Coolmore Australia have announced the addition of St Mark’s Basilica, a regally-bred European Champion two-year-old and World Champion three-year-old, to their roster in 2022.
St Mark’s Basilica was bred by leading Australian breeder Bob Scarborough and purchased by MV Magnier at Tattersalls October Book 1 for 1,300,000 gns (approximately R28 million). Beginning with the Dewhurst Stakes as a juvenile, he achieved five consecutive Group 1 victories in three countries.
St Mark’s Basilica winning the Gr1 Prix du Jockey Club
Arguably his finest winning performance came against his elders in the Eclipse Stakes at Sandown, where he easily beat multiple Group 1 winners Addeybb and Mishriff by 3½ lengths. In doing so, he achieved a Timeform rating of 132 as a three-year-old which is higher than local Champions such as Pierro and So You Think.
“We are delighted to offer a horse with such rare qualities as St Mark’s Basilica to Australasian breeders. As a sire prospect, he has everything you could ever hope for and in terms of quality he has attracted an unparalleled first book of mares in Europe.” commented Coolmore Australia Principal, Tom Magnier.
“St Mark’s Basilica was simply brilliant on the track, who just like leading stallions Shamardal and Lope De Vega won the French 2000 Guineas and Prix du Jockey Club double.
“His sire Siyouni is the most expensive stallion to ever stand in France and has been remarkably successful with limited opportunities in Australia. He comes from an impeccable family, being out of a Group-winning two-year-old by Galileo and half-brother to a Classic winner.
“To top it all off he’s an absolutely stunning individual, so we look forward to showing him to local breeders later in the year.”
St Mark’s Basilica will stand at a fee of A$44,000 (incl. GST).
