ENGLISH TEXTS
Northern Dancer and Mr . Prospector : Indispensable Genetically , all 36 European stallions debuting in 2025 trace back to Northern Dancer . Of these , 92 % ( 33 stallions ) also carry Mr . Prospector , with exceptions being French sires Master d ’ Oc , Puchkine , and Riocorvo . Four new French stallions ( Carlton du Berlais , Metropolitan , Nietzsche Has , and Zagrey ) are direct descendants of Zarak , a son of Dubawi and an inbred carrier of Mr . Prospector . Together with two sons of Iffraaj ( My Prospero and Only the Brave ), this lineage accounts for 35 % of France ’ s new recruits . The influence of Gone West , a son of Mr . Prospector , is particularly striking , appearing in 53 % of new recruits . Irish breeding continues to invest in Wootton Bassett , a Gone West descendant , adding Bucanero Fuerte and King of Steel to its roster . Urban Sea , Scat Daddy , Siyouni , and Others
Urban Sea , Scat Daddy , Siyouni and the others … Mr . Prospector is also the grandsire of elite mare Urban Sea , whose legacy extends to 39 % of 2025 recruits , primarily via Galileo ( 10 sires ) and Sea the Stars ( 4 sires ). Urban Sea ’ s duplication may soon rival historic inbreeding trends like Natalma or Special . Germany continues to focus on classic stamina with Sea the Moon ’ s sons Assistent and Fantastic Moon , catering to a program that prioritizes 2200 – 2400m races . Meanwhile , Galileo ’ s dynasty remains strong with 4 new sires in the UK , Ireland , and Germany , though none are direct male-line sires in France . Ireland also invests in Scat Daddy , adding Aesop ’ s Fables and City of Troy , while France welcomes two sons of Siyouni ( Al Hakeem and
God Blessing ) and two grandsons of In the Wings . This diverse and promising array ensures the European stallion market remains robust and forward-looking .
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FIRST 2-YEAR-OLDS
� PAGE 43
By Vicki Gibbins
FIRST-CROP SIRES : WHO WILL CLAIM THE CROWN IN 2025 ?
When reviewing the leading firstseason sires over the last few years , big-hitting names spring to mind like Lope De Vega , No Nay Never and Blue Point . Yet there has been an increasing trend in the last five years that Leading First-Season Sire in Europe ( by number of winners ) is secured by a lower opening-fee stallion – with four of the last five standing at 15,000 or less . This statistic looks set to be upheld in 2025 , with budget options like A ’ Ali , Supremacy and Roseman all capable of producing the quantity of juvenile winners required to secure the title .
Palace Pier and St Mark ’ s Basillica ? At the top of the market this season , breeding powerhouses Darley and Coolmore are represented by champions Palace Pier and St Mark ’ s Basilica . Palace Pier , standing at Dalham Hall Stud ( UK ) for £ 32,000 , achieved five Group 1 victories and attracted an exciting book of mares , with the dams of Cracksman and Aclaim both visiting the son of Kingman . Coolmore ’ s St Mark ’ s Basilica will be aiming to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Montjeu , Lope De Vega and Shamardal as a winner of the ‘ stallion-making ’ Prix du Jockey Club and his versatility on the track was matched by a first book of sprinting and staying mares alike . Both stallions , warranting the highest fees amongst the freshman class of 2025 , were winners at two and are expected to achieve juvenile success – yet first books suggest offspring will show best form as three-year-olds and onwards . With an opening fee of 15,000 euros , the Irish National Stud ’ s Lucky Vega is an early pick for future Leading Sire accolades . The son of Lope De Vega was an excellent juvenile for trainer Jessica Harrington , taking the Group 1 Phoenix Stakes ( 1200m ) before two Classic placings in the Group 1 2000 Guineas ( 1600m ) and the Irish equivalent . From the family of Lawman , Lucky Vega has been rewarded by Irish breeders with an exceptional first book including Scarlett Rose , dam of champion Blue Point and Eytarna , Black Type producer and second-dam of Oaks heroine Ezeliya .
“ THE TITLE OF LEADING FIRST- SEASON SIRE IN EUROPE PROMISES TO BE THRILLING .“
Vicky Gibbins
In France , Haras d ’ Etreham boasts an impressive stallion roster and Godolphin ’ s Victor Ludorum is a worthy new recruit . With a fascinating pedigree – 3 x 3 inbred to the dam of Street Cry , Helen Street – the striking chestnut was unbeaten as a two-year-old , culminating in a Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere
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