The first foal of multiple champion stayer and seven-time Group 1 winner Stradivarius (Ire) was born at the National Stud on Monday.
The chestnut filly was bred by Wretham Stud and is a daughter of the former Sir Michael Stoute trainee Give Me Breath (GB) (Bated Breath {GB}).
“She is a lovely first foal for Stradivarius and looks to have his strength and athleticism at this early stage which bodes well for future arrivals,” said Joe Bradley, head of bloodstock for the National Stud. “We have two more mares due in the next week so it is a very exciting time for everyone on the farm.”
He added, “Stradivarius's book for 2024 is looking very strong and breeders are really taken with him. His physique, temperament and of course his walk which I'm sure will be replicated in his progeny.”
Stradivarius's owner-breeder Bjorn Nielsen said, “I'm astonished at how much this first foal is like 'The Strad' in both her colouring and movement, being chestnut with a big white blaze.”
The Stradivarius breeders' bonuses originally offered in 2023 will continue for breeders of members of his second crop. The breeders of the first 10 2-year-old winners will receive a £25,000 bonus, Group 2 and 3 winners in Britain, Ireland and France will earn a bonus of £100,000, while there is £250,000 for the breeder of a Group 1 winner.
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