Armidale Stud is owned and operated by the Whishaw family.  Armidale Stud was founded by the late David Whishaw in 1968. He succeeded in developing a premier breeding establishment by importing quality stallions from England and Ireland. His son Denis and his wife Robyn operated the stud until 2004 when sadly Denis passed away. Robyn and family continue the fine traditions of Armidale Stud.


Armidale is a family run business. We take pride in our farm and the way we care for our horses.  Particular emphasis is placed on continually upgrading and maintaining our facilities, and on pasture management and improvement. A specialist veterinarian visits the property daily, and with a 24 hour foal watch during the stud season, you can be assured your mare will be well cared for.


Tasmania’s oldest family run thoroughbred stud Armidale, continues to strive for excellence, both in the sale ring and on the racetrack. Over the decades Armidale have stood many successful stallions including Leading Sires Sandastra (Fr) Poacher’s Moon (Ire), St. Briavels (GB), Weasel Clause, Aliocha (USA), Ladoni (GB), and currently Savoire Vivre (GB) who finished as Australia’s third leading first crop sire in the 05-06 season.


We have no doubt that much of our success lies in the excellent start in life we give the young thoroughbreds in our care. Armidale’s undulating, fertile 1,000 acres of limestone country, provides the perfect environment to raise strong, sound racehorses. Over 9 kilometres of river frontage allows for irrigation to ensure a constant supply of quality green feed for lactating mares and growing young horses. This along with an emphasis on safety and experienced, capable staff ensures that all horses in our care receive the very best attention.


For decades Armidale has been one of the top vendors at the Tasmanian Sale, and has successfully sold yearlings interstate. Armidale reared yearlings have gone on to win metropolitan races in all states of Australia, and have succeeded at Group 1 level - Weasel Will 2nd , and won Group 2 and Group 3 races. (Nuclear Free, Kat’s Clause, Weasel Will, Midnight Escapade, Courtly Way, Firetap).


By continually upgrading our broodmares, and carefully selecting from the very best stallion bloodlines in the world, Armidale continues to look to the future with confidence and optimism.

Armidale offers around 30 yearlings for sale each year. These are sold at 3 main sales, the William Inglis Premier Yearling Sale in Victoria, the Tasmanian Yearling Sale and the Victorian Autumn Yearling Sale.

Daily transport services operate from Victoria to Tasmania with two experienced companies involved in over 5500 horses moved each year. Horses are checked and watered regularly during the voyage of approximatey 10 hours.