Currently on his 18th consecutive tour of duty to Australia, More Than Ready (USA) will not be returning in 2019.
Speaking at the Vinery Stud open day, Vinery's General Manager Peter Orton said the decision had been made to leave the much-loved son of Southern Halo in Kentucky next year.
After the best part of two decades being the flagship stallion at the Hunter Valley nursery, More Than Ready (USA) has earned a rest according to Orton who cited the stallion's advancing age and the fact that his stocks have never been higher in North America.
To underline that, his versatile son Catholic Boy won the $1,250,000 Group I Travers Stakes at Saratoga on Saturday.
Covering his first book in 2001, More Than Ready (USA) was an instant hit. He was honoured as the Champion First Crop sire in 2004-05
In 2007-08 his son Sebring swept the 2yo Triple Crown earning More Than Ready (USA) the title of Champion Sire of Two-Year-Olds, an honour he would earn again the following season when Phelan Ready won the Golden Slipper and Magic Millions.
His other top progeny includes the 8-time Group 1 winner More Joyous, the Victoria Derby and Group 1 Champagne Stakes winner Prized Icon, MRC Blue Diamond Stakes and Group 1 MVRC AJ Moir Stakes winner Samaready, Group 1 Kingston Town Classic winner Perfect Reflection, Group 1 Goodwood Handicap winner Perfectly Ready, Group 1 Queensland Derby winner Eagle Way, Group 1 AJC Champagne Stakes winner Carry On Cutie, Group 1 Victoria Derby winner Benicio, Group 1 West. Australian Derby winner Dreamaway, Group 1 New Zealand Oaks winner More Than Sacred.
Still looking a picture of health, More Than Ready (USA) has at least 12 sons at stud in Australia this season, led by Widden Stud's outstanding Sebring.
