Champion European three-year-old Roaring Lion is to stand at New Zealand’s famous thoroughbred nursery, Cambridge Stud.
Roaring Lion won four Group One races in 2018, from 1600 to 2000 metres, earning a Timeform rating of 130.
The horse has been serving his first mares at Tweenhills Stud managed by David Redvers in England and his owner Sheikh Fahad Al-Thani, chairman of Qatar Racing, said he believed he would be just as popular in the southern hemisphere.
“My brothers and I have enjoyed our greatest days on the racecourse courtesy of Roaring Lion,” he said.
“To own a horse like him is truly incredible and we believe he will prove a magnificent influence as a sire in both hemispheres.
“We are delighted by the support breeders have shown in Europe and feel confident he will be as popular in the southern hemisphere .
“Cambridge Stud appealed to us due to the combination of heritage and Brendan and Jo Lindsay’s amazing commitment to the New Zealand thoroughbred industry. Their determination to secure our world champion was beyond admirable and we are committed to assist them realise his potential worldwide.”
Roaring Lion was trained by John Gosden and ridden by Oisin Murphy in his spectacular three-year-old season.
Henry Plumptre, the chief executive of Cambridge Stud, said Roaring Lion and Almanzor, who stood his first southern hemisphere season last year, were great additions to the farm.
“To be able to secure two European champions in two years is extraordinary and very exciting for Cambridge and Australasian breeders,” Plumptre said.
“Roaring Lion is hugely sought after in the UK in his first season at stud. European breeders have recognised his brilliance and he is over-subscribed.”
Roaring Lion was awarded Cartier Horse of the Year and Longine’s World Champion 3YO for his exploits in 2018.
The Lindsays, who bought Cambridge from Sir Patrick Hogan last year, said they were thrilled about the deal after watching Roaring Lion on the track.
“Jo and I would like to sincerely thank David Redvers and Sheikh Fahad for giving us the opportunity to bring a horse of his calibre to Cambridge Stud,” Brendan Lindsay said.
“We were there on Champion’s Day and his ability to drop back to a mile and still beat the best in Europe left us in no doubt that we had to secure him for New Zealand.”
