Sea The Stars to The Aga Khan's Gilltown Stud, Ireland!

[S_N]

In a press release published this morning, the Tsui family ended weeks of speculation by announcing that Sea The Stars would stand at the Aga Khan’s Gilltown Stud in Co. Kildare, Ireland.
Ling Tsui, mother of Christopher Tsui in whose colours the 3yo colt raced, said “His Highness was kind enough to let us stand Sea The Stars at Gilltown while keeping ownership of him and we are most grateful. The staff and facilities at Gilltown are top class and Sea The Stars will enjoy his stay there.”

His Highness the Aga Khan said: “Mrs Tsui and Christopher’s decision to entrust the future career at stud of Sea The Stars to Gilltown Stud farm brings to everyone at the Aga Khan Studs, as well as to me personally, the greatest happiness. Mrs Tsui and Christopher’s decision is certainly one of the most important developments for my operation since I inherited it in 1960. (…).This horse could also help develop relations to bring Chinese investment into the European bloodstock market."

One of the very first mares to visit Sea the Stars has already been named as the Aga Khan plans to send him his unbeaten 2008 Arc winner Zarkava, now in foal to Dalakhani. "I believe the last two Arc winners were made for each other both in terms of ability, temperament and conformation. The best needs to be bred to the best.”

 

[tiggerette]

Wow - what a potentially exciting mating and what good news that STS isn't going to the States

 

[maresnest]

it is very clever of them to keep the horse in Ireland where he will be the most famous and desirable horse in the country, sending him to the states without a breeders cup victory would remove him far from the people who would most want to use him. and he will get the individual attention there that might be lost at a big stalion station.

 

[tiggerette]

I would also add that his style of racing and action would be more suited to producing offspring destined for European racing rather than American, plus there are more than enough choice mates for him in Europe due to the large number of wealthy owners on this side of the Atlantic (Sheik Mo, Mr Tabor and Magnier, etc)

 

[S_N]

All that and his bloodlines are not particularly sought after stateside.

 

[Fantasy_World]

What a fabulous first mating that could be. Well on paper anyway, as we all know sadly things can and do go wrong from time to time. Let's hope that Sea the Stars enjoys a terrific and long stud career. That first crop could be priceless and I would guess would shatter a few sales records if it were to be sold. Zarkava was an amazing filly and had such ability. Coupled with the sheer brilliance of STS I cannot wait to see what the offspring will be like. To be honest I would like to see a filly produced rather than a colt so as to maximise future breeding potential.
I don't agree with the over breeding of tb's in racing and my comments may go against the grain in some quarters. But I do believe that in some instances it is essential for the future of the sport that superstars go on to excel in the breeding barns when their racing days are over.
There is a lot of chaff that is bred in racing which does need to be weeded out in my opinion. But when you have true group 1 superstars like this paired together the future anticipation is truly mouthwatering. Well for me anyway lol.

 

[JDChaser]

It's not because he'll miss out on individual attention... it's so that more breeders/owners will use him. E.g. if he stood at Coolmore then Darley wouldn't use him on their mares.