Stradivarius won 18 Group races, more than any other horse in Europe in the history of the Pattern

Top of the legendary stayer’s resumé are his three consecutive victories in the Gold Cup and four back-to-back successes in the Goodwood Cup. He was recognised as Cartier European champion stayer in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

Stradivarius is also well bred, being by world champion and leading sire Sea The Stars out of a Listed-placed granddaughter of the great mare Pawneese. Melbourne Cup victor Protectionist is a close relation.

Unsurprisingly, then, he was well received when he stood his first season at the National Stud in Newmarket this year at a fee of £10,000, with generous bonuses attached, covering 120 mares.

His debut book included Gretchen, the Group 2-winning dam of this year’s Queen’s Vase winner Gregory, as well as the mothers of stakes scorers Fourhometwo and Tour To Paris.