graeme Love
After a period where Volstead was not available to Australian breeders, his presence at the sales and on the racetrack dipped, but that gap is now closing, and his influence is building once again.
A selection of 161 yearlings will go under the hammer at the 2026 Melbourne Yearling Sale, conducted by Nutrien Equine at Oaklands Junction on Sunday, April 12, starting at 11am.
FULL CATALOGUE: portal.nutrienequine.com.au/catalogues/108
The yearlings will parade at Oaklands Junction on Saturday, April 11, from 12 noon, with both the parade and sale livestreamed via www.nutrienstandardbred.com.au.
