Shaun Dwyer Thoroughbred Racing

QUEENSLAND STALLION, QUEENSLAND SUCCESS: The Story Behind Dracarys

As the 2026 breeding season approaches, Dracarys is no longer the emerging stallion with untapped potential. He is now one of Queensland's proven sires, producing black-type performers and elite racehorses both in Australia and internationally.

Behind the success is a story built on belief, passion and a commitment to the Queensland thoroughbred industry.

Dracarys was purchased in mid-2019 by three western Queensland families who had enjoyed racing success throughout country Queensland and were looking to breed from their retiring mares. When the opportunity arose to purchase the son of Snitzel, Justin Stivano knew they had found something special.

"It was his pedigree that really grabbed us," Justin said.

"Even today, I believe it's one of the strongest pedigrees available. The double cross of Snippets is something that really stood out to us, and we felt he had all the ingredients to become a successful stallion."

Rather than standing the horse interstate, the ownership group made a deliberate decision to keep Dracarys in Queensland.

"We wanted to support the Queensland breeding industry," Justin said.

"We're passionate about racing and breeding in Queensland, and we believed Queensland breeders deserved access to a horse of his quality."

Oakwood Farm, Haigslea owners Bob Wood and his daughter Sheridan welcomed Dracarys to their property, providing the ideal home where the stallion has steadily built his reputation.

The owners also chose a different approach to many commercial stallion operations.

"We arrived new to the industry and went about setting up the stallion quite differently to the traditional ownership models," Justin said.

"It's just the two families involved now, and Sherrill and I personally manage the marketing, sales and client relationships. We believe those personal relationships are important and have been a big part of building Dracarys."

Justin's belief in Dracarys has never stopped at standing him at stud. He has continued to invest in the stallion's progeny, retaining several he has bred, including exciting gelding Naturally Lit, alongside a racing partner who shared his confidence in the stallion. Their faith has already been rewarded, with Naturally Lit emerging as one of Dracarys' headline performers after his thrilling victory in the $200,000 Sunshine Coast Sprint. For Justin, there is no greater endorsement of a stallion than backing his own judgement by racing the progeny.

Now, the results are impossible to ignore.

Over the past season, Dracarys has sired QTIS $500,000 Jewel winner Swift Dragon, $200,000 Sunshine Coast Sprint winner Naturally Lit, Listed winner Dragonne Rouge, and Hong Kong Group 3 winner Storm Rider, further cementing his reputation as one of Queensland's most exciting proven sires. His growing list of black-type performers and consistent winners demonstrates that Dracarys is delivering exactly what breeders seek in a commercial stallion.

For Justin, those performances are simply confirmation of what the owners believed back in 2019.

"We've always believed in the horse, and now he's proving himself where it matters most, on the racetrack."

With the 2026 breeding season about to begin, Justin believes the message to breeders is straightforward.

"Dracarys has been here in Queensland all along, quietly getting the job done. He's producing black-type winners, he's producing tough, fast racehorses and he's proving himself year after year.

"Queensland breeders have supported us from the beginning, and we're incredibly grateful for that support. We believe Dracarys represents exceptional value, with a proven record of producing winners at the highest level. If you're looking for a stallion that is already delivering results, not promises, now is the time to get on board."

Standing at Oakwood Farm once again for the 2026 breeding season, Dracarys offers Queensland breeders the opportunity to access a proven sire. For the western Queensland families who took a chance on a horse they found seven years ago, watching his progeny continue to rise through the ranks has been a rewarding journey, and one they believe is only just beginning.

Naturally Lit having a spell with his breeder. 😊

QUEENSLAND STALLION, QUEENSLAND SUCCESS: The Story Behind Dracarys

As the 2026 breeding season approaches, Dracarys is no longer the emerging stallion with untapped potential. He is now one of Queensland's proven sires, producing black-type performers and elite racehorses both in Australia and internationally.

Behind the success is a story built on belief, passion and a commitment to the Queensland thoroughbred industry.

Dracarys was purchased in mid-2019 by three western Queensland families who had enjoyed racing success throughout country Queensland and were looking to breed from their retiring mares. When the opportunity arose to purchase the son of Snitzel, Justin Stivano knew they had found something special.

"It was his pedigree that really grabbed us," Justin said.

"Even today, I believe it's one of the strongest pedigrees available. The double cross of Snippets is something that really stood out to us, and we felt he had all the ingredients to become a successful stallion."

Rather than standing the horse interstate, the ownership group made a deliberate decision to keep Dracarys in Queensland.

"We wanted to support the Queensland breeding industry," Justin said.

"We're passionate about racing and breeding in Queensland, and we believed Queensland breeders deserved access to a horse of his quality."

Oakwood Farm, Haigslea owners Bob Wood and his daughter Sheridan welcomed Dracarys to their property, providing the ideal home where the stallion has steadily built his reputation.

The owners also chose a different approach to many commercial stallion operations.

"We arrived new to the industry and went about setting up the stallion quite differently to the traditional ownership models," Justin said.

"It's just the two families involved now, and Sherrill and I personally manage the marketing, sales and client relationships. We believe those personal relationships are important and have been a big part of building Dracarys."

Justin's belief in Dracarys has never stopped at standing him at stud. He has continued to invest in the stallion's progeny, retaining several he has bred, including exciting gelding Naturally Lit, alongside a racing partner who shared his confidence in the stallion. Their faith has already been rewarded, with Naturally Lit emerging as one of Dracarys' headline performers after his thrilling victory in the $200,000 Sunshine Coast Sprint. For Justin, there is no greater endorsement of a stallion than backing his own judgement by racing the progeny.

Now, the results are impossible to ignore.

Over the past season, Dracarys has sired QTIS $500,000 Jewel winner Swift Dragon, $200,000 Sunshine Coast Sprint winner Naturally Lit, Listed winner Dragonne Rouge, and Hong Kong Group 3 winner Storm Rider, further cementing his reputation as one of Queensland's most exciting proven sires. His growing list of black-type performers and consistent winners demonstrates that Dracarys is delivering exactly what breeders seek in a commercial stallion.

For Justin, those performances are simply confirmation of what the owners believed back in 2019.

"We've always believed in the horse, and now he's proving himself where it matters most, on the racetrack."

With the 2026 breeding season about to begin, Justin believes the message to breeders is straightforward.

"Dracarys has been here in Queensland all along, quietly getting the job done. He's producing black-type winners, he's producing tough, fast racehorses and he's proving himself year after year.

"Queensland breeders have supported us from the beginning, and we're incredibly grateful for that support. We believe Dracarys represents exceptional value, with a proven record of producing winners at the highest level. If you're looking for a stallion that is already delivering results, not promises, now is the time to get on board."

Standing at Oakwood Farm once again for the 2026 breeding season, Dracarys offers Queensland breeders the opportunity to access a proven sire. For the western Queensland families who took a chance on a horse they found seven years ago, watching his progeny continue to rise through the ranks has been a rewarding journey, and one they believe is only just beginning.