Vinery Stud reported today that Red Ransom will return to Vinery in 2008, despite it having been previously announced that the Roberto stallion had shuttled for the final time to Australia.

The change came after negotiations for his return concluded this week and his fee has been set at $66,000.

Vinery Stud General Manager Peter Orton was able to convince the stallion's shareholders to release the horse for southern hemisphere duties, opening the way for a triumphant homecoming.

“Red Ransom was the foundation stallion here when Vinery Stud began in 1999,” he said.

“He did a great deal to launch Vinery as a successful breeding and racing operation and we couldn't be more pleased to welcome him back to the farm.

"Red Ransom's return to Vinery coincides with an outstanding 2007/08 season which has included placegetters in the Golden Slipper (Portillo) and Blue Diamond Stakes (All American)."

Last weekend his tally of two-year-old stakeswinners for season 2007/08 increased to four after a two-state double.

Sheikh Mohammed's royally-bred filly Romneya (ex Mannington) stretched her unbeaten record to three after a comfortable 2.3 length win in the Oaklands Plate in Adelaide and minutes later, Red Element won his fourth consecutive race from five career starts when taking the VRC A.R. Creswick Stakes (Listed) at Flemington.

"Red Ransom is a proven sire in Australia, on the racetrack and in the sale ring," Orton said.

"The fact that he is a genuine outcross has never been as important as it is today, making his return this season most timely.”

Orton said that Red Ransom's book would be restricted to approximately 80 mares with breeders expected to take full advantage after these dramatic turn of events.

“We've spoken to a number of breeders about Red Ransom's availability this season and they were obviously keen to take advantage of the opportunity,” he said.

“In the short time that Red Ransom was away, his sons and daughters have become highly sought after by breeders both as future broodmares and stallions.

"The race to secure his sons (eg. All American), is a frank endorsement of Red Ransom's ability and standing,” Orton said.

Now a 21-year-old, Red Ransom is 25% owned by Darley Stud and he stood the Northern Hemisphere season at Newmarket's Dalham Hall Stud.

Red Ransom has thus far produced 500 live foals in Australia, highlighted by the Group 1 winners Charge Forward and Red Dazzler – both now at stud themselves.

Red Ransom has shuttled every year since 1999 but became a victim of EI last year and was sent back to the Northern Hemisphere without covering a mare.