Awesome Rock, a son of Fastnet Rock, gained significant recognition after winning the 2016 Mackinnon Stakes, a victory that felt like justice following a controversial loss in the Australian Cup. Purchased as a Magic Millions yearling for $575,000 by a syndicate including breeders Sue and Alan Olive, Awesome Rock was trained with a stud career in mind. Now standing at Gold Front Thoroughbreds in Western Australia, he has sired notable progeny such as Watch Me Rock, the favorite for the upcoming Group 1 Railway Stakes, and Awesome John, the 2023 WATC Derby winner. Despite fluctuating mare numbers, Awesome Rock’s stud career is gaining momentum, especially with Watch Me Rock’s recent success boosting his profile among WA breeders.

The Olives transformed their cattle property into a thoroughbred breeding farm, establishing Gold Front Thoroughbreds with a vision for growth. After buying out other owners, they brought Awesome Rock back to WA, where he stands as their sole stallion. Sue Olive emphasizes the challenges smaller studs face in a competitive industry dominated by larger operations like Darling View Thoroughbreds but remains optimistic about Awesome Rock’s potential to produce standout progeny. The upcoming Railway Stakes represents a pivotal moment that could elevate Awesome Rock’s status as a Group 1-producing sire, continuing the legacy that began nearly a decade ago with his Mackinnon victory.