While 2022 will certainly be remembered for strong market performance at all the major sales the headwinds for 2023 suggests the need for a cautious outlook. With that in mind the Irish National Stud are delighted to present an exciting team of stallions with fees maintained or reduced across the board.
Our excitement is building to welcome the first foals by the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes winner Lucky Vega. 21 Black Type performers, 37 Black Type producers and 108 sisters to Black Type performers, including the dams of Blue Point, Alcohol Free, Eziyra and Real Appeal are contained within an exceptional first book of 151 mares. With incredible support from Mr Zhang’s Yulong Investments, Lucky Vega has the ammunition required to make him a Champion.
Likewise, the Coventry Stakes winner, Nando Parrado, proved remarkably popular in Year 1 with 130 mares covered. Incredible looks, raw speed, precocity and hailing from the proven Kodiac sire line, he brings fantastic credentials. His first crop foals are sure to make a splash in November, with a strong commercial syndicate behind him.
Phoenix of Spain will have 93 first crop two-year olds to run, similar numbers to his sire (Lope De Vega) and grandsire (Shamardal). Between them they managed 35 stakes winners in their debut crops. They will be trained by the best handlers in Britain in Ireland and it is worth remembering that Phoenix of Spain won his maiden in July, the G3 Acomb in August, placed in the G2 Champagne in September and was a short head second to a future Classic Winner in the G1 Vertem in October. A top class two-year old, a 2000 Guineas winning three-year old.
For those seeking proven credentials the roster is stacked with great value options. Free Eagle, Decorated Knight, Equiano, Elusive Pimpernel and Dragon Pulse provide commercial success in the sales ring and high-class performers on the track, all for €5,000 or under.
And then there is Invincible Spirit. In 2022, there were 10 individual stakes winners including yet another new Group 1 winner in Pearls Galore, taking his tally to 21. This year brought over 20 two-year old winners including the G2 Railway Stakes winner, Shartash. His yearling average price was over €150,000 and a new Group 1 winner as a broodmare sire arrived in Breeder’s Cup Champion Victoria Road. “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore is not an act, but a habit.”
Cathal Beale CEO
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Irish National Stud & Gardens,
Brallistown Little, Tully, Co. Kildare,
R51 AP20, Ireland