For both WTC and eNicks, we keep extensive updated records of stallions and their stud fees, not only in North America, but world-wide. Not surprisingly, most stallions are down from their 2008 fees. This is the reality of today’s market and the global economic climate. You only need to scan the results at Keeneland this week to see that a lot of mares are not bringing stud fee.
One of my favorite countries to visit is Turkey. I’ve been to Istanbul — another city of intrigue like Budapest — many times, as well Antalya, a popular vacation spot on the Mediterranean coast. In fact, Some of the finest seafood I’ve ever had has been served at the many restaurants along the Bosporus.
Thoroughbred racing is enjoying rapid growth in Turkey. Their stud book features quite a few ex-pats, including two of our Kentucky Derby winners, and a Belmont Stakes winner — Victory Gallop, the most popular stallion in the country! He stands for the equivalent of $5,120 with capped book of 70 mares! This harks back to another time and place in this country, when books were small and stud fees were reasonable! Maybe we are headed back to something like that in the next few years.
For the curious, here’s a listing of ex-pats standing in Turkey. Stud fees have been converted to US dollars from the Turkish New Lira:
1. Always a Classic (by Deputy Minister), G1 winner, 2009 stud fee $1,280, booked to 80 mares.
2. Eagle Eyed (Danzig; full brother to Danehill), G2 winner, $3,204, 75 mares.
3. Fantastic Fellow (Lear Fan), G3 winner, $1,280, 70 mares.
4. Manila (Lyphard), G1 winner, $1,280, 10 mares.
5. Marlin (Sword Dance), G1 winner, $1,280, 60 mares.
6. Mountain Cat (Storm Cat), G2 winner, $3,844, 80 mares.
7. Ocean Crest (Storm Bird), G2 winner, $1,280. 60 mares.
8. Red Bishop (Silver Hawk), G1 winner, $3,844, 25 mares.
9. River Special (Riverman), G1 winner, $1,921, 70 mares.
10. SEA HERO (Polish Navy), won Kentucky Derby, $1,921, 70 mares.
11. STRIKE THE GOLD (Alydar), won Kentucky Derby, $4,482, 40 mares.
12. Unaccounted For (Private Account), G1 winner, $3,200, 50 mares.
13. VICTORY GALLOP (Cryptoclearance), won Belmont Stakes, $5,120, cap at 70 mares.
14. West by West (Gone West), G1 winner, $2,560, 60 mares.