The National Stud in conjunction with Sam Sangster Bloodstock are delighted to announce that the Prix Jacques le Marois [Gr.1] winner, Diego Velazquez, is retired and set to take up stud duties in 2026.
Acquired by his new connections following his Minstrel Stakes [Gr.2] success at the Curragh in July, Diego Velazquez went on to take the Deauville showpiece in one of the strongest renewals in recent years. Travelling strongly to the fore, Diego Velazquez fought off the challenges of multiple and subsequent Gr.1 winner Notable Speech, Royal Ascot Queen Anne Stakes [Gr.1] winner Docklands, multiple Gr.1-winning Japanese raider Ascoli Piceno, Dancing Gemini, Ridari and The Lion In Winter etc.
The beautifully bred son of Frankel can boast 6 career successes from 2 to 4 years retiring to stud as one of the season’s leading milers with an official rating of 121.
A 2,400,000Gns yearling from Tattersalls Book 1, Diego Velazquez possesses both an outstanding physical presence and a top-class pedigree. Out of the Croom House Stud stalwart and blue hen, Sweepstake (Acclamation), Diego Velazquez is a three parts brother to multiple Group 1 winner Broome and multiple Group winning & Group 1-placed, Point Lonsdale.
“We always thought the world of Diego Valezquez,” commented trainer Aidan O’Brien, “he has always been a very good horse and I’m so delighted for Sam, he’s a very legitimate and desirable horse, he deserved to win his Group 1… He’s a great model and is determined and very brave.”
“A Group 2 winner at 2 and 3 years with a very emotional Group 1 to his name at 4, we’re incredibly proud to offer Diego Velazquez to breeders in 2026,” said co-owner and syndicate manager, Sam Sangster. “Diego Velazquez has it all, a superb-looking son of Frankel from a great family, with an attitude to die for, he has all the attributes you need to be a success at stud.”
“Diego Velazquez ticks every box for British Breeders – physical, pedigree and performance.” said National Stud CEO Anna Kerr. “The market response has been hugely positive with a lot of enquiries already. This horse will be given every chance to succeed – he will be fully supported by the partners and we will be buying mares for him over the coming months.”
Diego Velazquez has arrived at the National Stud with his first season fee is confirmed at £17,500.
Marc Chan’s multiple Group 1-winning star Kinross has retired from racing and will enjoy a well-earned retirement at The National Stud in Newmarket.
In celebration of National Sausage Week and Newmarket’s annual Sausage Festival on Saturday 1st November, some of our wonderful cafes and restaurants will be serving specially created sausage dishes on their menus during the preceding week (Monday 27th October to Sunday 2nd November).
The National Stud in conjunction with Sam Sangster Bloodstock are delighted to announce that the Prix Jacques le Marois [Gr.1] winner, Diego Velazquez, is retired and set to take up stud duties in 2026.
To celebrate Newmarket’s long association with the Newmarket sausage, the hometown of British horse racing will be staging its 4th annual Sausage Festival on Saturday 1st November from 10am to 2pm.
Beware, beware as Spooky Season is here!
Halloween is just around the corner and the thrills and spills of the holiday season is descending upon Newmarket and the surrounding areas.
It has been just over 18 months since George Talbot and his team took over The Red Lion at Brinkley.
Discover Newmarket – the tourism body at the heart of British horseracing – is delighted to unveil a new sponsorship with brand outfitter, Watt to Wear.
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