The G2 Coventry Stakes winner Rashabar (Holy Roman Emperor) will take up stallion duties at Haras de Castillon in 2027, joining the burgeoning roster standing under the Castillon Stallions banner at the Normandy farm.
Benoît Jeffroy, founder of Castillon Stallions, said, “I am delighted that Sam Sangster and his partners have chosen us ahead of several studs in Britain. Rashabar's race record and physical make him a very attractive commercial prospect. There is also a strong support programme behind the horse, with both his owners and Castillon firmly committed to him.”
Trained by Brian Meehan, Rashabar confirmed his standing as one of the leading two-year-olds of his generation when following his Royal Ascot win with runner-up finishes in both the G1 Prix Morny and G1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere. Though failing to add to his tally as a three-year-old, the son of Holy Roman Emperor continued to acquit himself well at a high level, notably finishing second in both the G2 Prix Guillaume d'Ornano and G3 Greenham Stakes. He was also fourth in the Irish 2,000 Guineas, before occupying the same position when returning to Royal Ascot for the G1 St James's Palace Stakes.
“Rashabar was an incredibly genuine, tough and talented horse,” said Meehan. “He had the speed to win a Coventry, but also the constitution and class to be highly competitive in Group 1 company. He was a pleasure to train, very sound-minded, straightforward and willing and I very much look forward to training his progeny in the future.”
Bred at Haras de Beaufay, Rashabar is one of two winners from as many runners out of the unraced Camelot mare Amazonka, along with the G3 Prix Vanteaux second and G3 Prix Chloe third Lethal Beauty (Acclamation). Amazonka is herself a half-sister to the G3 Bronte Cup Fillies' Stakes winner River Of Stars (Sea The Stars) – who also filled the runner-up spot in the G1 Prix de Royallieu and G1 Caulfield Cup – and the Listed Dortmunder St. Leger Trial scorer Apadanah (Holy Roman Emperor).
Rashabar was bought for €120,000 at the Arqana August Yearling Sale, with Sam Sangster, who raced him under the banner of his Manton Thoroughbreds, committed to supporting him in his second career.
“He gave us the day of our lives at Royal Ascot and he showed the sort of precocity every breeder is looking for,” said Sangster. “To win a Coventry in June and then be only just denied in two Group 1s later the same season, at Deauville and at Longchamp, takes a proper two year-old. He trained on and took on the very best at three, and he is a lovely, powerful, correct horse who has always looked every inch a stallion.
“I have seen at first hand how much difference it makes when a young horse has his owners genuinely behind him, as Diego Velazquez has had, and Rashabar will get exactly that from us. We will be supporting him with our own mares from the first season. We would not be doing this if we did not believe in him.”
A stud fee for Rashabar will be announced at a later date.
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