It was a grand unveiling for the new addition to the Sun Stud stallion line-up, shuttler National Defense (GB), who arrived on Monday.
A son of breed-shaper Invincible Spirit (Ire), National Defense was France’s Champion 2YO Colt in 2016. He won the G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere by four and a half lengths and received a Timeform rating of 118.
After covering a strong introductory book at the Irish National Stud, National Defense will stand for an introductory fee of $11,000 inc GST at Sun Stud this spring.
National Defense standing his first season at Sun Stud
National Defense was joined in the parade by the nine other stallions on Sun Stud’s roster – Fiorente (Ire), Magnus, Palentino, Fighting Sun, Thronum, Bel Esprit, Love Conquers All, Ready For Victory and Squamosa.
There was significant interest in Melbourne Cup winner Fiorente, who has made a strong start at stud with four stakes winners in his first two crops – Stars Of Carrum, Hawkshot, Moor Gait and Power Scheme. The latter was an impressive trial winner on the morning of the parade.
Squamosa has also started well with 34 winners from 52 runners so far, with Kiwi Ida and Order Of Command successful at stakes level.
Palentino’s first crop of yearlings will be sold in the coming season, while Thronum is embarking on his second season at stud after serving an excellent first book.
Fiorente at Sun Stud
“A big thank you to all the breeders who attended the open day and stallion parade,” said Sun Stud’s Senior Sales and Nominations Manager, Mark Lindsay. “We’re looking forward to a bumper year in the covering shed and sharing their success.
“We’re looking forward to a bumper year in the covering shed and sharing their success." - Mark Lindsey
“It was also great that a prize generously donated by Moonee Valley Racing Club managed to raise $1,165 for our friends at the Riding For Disabled Association of Victoria.”
Sun Stud will again be offering no payment until live foal on all of its stallions in 2019.
