New to stud

Another Breed

Though a select grouping as of the middle of November, the calibre of new stallions for 2023 was high class but they must prove themselves all over again

Words: Dr Sieglinde McGee • Photos: Healy Racing / Ballyhane Stud

ACE IMPACT (IRE)

2020 b Cracksman – Absolutly Me (Anabaa Blue)

RACE RECORD: 6 wins including G1 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe, G1 Prix du Jockey Club

Undefeated three-year-old champion in France, this first-crop son of dual Champion Stakes victor Cracksman is a grandson of Frankel and will be busy in his new role. He has two black-type siblings and is out of a stakes-placed mile winner from the family of Group 1 stars Iby Bey and Roseate Tern. He is inbred 5x4 to Allegretta, dam of Arc heroine and breed-shaping broodmare Urban Sea (dam of Galileo, Sea The Stars etc).

Haras de Beaumont (FR)

AMHRAN NA BHFIANN (IRE)

2017 b Galileo – Alluring Park (Green Desert)

Race Record: 2 wins including G2 Curragh Cup

Classic-placed Group 2-winning brother to Oaks heroine Was, he is out of a stakes-placed half-sister to juvenile champion, Derby hero and multiple Classic sire New Approach. Will stand as a NH sire.

Knockhouse Stud

ANGEL BLEU (FR)

2019 b Dark Angel – Cercle de La Vie (Galileo)

RACE RECORD: 7 wins including G1 Criterium International, G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère

By the sire of Harry Angel and Gutaifan, both of whom sired a top-level winner in 2023 (Australia and USA respectively), this dual juvenile Group 1 star is out of a full sister to prolific Group 1 star Highland Reel and his Group 1-winning full brother Cape of Good Hope. Their Group 1-placed dam Hveger, is a full sister to Group 1 victor Elvstroem and half-sister to Group 1 scorer Haradasun.

Montfort et Preaux (FR)

ASYMMETRIC (IRE)

2019 b Showcasing – Swirral Edge (Hellvelyn)

RACE RECORD: 4 wins including G2 Richmond Stakes

Group 1-placed six-furlong Group 2 winner at two and a Group 3-placed stakes winner at four, he is by the sire of Tasleet (sire of Group 1 winner Bradsell) and successful 2023 freshmen Advertise and Soldier’s Call, and is a half-brother to 2023 Group 3 scorer Mill Stream. His dam is a winning half-sister to a stakes winner and related to juvenile Group 2 winner Wunders Dream.

Ballyhane Stud

BAY BRIDGE (IRE)

2018 b New Bay – Hayyona (Multiplex)

RACE RECORD: 7 wins including G1 Champion Stakes

Ten-furlong ace who beat Adayar in the Champion Stakes and Mostahdaf in the Group 3 Brigadier Gerard Stakes, this grandson of Dubawi also won the Group 3 Sep-tember Stakes over 12f. He is out of a granddaughter of Danehill, is a direct descend-ant of Prix de Diane (French Oaks) heroine Shemaka and looks sure to be popular in his new role.

Haras du Mesnil (FR)

BELBEK (FR)

2020 b Showcasing – Bee Queen (Makfi)

RACE RECORD: 4 wins including G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère

Juvenile Group 1 winner and subsequently talented miler whose dam is a half-sister to Group 3 scorer Sangarius and out of a half-sister to Group 1 heroine Romantica and notable South African sire Ideal World. Third dam Banks Hill is the multiple Group 1-winning sister to influential sire Dansili, classic sire Champs Elysees and Group 1 sire Cacique plus star fillies Heat Haze and Intercontinental. All but Dansili won at Group/Grade 1 level. Yes, Belbek’s fourth dam is the phenomenal broodmare Hasili.

Montfort et Preaux (FR)

BOLSHOI BALLET (IRE)

2018 b Galileo – Alta Anna (Anabaa)

RACE RECORD: 5 wins including G1 Sword Dancer Stakes, G1 Belmont Derby

Dual Leopardstown Group 3 scorer for the Ballydoyle team who also won a pair of middle-distance Grade 1s in the USA, this full brother to Classic-placed Group 2 scorer Southern France is out of a daughter of Classic-placed Group 3 winner Abbatiale. He will be a popular addition to Coolmore’s NH team.

The Beeches Stud

BOUTTEMONT (IRE)

2018 b Acclamation - Basilia (Fastnet Rock)

RACE RECORD: 6 wins including G3 Prix de Meautry

Stakes winner at five and six furlongs and two-year-old winner over a mile, he joins his sire at Rathbarry. Acclamation’s sons Aclaim, Dark Angel, Equiano, Harbour Watch and Mehmas have sired at least one Group 1 winner, so he will also attract attention. His winning dam is a half-sister to dual seven-furlong Group 3 scorer Baghadur (aka Joyful Trinity). Likely to get his best from five to nine furlongs.

Rathbarry Stud

BUBBLE GIFT (FR)

2018 ch Nathaniel – Bubble Back (Grand Lodge)

RACE RECORD: 3 wins including G2 Prix Niel, G2 Prix Hocquart

Dual middle-distance Group 2 scorer by the sire of Enable and Desert Crown, he is a half-brother to Classic-placed Group 3 winner Bubble Chic and Group 1-placed and Group 3-winning stayer Bubble Smart. His fifth dam is the Poule d’Essai des Pouliches, Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud and Prix Saint-Alary heroine Riverqueen.

Haras du Courgeon (FR)

CASTLE STAR (IRE)

2019 b Starspangledbanner - Awahaam (Iffraaj)

RACE RECORD: 2 wins including G3 Marble Hill Stakes

Juvenile sprinter by the sire of State of Rest (foals in 2024) and The Wow Signal (Classic winner Coeursamba), his dam is a dual seven-furlong winner from the family of star miler Markofdistinction and 2023 Classic hero Chaldean. Will likely get mostly sprinters and milers.

Capital Stud

CHALDEAN (GB)

2020 ch Frankel - Suelita (Dutch Art)

RACE RECORD: 5 wins including G1 2000 Guineas,
G1 Dewhurst Stakes

roup 1 star at two and three, he is among a growing number of sons of the great Frankel at stud: the earliest feature Ace Impact’s sire Cracksman. Suelita’s other sons include Group 2 sprint winner Alkumait (yearlings in 2024). Branches of his family include brilliant miler Markofdistinction and fellow 2024 recruit Castle Star. Potentially a leading sire.

Banstead Manor Stud (GB)

DAVID DU BERLAIS (FR)

2019 b Saint des Saints – King’s Daughter (King’s Theatre)

RACE RECORD: 2 wins including NH-L Prix des Plantes

This black-type-winning juvenile hurdler is by a top NH sire and out of a Grade 3 hurdle winner who was also successful over fences. That half-sister to Grade 2-winning novice hurdler and Grade 1 RSA Chase runner-up Lyreen Legend is a top broodmare, the dam of Grade 1 chase winner Goliath du Berlais (3yo in 2024), dual Grade 3 scorer James du Berlais and Grade 3 chase winner Queen du Berlais.

Haras de Cercy (FR)

DRAGON SYMBOL (GB)

2018 gr Cable Bay - Arcamist (Arcano)

RACE RECORD: 5 wins

Unlucky to lose the G1 Commonwealth Cup in the stewards’ room, this grandson of influential Invincible Spirit is inbred 3x4 to Green Desert. His dam won over ten furlongs, is a half-sister to listed scorers over six and eight, and there are juvenile black-type winners in branches of the family. His seventh dam was champion two-year-old Star of India. Likely to get sprinters and milers.

Whitsbury Manor Stud (GB)

DUBAI MILE (IRE)

2020 ch Roaring Lion – Beach Bunny (High Chaparral)

RACE RECORD: 3 wins including G1 Criterium de Saint-Cloud

Group 1 victor over ten furlongs at two, he was fifth in the 2000 Guineas and fourth in the Group 2 King Edward Stakes. The half-brother to two sprint stakes winners is out of a mare who was short-headed in the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes. She is out of a half-sister to Classic-winning miler Miss France and is a granddaughter of Classic-placed juvenile Group 1 scorer Miss Tahiti. Likely to get his best at seven furlongs and upwards.

Manton Park Stud (GB)

EL CABALLO (GB)

2019 b Havana Gold - Showstoppa (Showcasing)

RACE RECORD: 6 wins including G2 Sandy Lane Stakes

Winner of six of his ten starts and by the sire of the hugely popular Havana Grey, this Group 2-winning sprinter looks sure to be busy. His three-parts sister Symbology was third in the Group 2 Lowther Stakes, his dam is a winning half-sister to Group 2 scorer Temple Meads and he comes from the family of the talented Sapieha.

Culworth Grounds Farm (GB)

EREVANN (FR)

2019 b Dubawi - Ervedya (Siyouni)

RACE RECORD: 4 wins including G2 Prix Daniel Wildenstein

Leading miler who was Group 2-placed over an extended nine and a half furlongs on his final start, he’s by the sire of Group 1-winning Group 1 sires Makfi, New Bay, Night of Thunder, Poet’s Voice, Too Darn Hot and Zarak. His late dam was a triple mile Group 1 star for their owner-breeder and he is likely to be very busy.

Haras de Bonneval (FR)

GOOD GUESS (GB)

2020 b Kodiac - Zykina (Pivotal)

RACE RECORD: 4 wins including G1 Prix Jean Prat

Early two-year-old winner who became a seven-furlong Group 1 winner at three, he is by the sire of black-type sires Adaay, Ardad, Coulsty, Kessaar, Kodi Bear and Prince Of Lir, and will be popular. The half-brother to seven-furlong Group 3 winner Spangled is a grandson of multiple Group 1 star Russian Rhythm, so he comes from a branch of the family of influential sire Cape Cross. Likely to get mostly sprinters and milers.

Tally-Ho Stud

HURRICANE LANE (IRE)

2018 ch Frankel – Gale Force (Shirocco)

RACE RECORD: 7 wins including G1 Irish Derby, G1 St Leger Stakes, G1 Grand Prix de Paris

Dual Classic star out of a stakes winner who stayed two miles. His dam’s half-sister Seal of Approval won the Group 1 Fillies & Mares Stakes. The family also features dual Derby hero Harzand. Hurricane Lane is being marketed to NH breeders.

Coolmore NH

JIMGE (FR)

2020 b Motivator – Simawa (Anabaa)

RACE RECORD: 5 wins including NH-G1 Prix Cambaceres - Grande Course de Haies

Standout juvenile hurdler in France for whom stud plans were hatched after his winning debut in March. The four-time black-type scorer’s only defeat was a Grade 3 third in September. He is by the sire of the great Treve, but NH breeders will know Motivator as the sire of Grade 1 scorers such as Pentland Hills, For Fun and Stormy Island. He is a half-brother to two flat stakes winners and out of a stakes-placed half-sister to Arc and dual Derby hero and Classic sire, Sinndar.

Haras du Hoguenet (FR)

KENWAY (FR)

2018 ch Galiway – Kendam (Kendargent)

RACE RECORD: 6 wins including G3 Prix La Rochette

Multiple Group 3-placed multiple stakes winner up to ten furlongs, he is by the sire of Sealiway (foals in 2024), Vauban and Gala Marceau and out of a sprint Group 1-placed, Group 3 scorer.

Coolagown Stud

LITTLE BIG BEAR (IRE)

2020 b No Nay Never – Adventure Seeker (Bering)

RACE RECORD: 5 wins including G1 Phoenix Stakes

€320,000 yearling and star two-year-old who became a Group 1-placed Group 2 winner at three, he is likely to be busy. His sire’s initial sons include 2023 freshmen Ten Sovereigns (three stakes winners) and Land Force, plus Arizona (freshman in 2024) and Blackbeard (foals in 2024). Third dam is the outstanding All Along. Potential leading freshman and source of sprinters and milers beyond that.

Coolmore Stud

LUSAIL (IRE)

2019 b Mehmas - Diaminda (Diamond Green)

RACE RECORD: 4 wins including G2 Gimcrack Stakes, G2 July Stakes

A leading juvenile sprinter who was twice Group 1-placed at three, by the sire of the popular stallions Caturra (foals in 2024), Minzaal (foals in 2024), Persian Force (foals in 2024) and Supremacy (yearlings in 2024), each of whom covered triple-digit books in 2023. He is out of a winning half-sister to Group 1-winning sprinter Fayr Jag.

Haras de Bouquetot (FR)

MAC SWINEY (IRE)

2018 ch New Approach – Halla Na Saoire (Teofilo)

RACE RECORD: 4 wins including G1 Irish ,000 Guineas, G1 Futurity Trophy Stakes

Classic-winning miler who finished third in the Champion Stakes but found 12 furlongs too far when fourth in the Derby, he is by the sire of Classic sire Dawn Approach and out of a full sister to Classic-placed ten-furlong Group 2 scorer Light Heavy. His dam is also closely related to Group 1 winner Parish Hall, who has sired winners from a small number of runners. A fascinating prospect and potential Group 1 sire.

Irish National Stud

LITTLE BIG BEAR

MARIE’S DIAMOND (IRE)

2016 b/br Footstepsinthesand – Sindiyma (Kalanisi)

RACE RECORD: 7 wins including G3 Anglesey Stakes

Group 1-placed triple stakes winner who did well from six to eight furlongs and raced from two to seven years of age, he is a grandson of multiple US champion sire Giant’s Causeway and from the family of Arc and dual Derby hero and subsequent Classic sire Sinndar.

Diamond Stud

MENDOCINO (GER)

2018 ch Adlerflug – Mill Marin (Pivotal)

RACE RECORD: 3 wins including G1 Grosser Preis von Baden

Group 1 runner-up to Alpinista at three and head conqueror of Torquator Tasso in a 12-furlong Group 1 at four, this son of a top grandson of Sadler’s Wells is a half-brother to a Group 3 scorer and from a successful dual-purpose family.

Haras du Lion (FR)

MILITARY STYLE (USA)

2018 b War Front – Together Forever (Galileo)

RACE RECORD: 2 wins including G3 Tyros Stakes

Son of a Group 1 Fillies’ Mile winner, this half-brother to 2023 juvenile star City of Troy has a string of Group 1-winning relations. His dam’s sister Forever Together won the Oaks, their half-brother Lord Shanakill landed the Prix Jean Prat, while their dam is an unraced half-sister to US Grade 1 heroine Spanish Fern. US Grade 1 winner Heatseeker, Irish 1000 Guineas star Al Bahathri, 2000 Guineas and Champion Stakes victor Haafhd and two-year-old Italian Group 1 scorer Hearts of Fire also appear under branches of the family.

Haras du Taillis (FR)

MISHRIFF (IRE)

2017 b Make Believe - Contradict (Raven’s Pass)

RACE RECORD: 7 wins including G1 Juddmonte International Stakes, G1 Dubai Sheema Classic, G1 Prix du Jockey Club

Brilliant six-length winner of the Juddmonte International Stakes, this Classic star was due to start his new career in 2023 but missed out due to an injury. He is by a Group 1-winning son of 2000 Guineas victor Makfi and from the immediate family of leading international sires Invincible Spirit and Kodiac. This is Classic-sire potential.

Montfort et Preaux (FR)

MODERN GAMES (IRE)

2019 ch Dubawi – Modern Ideals (New Approach)

RACE RECORD: 8 wins including G1 Lockinge Stakes, G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile, G1 Woodbine Mile, G1 Poule d’Essai des Poulains, G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf

Group 1 star at two, three and four, this top-class miler was placed in the Prix du Jockey Club over ten and a half furlongs. He’s by the sire of Group 1-winning Group 1 sires Makfi, New Bay, Night of Thunder, Poet’s Voice, Too Darn Hot and Zarak and is a half-brother to Classic star and nose Breeders’ Cup Mile second Mawj. It’s a branch of the family of the Classic-winning siblings Bosra Sham, Hector Protector and Shanghai. Potential Classic sire who could also be a leading freshman, with his best coming mostly at six to ten furlongs.

Dalham Hall Stud (GB)

MOJO STAR (IRE)

2018 b Sea The Stars - Galley (Zamindar)

RACE RECORD: 1 win

Dual Classic-placed son of Sea The Stars who was a half-length runner-up to Kyprios in the Gold Cup at Royal Ascot, this half-brother to Royal Hunt Cup victor Portage is standing as a NH stallion and looks sure to be popular.

Whytemount Stud

MOSTAHDAF (IRE)

2018 br Frankel - Handassa (Dubawi)

RACE RECORD: 10 wins including G1 Juddmonte International Stakes, G1 Prince of Wales’s Stakes

One of the world’s top-rated horses, this half-brother to dual mile Group 1 star Nazeef is a potential Classic sire. By the sire of Ace Impact’s sire Cracksman and notables in his family include the Group 1-winning sprinters and full brothers Goodricke and Pastoral Pursuits. He didn’t run at two (May foal) but should be capable of getting some smart autumn juveniles.

Beech House Stud (GB)

MUTASAABEQ (GB)

2018 br Invincible Spirit - Ghanaati (Giant’s Causeway)

RACE RECORD: 7 wins including G2 Joel Stakes (twice), G2 bet365 Mile

Unbeaten at two and a triple Group 2-winning miler at four and five, this son of Classic-winning miler Ghanaati is from the famous stallion-producing family of Nashwan, Nayef, Unfuwain and Deep Impact. His sire’s stallions feature the outstanding pair I Am Invincible and Kingman plus Group 1-siring Cable Bay, Charm Spirit, Lawman, Mayson, Shalaa and Territories. Likely source of high-class performers in the five-to-ten-furlong range.

National Stud (GB)

NATIVE TRAIL (GB)

2019 b Oasis Dream - Needleleaf (Observatory)

RACE RECORD: 6 wins including G1 Irish 2,000 Guineas, G1 Dewhurst Stakes, G1 National Stakes

Undefeated juvenile champion and an Eclipse-placed Classic-winning miler at three, he is out of a sister to sprint Group 1 winner African Rose and Helleborine, the Group 3-winning dam of Group 2 scorer and successful 2023 freshman Calyx (2 Group winners). His sire’s Group 1-siring sons include Muhaarar, Power and Showcasing. Potentially a leading freshman whose long-term best results will come mostly in the five-to-ten-furlong range.

Kildangan Stud

ONESTO (IRE)

2019 ch Frankel - Onshore (Sea The Stars)

RACE RECORD: 3 wins including G1 Grand Prix de Paris

Among the plethora of sons of the great Frankel at stud, this middle-distance ace was a $535,000 breeze-up two-year-old, his dam is a half-sister to the high-class Jet Away and so comes from the immediate family of the influential stallion Dansili and his Group 1-siring full brothers Cacique and Champs Elysees. His grandam is a half-sister to stakes winner and phenomenal broodmare Hasili, whereas third dam Kerali is out of juvenile Group 1 scorer Sookera and so is a half-sister to Group 1-winning sprinter So Factual. These are top credentials.

Haras d’Etreham (FR)

PADDINGTON (GB)

2020 b Siyouni – Modern Eagle (Montjeu)

RACE RECORD: 7 wins including G1 Sussex Stakes, G1 Coral-Eclipse Stakes, G1 St James’s Palace Stakes, G1 Irish 2000 Guineas

Seven-furlong juvenile winner who became a celebrity at three, this multiple Group 1 star is by sire of Sottsass (freshman in 2024) and St Mark’s Basilica (yearlings in 2024). He is out of a 12.5 furlong stakes-winning granddaughter of Group 1 scorer Moonlight Dance, that one a daughter of dual Classic star Madelia. Likely to get some smart autumn juveniles but best mostly later in the seven-to-twelve-furlong range.

Coolmore Stud

PRETTY TIGER (IRE)

2018 b Sea The Moon – Fast And Pretty (Zamindar)

RACE RECORD: 6 wins including G2 Prix Eugene Adam

A high-class middle-distance horse by runaway Classic star Sea The Moon, this half-brother to pattern-placed seven-furlong winner Pretty Boy is being aimed at the NH market. His multiple Group 2-placed grandam Tres Rapide has a string of black-type siblings including stayer Tres Rock Danon and Classic-placed Group 2 scorer Tres Blue.

Haras de la Tuilerie (FR)

PYLEDRIVER (GB)

2017 b Harbour Watch – La Pyle (Le Havre)

RACE RECORD: 8 wins including G1 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes, G1 Coronation Cup

Classic-placed middle-distance star by a late son of Acclamation, Pyledriver is related to Group 1 winners Mont Ormel and Linngari and is being aimed at the NH market.

Coolmore NH

SHAQUILLE (GB)

2020 b Charm Spirit - Magic (Galileo)

RACE RECORD: 7 wins including G1 July Cup, G1 Commonwealth Cup

Winner of seven from nine starts, this grandson of Invincible Spirit is also a grandson of Group 2-winning sprinter Danehurst, which makes him inbred 4x4 Danzig, 4x3 Sadler’s Wells and 4x4 Miswaki. Relations also include Classic-placed juvenile Group 2 sprint winner Dazzle plus mile Grade 2 scorer Doneraile Court, a successful sire in North and South America. Should get sprinters, milers and juvenile winners.

Dullingham Park Stud (GB)

SPEAK IN COLOURS (IRE)

2015 gr Excelebration – Maglietta Fina (Verglas)

RACE RECORD: 11 wins including G2 Greenlands Stakes

Winner of four group and two listed races at six and seven furlongs, one of them as a two-year-old, this prolific half-brother to Group 1-winning miler Lady Bowthorpe represents the Danehill sire line. His dam is a half-sister to Group 1-placed dual Group 2 scorer Tullius.

Haras des Fontaines (FR)

SUBJECTIVIST (GB)

2017 b Teofilo - Reckoning (Danehill Dancer)

RACE RECORD: 6 wins including G1 Gold Cup, G1 Prix Royal-Oak

Standout stayer by classic sire Teofilo – behind only Frankel among stallion sons of the great Galileo – Subjectivist is being aimed at the NH market. He is a half-brother to Classic-placed Group 2 scorer Sir Ron Priestley (yearlings in 2024) and looks sure to be popular.

Alne Park Stud (GB)

THE ANTARCTIC (IRE)

2020 gr Dark Angel – Anna Law (Lawman)

RACE RECORD: 4 wins including G3 Lacken Stakes, G3 Prix de Cabourg

A full brother to the brilliant Battaash, this Group 1-placed dual six-furlong Group 3 scorer will surely be busy. Likely to get sprinters and milers.

Castlehyde Stud

TRIPLE TIME (IRE)

2019 b Frankel – Reem Three (Mark of Esteem)

RACE RECORD: 4 wins including G1 Queen Anne Stakes

Lightly raced Group 1-winning miler whose siblings include ten-furlong Group 1 heroine Ajman Princess, mile Group 2 scorer Ostilio and Group 3-winning sprinter Cape Byron. His fourth dam is French Classic star Dunette, the dam of Grade 1 victor French Glory. Could get autumn black-type juveniles but his best results may come in the seven-to-fourteen-furlong range with three-year-olds and upwards.

Dalham Hall Stud (GB)

*Dr Sieglinde McGee is a widely published thoroughbred pedigree analyst and author of the comprehensive Best Racehorse annuals that offer a comprehensive view of each racing year and are available to purchase online.

VADENI (FR)

2019 b Churchill – Vaderana (Monsun)

RACE RECORD: 5 wins including G1 Coral-Eclipse Stakes, G1 Prix du Jockey Club

Pattern-placed stakes winner at two and an Arc-placed Classic star at three, Vadeni is a son of Classic-winning miler Churchill and out of a half-sister to pattern scorers The Pentagon and Vadamar. His grandam Vadawina won the Group 1 Prix Saint-Alary and finished fourth in the Group 1 Prix de Diane from just four starts. she is a half-sister to Group 1 Prix Saint-Alary scorer Vazira (and from the family of mile Group 1 stars Vadamos, Vahorimix, Val Royal, and Valixir. Likely to be very popular.

Haras de Bonneval (FR)

WONDERFUL MOON (GER)

2017 ch Sea The Moon – Wonderful Filly (Lomitas)

RACE RECORD: 5 wins including G2 Union-Rennen

Twelve-length Group 3 scorer over eight and a half furlongs as a two-year-old and a triple middle-distance pattern winner at three, this three-parts brother to 2023 runaway juvenile Group 3 scorer Wonderful Boy is standing as a NH stallion.

Haras de Cercy (FR)