Invincible Spirit (Ire) tops the 2023 Irish National Stud roster in 2023. The sire of 21 Group 1 winners lifetime, the 25-year-old will stand for a private fee. His progeny won 10 stakes this year, led by Pearls Galore (Fr)'s victory in the G1 Matron S. and Shartash (Ire)'s win in the G2 Railway S. among his seven group winners.
Classic winner Phoenix Of Spain (Ire)'s first runners will step out on racecourses next year and he has been priced at €12,000. G1 Phoenix S. winner Lucky Vega (Ire) will stand his second season for €15,000, while Group 2 scorer Nando Parrado (GB), whose first foals will also arrive in 2023, will command an unchanged fee of €6,000.
Established stallions Decorated Knight (GB) and Free Eagle (Ire) are both priced at €5,000. They are joined by the trio of Dragon Pulse (Ire), Elusive Pimpernel and Equiano (Fr), all set to cover at €2,000.
“While 2022 will certainly be remembered for strong market performance at all the major sales the headwinds for 2023 suggests the need for a cautious outlook,” said Irish National Stud CEO Cathal Beale. “With that in mind the Irish National Stud are delighted to present an exciting team of stallions with fees maintained or reduced across the board.
“With incredible support from Mr. Zhang's Yulong Investments, Lucky Vega has the ammunition required to make him a champion. Likewise, the Coventry S. winner, Nando Parrado, proved remarkably popular in year one with 130 mares covered. Incredible looks, raw speed, precocity and hailing from the proven Kodiac (GB) sire line, he brings fantastic credentials.
“Phoenix of Spain will have 93 first crop 2-year olds to run. He won his maiden in July, the G3 Acomb in August, placed in the G2 Champagne in September and was a short head second to a future Classic Winner in the G1 Vertem in October. [He is] a top class 2-year old, [and] a 2000 Guineas-winning 3-year old.
“For those seeking proven credentials the roster is stacked with great value options. Free Eagle, Decorated Knight, Equiano, Elusive Pimpernel and Dragon Pulse provide commercial success in the sales ring and high-class performers on the track, all for €5,000 or under.
“And then there is Invincible Spirit. This year brought over 20 2-year old winners including the G2 Railway S. winner, Shartash. His yearling average price was over €150,000 and a new Group 1 winner as a broodmare sire arrived in Breeder's Cup Champion Victoria Road (Ire) (Saxon Warrior {Jpn}).”
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