Caravaggio and Churchill are officially the busiest new sires in Britain and Ireland, covering more than 200 mares each this year, a study has revealed. Caravaggio was the most active with 217, and his popularity is easy to understand being a son of the late Scat Daddy.
A sprinting sensation, Caravaggio was unbeaten as a 2yo – winning the Coventry and the Phoenix, before landing the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot a year later.
The likes of star sprinter Airwave, Immortal Verse and Peeping Fawn have all paid a visit to Coolmore, and any horse to be sired by Caravaggio will certainly be rapid in terms of speed.
As for Churchill – a dual Guineas winner, he has covered 6 less mares than his former stable companion, such as Hveger – who mothered Highland Reel and Idaho, Music Show and Cloghran.
He stands alongside his own sire - Galileo, who is responsible for much of Ballydoyle’s success in recent years. Coolmore’s third highest recruit is global-group 1 winner Highland Reel, who was in high demand with 167 names in his books.
Kildangan were likewise overrun with applications from breeders with both former flat favourites Profitable and Ribchester standing under their roofs.
Both Royal Ascot winners in their own right, Profitable has covered 185 mares, whilst Richard Fahey’s former miler has dated a little less with 154.
Away from Ireland, Dubai Sheema Classic winner Jack Hobbs – formerly with John Gosden was Britain’s busiest new sire, and also the most active beginner designated for jumps breeding.
Son of Halling, he has covered 167 mares, including the dams of National Hunt regulars L’Ami Serge, Ballyandy, and 2019 Gold Cup hopeful, Presenting Percy.
Juddmonte International winners Ulysses and Postponed along with former Royal runner Dartmouth have combined covered 300 mares in the last year – all standing in Britain.