Coolmore Australia's shuttle sire St Mark's Basilica (FR) is generating international momentum as his reputation continues to strengthen on both sides of the world.
A European Champion 2YO, World Champion 3YO and 2021 European Horse of the Year, the son of Siyouni retired to stud after winning five consecutive G1 races, including the French 2000 Guineas, French Derby, Eclipse Stakes and Irish Champion Stakes.
His early stud career has quickly vindicated that race record. St Mark's Basilica achieved recent Royal Ascot success when 3YO colt Thesecretadversary won the G3 Jersey Stakes, and 2YO colt King Of Cloughane captured the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes.
Further black-type success arrived in June when the Andrew Balding-trained Venetian Prince landed the G2 Derby Italiano at San Siro, while his first G1 winner and undefeated 3YO filly Diamond Necklace added another G1 to her name, taking out the French Oaks.
The stallion's influence is also beginning to emerge in Australia. From his first local crop, the unbeaten Aristopolos has announced himself by compiling multiple Stakes victories, West Coast has been stakes-placed, while promising filly La Barrita just missed Black Type last Saturday when closing off for fourth in the Listed Tattersalls Stakes. These smart winners provide an exciting glimpse of what may lie ahead as the crop turns three.
At the recent Inglis Great Southern Weanling Sale, both St Mark's Basilica weanlings offered were sold, including a filly that realised $150,000.
St Mark’s Basilica returns to Coolmore Australia this spring for $38,500.
