2020 roster announced by Darley in Australia

Majority of fees reduced to support industry at challenging time

Darley has today unveiled its 2020 stallion roster with fees designed to acknowledge the challenges the industry, and the wider world, is currently facing.  

“We’ve been supportive in our approach to service fees for 2020 and we hope breeders can appreciate that and take advantage of a roster that has value, variety and quality,” said Vin Cox, Managing Director, Godolphin Australia.

 “We have a great bunch of stallions for 2020 and we continue to offer the most generous nomination fee terms in the business,” he continued.

“The success of the breeders and buyers who support our stallions is our end goal.”

Exceed And Excel once again heads the roster after another hugely successful year on the track. He is the only stallion whose service fee has been increased, from $88,000 to $132,000, including GST.

“Exceed And Excel’s momentum on the racetrack - and in the sales ring - this season has been enormous. His progeny are winning serious races that add value with the likes of the G1 Sires’ Produce, the G1 Coolmore Stud Stakes and the G1 Newmarket Handicap,” said Cox.

Brazen Beau, whose fee remains at $49,500, is currently leading second-season sire by Stakes winners with no fewer than five of his offspring successful at Black Type level this season. He will stand his sixth season in Victoria, alongside Street Boss whose fee also remains unchanged.

“If you look at proven sires at the same stage in their careers, Brazen Beau has two more than his own sire I Am Invincible and three more than Lonhro,” said Cox.

“Street Boss’s best books are coming through now and we’re seeing that with the likes of Hanseatic and Valaquenta. Trainers, agents and owners have recognised this and paid significant sums for his yearlings.”

The 2020 Darley roster of 19 stallions also includes newcomers Blue Point, Microphone and Too Darn Hot.

All are Champions, by Champions.

Blue Point (Shamardal) was crowned European Champion Sprinter after his outstanding success at last year’s Royal Ascot, while Too Darn Hot (Dubawi), was European Champion at both two and three when running in the colours of Watership Down Stud. Both will stand at a fee of $44,000, including GST.

Also new to the roster is Australian Champion two-year-old, Microphone, victorious in the finest renewal of the G1 Sires’ Produce Stakes in 30 years, where he beat four G1 winners. The good-looking son of Exceed And Excel will stand his first season at $38,500.

Too Darn Hot and Microphone will stand at Kelvinside in New South Wales, while Blue Point will be based at Northwood Park, Victoria.

The roster is completed by proven sire Lonhro and his outstanding sons Exosphere and Impending, world Champion Harry Angel, young stallions who have already made their mark at the sales, including Territories, Holler and Kermadec. All have had their fees reduced by between 10 and 33%.

To download the 2020 Darley stallions fee card click here. All service fees are inclusive of GST.

WATCH: First-season sires Blue Point, Too Darn Hot and Microphone for 2020