The extraordinary life of one of Australia’s most successful and best-loved stallions has ended with the death of Not A Single Doubt at Arrowfield Stud.
The “little engine that could” rose from the lower end of Arrowfield’s roster to sire 16 Group 1 winners among 79 stakeswinners and meet some of the nation’s best mares at fees of $80,000, $90,000 and $100,000 in his final three seasons at stud.
Retired from stud duties due to a progressive lung disease in January 2020, the 21 year-old stallion remained in the professional and loving care of Arrowfield’s stallion & veterinary teams. During the past few days his condition had steadily deteriorated and he was euthanised this morning.
Arrowfield’s Chairman John Messara says, “Not A Single Doubt was a very special friend to everyone at Arrowfield, and a wonderful flag-bearer for us and for his sire Redoute’s Choice.
“He carved out an exceptional stud career on sheer merit and we are incredibly proud of him, and everything he has contributed to the Australian thoroughbred industry.”
“I’m grateful to Ron Finemore who led his original ownership group and always believed in Not A Single Doubt, to all the breeders who supported him, and to the buyers, owners & trainers who backed his progeny, especially in those critical early years.
“And thank you to our stallion and veterinary staff for their devoted care of Not A Single Doubt, particularly since his retirement.”
The compact bay son of Redoute’s Choice and Singles Bar (by Rory’s Jester) with the wonky stripe and cool dude persona was bred in 2001 by Arrowfield & John Leaver. He was offered at the 2003 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale where trainer Graeme Rogerson signed for him at $210,000.
Arrowfield remained in his ownership to race him, and it wasn’t long before Not A Single Doubt’s signature short-course speed was evident. He won his debut by 5 lengths at Rosehill in November 2003, followed quickly by success at Wyong and at Randwick on 20 December when he won the Canonbury S. LR and became Redoute’s Choice’s first stakeswinner.
Not A Single Doubt returned at three to add the Zeditave S. LR to his record before retiring to stud in 2005 at $12,500. That fee applied for six seasons while he steadily compiled plenty of winners, stakes performers and admiration for the natural speed, versatility and generosity of his progeny.
His first stakeswinners, Doubtful Jack from the Peter Moody stable, and the Gai Waterhouse-trained Squamosa appeared in the winter of 2010, quickly followed by the Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Karuta Queen. Like champagne flowing from an uncorked bottle, the stakeswinners have kept coming ever since.
The fillies Karuta Queen & Miracles Of Life and colts Extreme Choice & Farnan firmly established Not A Single Doubt’s reputation as a sire of high-class, precocious juveniles. However, his best performers span several categories from sprinters Classique Legend, Clearly Innocent, Instant Celebrity, Secret Agenda, Samadoubt & Stronger to milers Scales Of Justice, Southern Legend, Good Project & Mighty Boss and a quartet of fillies that won Group 1 prizes at 2000 metres and beyond: Kenedna, Qafila, Shout the Bar and Single Gaze.
Not A Single Doubt has been a fixture among Australia’s leading sires over the past decade and compiled a notable series of achievements in 2015/16 when he was the nation’s leading stallion by worldwide earnings after heading the 3YO Sires’ table, and finishing second on the General Premiership and third on the 2YO Sires’ list.
Given the quality of mares he served at the end of his career and the $544,000 average price paid for his final two yearling crops, Not A Single Doubt has plenty more to add to that record. His outstanding sire son Extreme Choice and stakes-producing daughters are already taking care of the next generation.
As John Messara says, “Not A Single Doubt leaves absolutely no doubts behind him, only gratitude, admiration and respect.”
