We bought this magnificent son of the phenomenal racehorse and now first season sire Stradivarius for 82,000 guineas at the Tattersalls Book 2 Sale. This is the most we have spent for Kennet Valley since we took over from Nick Robinson in 2013.

Stradivarius needs no introduction as a racehorse. He raced 35 times, winning 20 of them with seven coming at Group 1 level. He won three Ascot Gold Cups and the Queens Vase as a three-year-old, thus a consecutive four-time Royal Ascot winner.

The first of his career wins came as a two-year-old whilst he was still winning aged eight which is a great feat for an entire colt. Stamina in a flat stallion prospect is not necessarily fashionable right now which is why the ‘Strad’ retired to stud for ‘only’ £10,000 a cover. However, as a top class and gorgeous son of the mighty Sea The Stars, there are plenty of reasons to suggest he could make it as a stallion. His foals were an impressive bunch, and we felt this colt was the best of them presented at public auction both as a foal and now as a yearling.

The dam, Balance, won twice including on her debut as a two-year-old. She is by an outstanding broodmare sire in Pivotal and the daughter of a Listed winner in France. Her half-sister, Azabara, was also a Listed winner in France whilst she also finished a commendable fifth to Zarkava in the French 1,000 Guineas.

Luke Lillingston said…

“Seeing is believing! Like father like son! I have inspected all of the progeny of the extraordinary Stradivarius that have been presented at public auction in these islands. Last December this boy was the standout amongst his group of foals. Sam and I loved him and were frustrated to end up as underbidders. On this occasion we were not to be denied with Owen Burrows by our side at Tattersalls. He is so like his father it’s uncanny. He has inherited not only his flashy colours but also his bulging physique and terrific athleticism. His pedigree combines great speed and stamina. While his father was memorably one of the greatest stayers of all time, his broodmare sire Pivotal won the Group 1 Nunthorpe over York’s electric five furlongs. Both Sea the Stars and Highest Honour won Group 1 races at a mile. Post purchase somebody mentioned the Chesham Stakes at Royal Ascot next year. We are all dreamers but come and feast your eyes at our yearling parade and make your own mind up.”