GB: Stradivarius, the superstar stayer whose retirement from racing was announced on Monday [Sept 26], will at the National Stud from 2023.
The prolific son of Sea The Stars won seven G1 races and close to £3.5million in prize money, as well as the Weatherbys Hamilton Stayers’ £1million bonus two years running.
Owned and bred by Bjorn Nielsen and trained by John Gosden, Stradivarius quickly became a firm favourite with racegoers after winning the Goodwood Cup in taking fashion in 2017.
“It has been a fairytale from start to finish,” said Nielsen. “He had great presence when he went to the races, which the crowds loved, and his overall soundness was rare to see in any horse – never mind one of his age. He is a tribute to John Gosden, who has trained him so brilliantly for so long.”
Stradivarius is the highest-earning son of leading sire Sea The Stars and performed consistently at the highest level throughout his career, winning four Goodwood Cups, three Ascot Gold Cups, three Lonsdale Cups and the Doncaster Cup twice.
Trainer John Gosden paid tribute, saying: “Stradivarius has been the most extraordinary and unique racehorse throughout his career. He exhibited joy in his training and has given enormous pleasure to everyone, both on and off the track.
“He was kept in training this year, as an eight year old, to run in three races, the Yorkshire Cup, the Ascot Gold Cup and the Goodwood Cup." the trainer went on, speaking to the British Champions series team.
"He maintained his form at the highest level in all three races and his positive mind set remained undiminished. It is an amazing feat for an entire horse and speaks volumes for his courage and tenacity.
“His constitution has been a marvel to behold and his exciting style of travelling easily in a race, and then quickening to pounce, reflected his character.
“As everyone noticed, he could be very vociferous and playful before a race and quite often put in a buck cantering off to the start. Always an entertainer, but with a tough competitive mind, who was all business when the starting stalls opened.
To his owner-breeder, to everyone at Clarehaven Stables and to his loving race going public, he has been a constant source of pleasure and excitement.
“He goes to stud with an amazing race record and enormous affection. To train he has been a complete joy to all of us here. He will remain close to home and is already looking forward to his new career.”
National Stud chief executive Anna Kerr added: “We are delighted to have a racehorse of the calibre of Stradivarius joining the roster at the National Stud. He has consistently demonstrated many of the attributes that his sire Sea The Stars had, including consistency, soundness and a phenomenal temperament.
“The whole team are looking forward to him arriving here in the coming weeks and he will be available for breeders to view at the stud during the December sales.”
The National Stud, which is part of The Jockey Club, has been an integral part of the British thoroughbred breeding industry for more than 100 years. Alongside breeding services it also delivers a world-class education programme in thoroughbred breeders and provides public tours through Discover Newmarket.
• Visit the National Stud website and the Qipco British Champions Series website
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