Middleham Park Racing's Shouldvebeenaring (GB) (Havana Grey {GB}) will take up a stallion career at the Irish National Stud next year, Middleham Park Racing's Tom Palin confirmed on Tuesday.
Entered in the G2 Challenge Stakes at Newmarket on Friday, the colt is eyeing the G1 QIPCO Champions Sprint Stakes as a likely finale. The French Group 3 winner was second in the 2023 G1 Sprint Cup Stakes and third in the G1 Prix de la Foret last year. He's also placed third in both the G2 City Of York Stakes and G2 Park Stakes in August and September, respectively.
“I think we will probably role the dice in the Champions Sprint,” said Middleham Park Racing's Tom Palin to At The Races.
“It's a not so secret, secret, that he is going to stand at the Irish National Stud and after speaking to them, we are more than likely going to try to get that Group 1 that he more than deserves.
“I don't think he's got a Breeders' Cup in him. It would either be a two-turn mile or the sprint would have him stood on his head, so Ascot will likely be his last day.
“He more than deserves his swansong and has been a joy of a horse who gives his all. He will probably not get his ground there and it might be miraculous if he was to, but it's a great game and strange things can happen.”
Bred by Whitsbury Manor Stud where his sire stands, Peter and Ross Doyle picked up the grey on behalf of Middleham Park Racing for £40,000 out of the Goffs UK Premier and Silver Yearling Sale. His dam, the winning Lady Estella (Ire) (Equiano {Fr}), is a half-sister to Group 3 scorer Rosso Corsa (GB) (Footstepsinthesand {GB}). Shouldvebeenaring has six wins and 10 placings from 28 starts and over $680,000 in earnings.
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