Paddock with a View

A new broodmare farm has emerged on the Victorian breeding scene, one which has historic origins and is ideally located on the fringe of the Macedon Ranges.

Cityview Farm has opened in Gisborne South and is located on the same land as the famed St John’s Lane Stud, an operation owned by Doug Reid, breeder of the great mare Maybe Mahal among many others.

The new broodmare farm is in a rural and peaceful setting yet is only a stone’s throw from the city.

The farm will be managed by South Africa-born Carla Aliphon who has worked on major studs here in Australia and internationally.

After moving to Australia from South Africa, Carla graduated from the University of Melbourne University with an Advanced Diploma of Applied Science (Horse Management) undertaken at Glenormiston.

Carla went on to complete many breeding seasons at Eliza Park (now Sun Stud) at nearby Kerrie. Her international experience has included stints at the renowned Derrinstown Stud in Ireland and in America at Kentucky-based Pin Oak Stud.

Armed with this extensive CV, Carla is now ready to embark on the next stage of her career, taking the helm of the boutique broodmare operation at Gisborne South.

“I am so excited to begin my journey at Cityview Farm. Having worked on large studs, with over 200 mares, here I will be looking after a boutique operation where I can give the broodmare band one hundred per cent of my care and attention,” Carla said.

“I have been given the opportunity to implement well-practiced processes and put my individual stamp on the property, which is a dream.”

Cityview is a mere 25 minutes from the airport or 40 minutes from the heart of the city, while also being in close proximity to Victoria’s main studs including Woodside Park Stud, Sun Stud and Spendthrift Farm. It is also less than 90 minutes from north-east based studs including Chatswood, Darley and Swettenham.

“Our location offers mare owners and clients brilliant access to their horses. They can come up in the morning and see their foals, before having lunch at one of the local wineries in the Macedon Ranges,” Carla said.

“The property is very well appointed, the fencing is state of the art and well maintained, with timber post and rail and Diamond Mesh. The paddocks are double fenced and include a solid shelter and trees for shade.

“It’s a beautifully designed property, with good drainage after heavy rain, slight undulations and hills for bone growth and development for yearlings and, most importantly, well-maintained, clean pastures that fulfil the mares’ and foals’ nutritional needs.”

Cityview expects to foal down around 20 mares this season, with all reproductive work undertaken by the highly experienced veterinarian Ian Douglas.

“I have formed a long and trusted professional relationship with Ian Douglas over my career, beginning with my first season almost 17 years ago and look forward to working together with Ian again at Cityview Farm,” Carla said.

“I am keen to implement processes that ensure the smooth day to day running of Cityview Farm, while giving every mare my dedicated care and attention. It is an honour to have the opportunity to manage such an exciting venture and be a long-term part of its growth and future success.”