Dual Derby winner Harzand (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}–Hazariya {Ire}, by Xaar {GB}) has been retired from racing and will take up stud duties at H.H. the Aga Khan's Gilltown Stud in Kildare, Ireland. Also bred and raced by the Aga Khan, Harzand ran only once as a juvenile, showing promise in a late season maiden, but he made a bright start to his sophomore year when winning a maiden by 16 lengths at Cork in March. Pitched straight into pattern company by Dermot Weld, Harzand beat 'TDN Rising Star' Idaho (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) in the G3 Ballysax S. at Leopardstown, an oft used Derby trial.
Despite some early drama after spreading a plate on the morning of the race, Harzand lined up for the G1 Investec Epsom Derby in June and showed class and toughness to beat US Army Ranger (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) by a length and a half under regular partner Pat Smullen. The dark bay again showed what a tough and durable colt he was with another hard-fought Classic victory in the G1 Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby at The Curragh three weeks later. Harzand retires with a lifetime record of 7-4-0-0 for earnings of €1,943,545.
Paying tribute to the 3-year-old, Smullen said, “I don't think I've ever ridden such a courageous horse. I just can't get over his courage in the last half-furlong. He's so tough and he's not just tough, he's got pace.”
Those thoughts were backed up by Dermot Weld, who commented, “He's been a wonderful horse to train. He's won two Derbies for us. He's a beautifully-made colt and very sound.”
Harzand who joins his sire Sea The Stars (Ire) (Cape Cross {Ire}) at Gilltown hails from a strong Aga Khan distaff family, being a son of a Group 3 winner over 7 furlongs in Hazariya, who is a half-sister to G1 Irish Oaks third Hazarista (Ire) (Barathea {Ire}). Hazariya's first three foals are stakes performers, and notably feature juvenile Group 3 winner and Group 1 placed Harasiya (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}).
Harzand will be available for breeders to view by appointment during the Goffs Foal and Breeding Stock Sale next month.
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