Scat Daddy's Royal Ascot superstar Caravaggio has been relocated from Coolmore's headquarters in Ireland to its American base at Ashford Stud, Coolmore announced Thursday.
“Ever since he retired to stud, Caravaggio has been supported by top [North] American-based breeders such as David Anderson, Peter Berglar, John Gunther, Hunter Valley Farm, Runnymede Farm, Fred Hertrich, Mike Ryan, e5 Racing & Merriebelle Stables,” said Ashford's Director of Sales Charlie O'Connor, who co-bred the MG1SW sprinter with his father-in-law's Windmill Manor Farms. “This support carried into the sales ring in both the U.S. and Europe with several of his highest-priced yearlings being bought by American-based owners including Peter Brant's White Birch Farm, Wesley Ward, Ben McElroy, Susan Moulton, DJ Stables, Mike Akers and Meah/Lloyd for Calvin Nguyen. These included a $400,000 filly and a $300,000 colt sold by Gainesway at Keeneland.”
Winner of the Group 1 Phoenix S. in Ireland and G2 Coventry S. at Royal Ascot as a juvenile, the gray son of American stakes winner Mekko Hokte (Holy Bull) added a score in the G1 Commonwealth Cup S. back at Ascot the following summer.
“A multiple Group 1 winner, Caravaggio is an outstanding physical and was a fantastic racehorse, going unbeaten in his first six starts which included Royal Ascot wins at both two and three,” said O'Connor. “His pedigree holds major appeal for breeders here being a son of Scat Daddy, one of the most successful stallions we've ever stood at Ashford, and out of a stakes winner on dirt by Holy Bull. His half-sister My Jen was a good racemare too, winning a Grade II on the main track at Belmont for Eddie Kenneally. All in all, we thought it made a lot of sense to bring him over.”
Caravaggio stood his first two seasons at €35,000 and was increased to €40,000 in 2020. He will stand at $25,000 for 2021 and is available for inspection at Ashford.
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