It seems a long time ago that French Derby winner Lope de Vega (IRE) shuttled to Patinack Farm in Australia, the top class son of Shamardal now one of Europe’s most desirable stallions with Ballylinch Stud lifting his fee for 2020 to 100,000 euros.
12 year-old Lope De Vega has enjoyed a remarkable upward trajectory, with nine Group 1 winners on his stud record and 107 stakes performers including Australian Group I winners such as Santa Ana Lane and Vega Magic.
His success has come despite modest beginnings as he was available to breeders at just €12,500 in Ireland as recently as 2014 and in his four seasons in Australia stood for the first two years at $27,500 and then $22,000 for the last two ending in 2014.
Ballylinch Stud's managing director John O'Connor said: "Lope De Vega has had another incredible season, with a Classic winner, two new Group 1 winners and 25 stakes winners.
"Despite having only six crops of racing age, only Galileo, Dubawi and Shamardal had more black type winners amongst the European sires. The success continued in the sales ring as his progeny realised up to 750,000gns with an average of over €205,000."
Lope De Vega Service Fee Rises to 100,000 euros
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