Saudi Crown, the Champion Racehorse, Retires to Stud at Darby Dan Farm
Celebrating a Stellar Career: From Track Dominance to Stud Farm Legacy
A New Chapter Begins: Saudi Crown's Transition to Stud Life
Saudi Crown, a Grade 1 champion and a prominent offspring of the legendary Kentucky Derby winner Always Dreaming, has officially retired from professional racing. This accomplished multi-millionaire is now poised to join the esteemed roster of stallions at Darby Dan Farm. His initial breeding season will commence with a stud fee of $12,500, under the S&N terms.
The Illustrious Racing Journey of a Champion
Under the meticulous care of owner FMQ Stables and trainer Brad Cox, Saudi Crown carved out a remarkable racing career, establishing himself as a formidable contender among his contemporaries. A highlight of his sophomore season was his commanding wire-to-wire triumph in the 2023 Pennsylvania Derby (G1). This pivotal victory was preceded by impressive runner-up finishes in the Dwyer Stakes (G3) at Belmont Park and the Jim Dandy (G2) at Saratoga. His career debut saw an eye-catching maiden special weight win over six furlongs at Keeneland.
Continued Excellence in Later Seasons
Saudi Crown kicked off his four-year-old campaign with another assertive wire-to-wire win in the Louisiana Stakes (G3) at Fair Grounds. His performance in his fourth year also showcased his global competitiveness, securing a third-place finish in the prestigious $10 million Saudi Cup (G1). In this international event, he outpaced Grade 1 winner National Treasure and finished closely behind Senor Buscador and Dubai World Cup (G1) victor Ushba Tesoro. He further solidified his 2024 season with victories in the R.A. “Cowboy” Jones Stakes at Ellis Park and the Tenacious Stakes at Fair Grounds, where he achieved an impressive 103 Beyer speed figure.
A Legacy of Consistency and Durability
Demonstrating unwavering consistency and resilience into his five-year-old season, Saudi Crown clinched the Commonwealth Stakes (G3) at Keeneland in April, where he effortlessly outdistanced his rivals by 2 3/4 lengths with a stellar performance. Throughout his career, Saudi Crown compiled a record of 9 wins, 3 seconds, and 1 third from 21 starts, accumulating a remarkable total of $3,751,380 in earnings.
Pedigree and Provenance: The Lineage of a Star
Saudi Crown was a $240,000 acquisition at the 2022 OBS spring sale of 2-year-olds in training, purchased by Pedro Lanz, agent for Faisal Mohammed Alqahtani, from the consignment of Top Line Sales. He is out of the Tapit mare New Narration. His second dam is New Normal, a daughter of Forestry who claimed victory in the Natalma Stakes (G3) at Woodbine. He descends from the distinguished female family that also produced Breeders’ Futurity (G1) winner Noble’s Promise, underscoring his impressive lineage and potential for future progeny.