A memorable winner of the 2025 Group I Prix Jacques le Marois, flashy Frankel stallion Diego Velasquez has been retired and will take up stud duties at the National Stud in 2026.
An eye-catching bay with four white feet, he was bought by MV Magnier and White Birch Farm for 2.5 million guineas at Book 1 of the Tattersalls Yearling Sale.
Bred by Epona Bloodstock, the four-year-old is the 11th and final foal out of the stakes-winning Acclamation mare Sweepstake, making him a three-quarter brother to G1 Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud scorer Broome and multiple Group winner and GI-placed Point Lonsdale, both by Epsom Derby winner Australia.
Trained by Aidan O’Brien, Diego Velasquez raced for the duration of his career for Coolmore and their partners before carrying the iconic Sangster colours in his career-defining victory in the time-honoured Deauville Group I in August after he was purchased by Sam Sangster Bloodstock.
It was revealed he would join the National Stud roster at the conclusion of his racing career a few days after the race.
“A Group 2 winner at two and three, with a very emotional Group 1 to his name at four, we’re incredibly proud to offer Diego Velazquez to breeders in 2026,” said Sangster, co-owner and syndicate manager.
“Diego Velazquez has it all – he's a superb-looking son of Frankel from a great family, with an attitude to die for; he has all the attributes you need to be a success at stud.”
Anna Kerr, CEO of the National Stud, added: “Diego Velazquez ticks every box for British Breeders – physical, pedigree and performance. The market response has been hugely positive, with a lot of inquiries already.
"This horse will be given every chance to succeed – he'll be fully supported by the partners and we'll be buying mares for him over the coming months.”
His fee will be set in due course.
