The mating of 2009 Arc winner Sea the Stars with 2008 Arc winner Zarkava has produced a colt at the Aga Khan’s private stud.
Georges Rimaud, manager of the Aga Khan Studs in France, announced the arrival on racing website Racing Post.
“He is a strong colt who looks like his sire and is very correct,” he said.
“It was a straight-forward foaling and both the mare and foal are fine.”
Sea The Stars was the dominant colt of his era, winning the Group 1 2000 Guineas (a1600m), the Group 1 Epsom Derby (a2400m), the Group 1 Coral Eclipse Stakes (a2000m), the Group 1 Juddmonte International (a2000m) and the Group 1 Irish Champion Stakes (a2000m) before rounding out his career with a win in the Group 1 Prix De L’Arc De Triomphe (2400m).
A half brother to Epsom Derby winner and superstar sire Galileo, his breeding and race record have all the hallmarks of a great stallion.
Zarkava remained unbeaten from seven starts in France, including five at Group 1 level.
She beat some of the greatest horses of her era in her victories, including triple Breeders Cup Mile winner Goldikova, Dubai Sheema Classic winner Dar Re Mi, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Duke of Marmalade, three time Arc runner up Youmzain, Irish Derby winner Soldier of Fortune, Coronation Cup winner Ask, Japan Cup placegetter Meisho Samson and Goodwood Cup winner Schiaparelli.\
This is her second foal – her first, by another Arc winner in Dalakhani, was born last year.
The colt is already at 50/1 in markets for the 2014 Arc.
While there are plenty of matings that attract attention, only a few receive star billing.
Recently, the decision to send American queen of the turf Zenyatta to Preakness Stakes and Breeders Cup Classic winner Bernadini has dominated the American racing media.
The mating of triple Melbourne Cup winner Makybe Diva with Galileo also received much attention, although the resulting foal – named Rockstardom – is yet to set the track alight.
Written by Andrew Hawkins