Lucky Vega Set to Make His Mark at Northern Hemisphere Yearling Sales

Lucky Vega, the only Group 1 winning two-year-old by Lope De Vega over 6f, is about to see his first northern hemisphere yearlings hit the sales ring, with three set to be offered at the Arqana Yearling Sale in Deauville this week. The former star of Jessica Harrington’s yard, who clinched the 2020 Phoenix Stakes (G1) for Yulong Investments, has proven exceptionally popular since retiring to stud.

His impressive racing record speaks volumes. In addition to his Phoenix Stakes triumph, Lucky Vega finished a close second to Supremacy in the Middle Park Stakes (G1), and ran a blinder in the 2,000 Guineas (G1), coming third by less than a length to Poetic Flare. He also ended his career on a high note as runner-up to the same rival in the St James’s Palace Stakes (G1).

But it’s not just his performances on the track that make Lucky Vega stand out. His pedigree is equally impressive. He is out of Queen Of Carthage, a Cape Cross mare, and a daughter of the Prix de l’Opera (G1) winner Satwa Queen. Since Lucky Vega retired to stud, his family has only grown stronger, with Queen Of Carthage now a sibling to the dam of Nations Pride, a three-time Group/Grade 1 scorer for Godolphin, and Militarize, a three-time Australian Group 1 winner.

When he began his stud career at a fee of €15,000, Lucky Vega was met with significant demand. In his first season he covered 150 mares, with 40 of those being black-type producers.

The quality of mares paired with Lucky Vega quickly translated to the sales ring, with his foals averaging €45,000 at British and Irish sales—three times his initial stud fee.

Prominent buyers, including Tally-Ho Stud, John Foley of GHS Bloodstock, and Mark Dwyer of Oaks Farm Stables, snapped up his foals, showing great faith in the young sire. His owner, Yulong Investments, has also shown support, purchasing five of Lucky Vega’s foals and sending him 50 mares in each of his first two seasons at stud, with another 40 in his third.

Yulong’s backing has been crucial, and their decision to race many of the offspring they’ve bred is promising, with notable trainers like Jessica Harrington, Karl Burke, and William Haggas set to receive Lucky Vega’s progeny.

Lucky Vega, who began his stud career in Australia at Yulong Stud in Victoria, has already seen success in the southern hemisphere, with his yearlings being snapped up by top trainers like Bjorn Baker and Annabel Neasham. Early reports from the breakers suggest he’s passing on his quality.

With such an impressive start to his stud career, Lucky Vega’s first northern hemisphere yearlings are sure to be in high demand.

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