First Son of Justify Retired to Stud

Media Release - Saturday October 21

Leading 3-year-old Arabian Lion, who became Justify’s first Grade 1 winner after capturing this year’s Woody Stephens S. (G1) at Belmont, has been retired from racing and will enter stud at Spendthrift Farm for the 2024 breeding season at an introductory fee will be US$30,000 S&N.

G1 winning Justify colt Arabian Lion will stand at Spendthrift Farm.

“Arabian Lion is a tremendous-looking individual and he showed real brilliance on the track. His win in the Grade 1 Woody Stephens was arguably the best performance this year by a 3-year-old, and the speed figures back that up,” said Ned Toffey, Spendthrift general manager. “We are grateful to Mr. Zedan for the opportunity to stand another one of his stars. He and his team have obviously done a great job of acquiring and racing the best of the best, and those are the type of stallion prospects we are looking to stand at Spendthrift.”  

Campaigned by Zedan Racing Stables, Arabian Lion broke his maiden by three lengths on debut as a 2-year-old at Santa Anita, running six furlongs in 1:09.78. He was named as a “Rising Star” by the Thoroughbred Daily News after the performance. As a 3-year-old, the powerfully built chestnut colt stretched out around two turns and was a narrow runner-up to First Mission in the Lexington S. (G3) at Keeneland, before decisively capturing the Sir Barton Stakes by four lengths on the Preakness undercard a month later at Pimlico, earning a 103 Beyer.

Advertisement

Arabian Lion showed his versatility by turning back to one turn in the prestigious Woody Stephens on Belmont Stakes Day, running seven furlongs in 1:21.70 and earning a 109 Beyer – the second fastest Beyer by a sophomore to date in 2023.

Arabian Lion retires as Triple Crown winner Justify’s first Grade 1 winner entering stud, with earnings of $498,100 for trainer Bob Baffert and Zedan Racing. The colt was purchased for $600,000 at the 2022 OBS April Sale for 2-year-olds in training after breezing an eighth of a mile in 10 seconds flat. Out of the stakes-placed Distorted Humor mare Unbound, Arabian Lion hails from one of the Phipps’ top families, as his third dam is the great race mare and producer, Personal Ensign.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Amelia’s Jewel Family Produces Wootton Bassett 2YO SW
Wootton Bassett (GB) added yet another new two year old stakes-winner to his tally overnight in Ireland with the Group III Silver Flash Stakes (7 ½ f) at Leopardstown going to a filly that is closely related to Aussie Group I winner Amelia’s Jewel.
One to Watch Wins Again in Saturday Class
The half-brother to Group II winner Stretan Angel, lightly raced three year-old Brutal gelding Glorious Moments was in a class of his own at Randwick on Saturday.
Another G1 Triumph for Aga Khan Stud Bred Gelding
Aga Khan Studs don’t race a lot of geldings, but one that they do is Calandagan, who made it back to back G1 wins overnight when beating a select field in a tactical battle to win the Group I King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (1m4f) at Ascot.
Hello Youmzain Filly Wins NZ Last Stakes Race of Season
Talented juvenile filly Platinum Diamond made all posts a winner when she captured her second consecutive stakes victory in the last black type feature of the 2024-2025 racing season, the Listed Phils Electrical & Gypsy Caravans Ryder Stakes (1200m) at Otaki.
Two New SW's for Too Darn Hot
Too Darn Hot is set to be crowned Champion Australian Second Season Sire and is headed back to Darley Australia this spring at a fee of $275,000 and overnight he produced two new stakes-winners in the UK and Ireland.
St Mark’s Basilica Filly Impressive at Ascot
Due back at Coolmore Australia this spring, St Mark’s Basilica (Fr) had an impressive new winner overnight at Ascot in the UK where Princess Petrol stormed to victory.
Sires With Winners - Thursday July 24
Here is the full list of 49 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
One to Watch - Belmont
Racing made a welcome return to Belmont Park yesterday and the first winner to salute on the freshly renovated track was a two year-old that started a red hot favourite and could not have been more impressive!
Consecutive Black Type Victories For Snitzel Filly Bridal Waltz
Stepping up to open company is always a tough task, but 3yo Snitzel filly Bridal Waltz graduated from a last start Listed win over her own age to win the $200,000 Group 3 MRC Bletchingly Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
First SW For So You Think Stallion Tamasa As Cicala Takes Out Lightning
One of just three named foals by the So You Think stallion Tamasa, the Will Clarken and Niki O’Shea trained 3yo filly Cicala remained unbeaten, going three from three by winning the $120,000 Listed SAJC Lightning Stakes (1050m) at Morphettville.