By Gary King
On the back of the eagerly anticipated stallion fee announcements in Europe, Gary King chatted with a number of leading industry figures to talk about value. First up is Dermot Cantillon of Tinnakill House.
GK: Who have you identified as a first year stallion at an appealing opening fee?
DC: It has to be Far Above (Ire) (Farhh {GB}) at €6,000. He has many qualities that are synonymous with a stallion destined for greatness. Undefeated over five and six furlongs out of a top broodmare stallion in Shamardal from the Pivotal (GB) sire line. He has a physique that is the envy of all his peers, and presently, I'm hoping that my son Jack will give me a breeding right for Christmas.
GK: I'm sure Jack will oblige. What about a proven stallion? Who would you consider well priced?
DC: Dandy Man (Ire) (Mozart {Ire}). This is a stallion that had an exceptional 2020 with his 2-year-old fillies. His colts have always been in demand at the yearling sales, trainers know he can get a good one and they're in high demand especially for Hong Kong. His 2021 fee is €15,000, which even in these Covid times, represents good value for breeders.
GK: Who would you consider to be an under the radar stallion?
DC: Raven's Pass (Elusive Quality) gets 9% stakes horses to runners. A better statistic than more fashionable horses that stand for 10 times his advertised fee. I have a theory that many older stallions develop enemies over time, as all the trainers have disappointing ones, and Raven's Pass suffers from this. No doubt he can get you a good horse and especially for owner breeders he represents outstanding value at €7,500.
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