| Champion European galloper
Giant's Causeway, who's been called upon to replace Danehill at Coolmore Stud this season,
will be standing for an Australian record first season service fee. Coolmore Australia's General Manager Michael Kirwan confirmed today
that the five time consecutive Group One winner would be standing at a fee of $137,500
(inc. GST).
That is some $27,500 more than another Coolmore based
stallion, the Kentucky Derby winner Fusaichi Pegasus, who started his Australian service
(and remains at) at $110,000 (inc. GST).
On the track Giant's Causeway became the first horse since
the mighty Nijinsky to win five consecutive Group One races in Europe.
Kirwan said he was excited to have such a well
credentialled, bred and performed stallion prospect in Australia this season.
"To not have Danehill here is obviously a great
disappointment," Kirwan said. "But this horse (Giant's Causeway) is going to be
a great substitute."
"We believe Giant's Causeway is sure to appeal to
breeders as a very worthy and viable alternative to Danehill for the coming season."
"Danehill's progeny are best know for their ability
and toughness, and Giant's Causeway was one of the best and toughest horses to have ever
raced in Europe. He is also getting outstanding first foals in the Northern
Hemisphere," Kirwan added.
Giant's Causeway is by the king of the Northern Hemisphere,
Storm Cat - a sire who commands a service fee of US$500,000 at Overbrook Farm. Giant's
Causeway himself stands for US$135,000 in Kentucky. |
