Following the purchase of classy mare Soft Sand in partnership with BC3 Thoroughbred, Arrowfield Stud has announced that it has acquired a majority interest in the breeding rights to Animal Kingdom, the 2011 Kentucky Derby winner.
Trained by Graham Motion, Animal Kingdom (Leroidesanimaux x Dalicia, by Acatenango) has finished first or second in eight of his nine career starts and earning prizemoney in excess of $2.3 million.
Arrowfield’s boss John Messara said, “Animal Kingdom exites us as a rare kind of athlete with a true international pedigree”.
“The plan is for Animal Kingdom to remain in training with Graham Motion as we feel the horse has the potential to become a global superstar in 2013.”
Animal Kingdom was second to Wise Dan in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Mile at Santa Anita last month.
He will have his first start for Messara in the G1 Gulfstream Park Turf Handicap on February 9 before he runs in the $10 million Dubai World Cup at Meydan on March 31.
After the World Cup the son of Leroidesanimaux will be flown from Dubai to England where he is likely to start at Royal Ascot in June.
Robin Bruss of Northfields Bloodstock brokered the deal between US based owners Team Valor International and Arrowfield Stud.
Team Valor will form broodmare partnerships to breed to Animal Kingdom, with the plan of selling and racing his offspring around the globe.
Animal Kingdom will begin his stud career at Arrowfield Stud next September.
By Owens Wong
