World-Leading Breeders
Britain has the highest proportion of world-class thoroughbreds relative to the total number of thoroughbred births, indicating quality bloodlines and breeding operations.
Suffix |
Average no. turf horses rated ≥ 120 (Since 2018) |
---|---|
(GB) |
8 (approx. foal crop 4,500) |
(IRE) |
14 (foal crop 9,000) |
(AUS) |
7 (foal crop 13,000) |
(JPN) |
8 (foal crop 7,000) |
(USA) |
1 (foal crop 20,000) |
(FR) |
2 (foal crop 6,500) |
The success of Britain’s comparatively small foal crop demonstrates quality over quantity.
To say England is brimming with stallion power would be an understatement.
John Gunther, owner-breeder, Glenwood Farms, Kentucky
Britain is the chosen home of international racing and breeding operations including Darley, Juddmonte Farms, Shadwell and Qatar Racing.
The British breeding industry is underpinned by a vibrant stallion market.
Back in 2011, British-based sires accounted for only 17% of the mares visiting 20k-plus stallions. But by 2019 its share had burgeoned to 40% of that market.
John Boyce, The Owner Breeder
Britain is home to world-class stallions including...
Dubawi:
- 2022 Champion Sire in Britain and Ireland.
- Sire of 2020 World’s Best Racehorse, Ghaiyyath.
- Sire of over 260 Stakes winners and over 55 individual Gr.1 winners.
Frankel:
- 2023 Champion Sire in Britain and Ireland.
- Sire of 11 Gr.1 winners in 2023, more than any other sire.
- The fastest European sire to 50 Group winners in history.
- Exceptional 12% Group winners to runners rate.
Kingman:
- 15 Group winners in 2023 including four Gr.1 winners.
- Sire of 75 Stakes winners, including 46 Group winners.
…as well as up and coming stallions…
Havana Grey was the leading European 1st crop sire in 2022 and 2nd crop sire in 2023 by wins and earnings, highlighted by dual Gr.1 winner Vandeek. (2024 fee £55,000)
Too Darn Hot sired a first-crop Gr.1 winner in Fallen Angel, and is the only European stallion to sire four first-crop Group winners since Frankel. (2024 fee £65,000)
Cracksman sired French Derby and Arc-winning Horse Of The Year Ace Impact within his first crop. (2024 fee £17,500)
…and exceptional broodmare sires.
Oasis Dream is the leading broodmare sire currently standing in Europe in terms of prize money and Group winners.
The stallions whom I would call 'elite' are currently in Europe – Dubawi, Kingman, Galileo and Frankel.
John Camilleri, owner, Fairway Thoroughbreds, Australia