He was an unbeaten juvenile who developed into a dual Group 1-winning three-year-old to rank among the best of his generation.
With a stellar racing career accompanying an outstanding pedigree, Merchant Navy had all the credentials to be a success in the breeding barn.
The son of champion sire Fastnet Rock is set to build on his blossoming stud career when he joins Kooringal Stud for the 2023 season.
It’s the second coup within a week for Kooringal, which has also added top line sprinter Finance Tycoon to its stallion roster .
“We are extremely fortunate to have secured a stallion of Merchant Navy’s calibre,” Kooringal Stud’s Angus Lamont said.
“He highlighted how classy he was in winning the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Classic at Flemington and then he went overseas to beat the best they had there.”
Merchant Navy closed off his career with wins in the Group 2 Greenlands Stakes at The Curragh and a memorable victory in the time-honoured Group 1 Diamond Jubilee over 1200 metres at Royal Ascot.
The bay started on 10 occasions, netting seven wins and two placings for more than $2 million in prize money.
Merchant Navy’s relocation to Kooringal has been timely with his speedy filly Steel City bursting on to the two-year-old scene.
Steel City led throughout to claim the Group 2 Magic Night Stakes in March.
Merchant Navy is also the sire of the stakes placed Royal Merchant and Drisana.
“He is developing an impressive record at stud and reports are there are better things on the horizon,” Mr Lamont said.
Merchant Navy was bred to be a star being the son of a two-time champion Australian sire while his dam Legally Bay (by Snippets) was a Group 3 winner.
“You don’t get many better families,” Mr Lamont said.
Merchant Navy is the second dual Group 1 winner standing at Kooringal alongside Prized Icon (Champagne Stakes and Victoria Derby).
The pair will complement Finance Tycoon, the promising sire prospect Sandbar and proven winner producer The Brothers War on Kooringal’s roster.
Merchant Navy will stand at a fee of $13,200 (inc GST) in 2023.
