When Levendi retired to stud duties, he brought with him a rare combination of elite juvenile ability, classic success and a pedigree packed with proven performance.
A son of Champion Sire Pierro from the outstanding broodmare Lipari, Levendi possessed the credentials sought by both commercial breeders and breeders racing their own stock.
Levendi showed his talent from the very beginning. At two, he made a winning debut, defeating a field that included future Group 1 performers and immediately stamping himself as a colt of significant promise.
At three, he developed into one of Australasia’s leading middle-distance performers. His career was highlighted by victory in the Group 1 ATC Australian Derby (2400m), alongside wins in the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes and strong performances in elite company throughout the season.
By the end of his three-year-old campaign, Levendi had earned a World Longines IFHA Rating of 119, ranking among the highest-rated horses of his generation.
His pedigree combined two of Australia’s most influential sire lines. By Pierro and from a mare by Redoute’s Choice, Levendi represented a cross that had already produced an exceptional strike rate of stakes performers.
His dam, Lipari, went on to establish herself as one of Australia’s most valuable and respected broodmares. Her first three foals all became Group winners:
- Levendi (Group 1 ATC Australian Derby)
- Wu Gok (Group 3 ATC Premier’s Cup)
- Marcel From Madrid (Group 3 winner at two)
The strength of the family was further recognised when Lipari sold for $1.6 million through the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.
Levendi’s racing career was unfortunately cut short due to injury, however he recovered well and transitioned successfully to stud duties, where his outstanding temperament, athleticism and physical presence quickly impressed breeders and visitors alike.
Standing 16.1 hands high with exceptional strength, scope and balance, Levendi embodied the qualities that had made him such a successful racehorse.
Today, his legacy continues through his progeny, with winners emerging on both sides of Bass Strait and his influence continuing within the Australian thoroughbred industry.