Australian breeders with foals being born this spring by Coolmore shuttler Magna Grecia (IRE) will no doubt have been following the fortunes of his younger half-brother St Mark’s Basilica this year with the champion son of Siyouni crowned Cartier Horse of the Year for 2021.
A four-time Group I winner in 2021, St Mark’s Basilica is a five-time elite level winner overall, with his achievements recognized when he was named the Cartier Horse of the Year and Cartier 3-Year-Old Colt during the 31st annual Cartier Racing Awards at the Dorchester Hotel in London on Wednesday evening.
The sixth Cartier Horse of the Year for the Coolmore partners since the awards began in 1991, he follows in the footsteps of past Ballydoyle superstars stablemates Giant’s Causeway (2000), Rock Of Gibraltar (2002), Hurricane Run (2005), Dylan Thomas (2007) and Minding (2016).
Bred by Australian breeder Robert Scarborough, he was a Group I winner of the Dewhurst Stakes at two and completed an undefeated campaign in 2021 including both French Classic wins in the Group I French 2000 Guineas and Group I Prix du Jockey Club.
St Mark’s Basilica has been retired to Coolmore at a fee of €65,000.
A dual Group I winner by Invincible Spirit, St Mark’s Basilica’s half-brother Magna Grecia stands in Australia at a fee of $19,250.
Below is a selection of his first season foals. Click here to see more.
A filly out of Heaven’s Touch, a half-sister to Group One winner Captain Sonodor, at Coolmore Stud.
A colt out of Maewyn (Ire) at Coolmore Stud. The dam is from a sister to G1 winner and sire Holy Roman Emperor.
A filly out of stakes placed Lohan. At Noogee Park Thoroughbreds, NSW for Kate Nivison.
A colt out of Sucker Punch, a daughter of Golden Slipper winner Merlene and 1/2 sister to dam of G1 winner Dear Demi. At Coolmore Stud,
A colt out of Cat’s Wish, at Coolmore Stud.
A filly out of High Specs at Fairhill Farm NSW.
