Classic-placed King of Steel, winner of the 2023 Champion Stakes (G1) for owner Kia Joorabchian's Amo Racing, will stand at Tally-Ho Stud in County Westmeath, Ireland, next season.
The Kentucky-bred son of Wootton Bassett retires as the highest-rated colt by his sire of the past six years thanks to a stellar career during which he earned $1,845,512. His crowning moment came last season when successful in the Champion Stakes under Frankie Dettori, in which he powered past the field to win well from Via Sistina, subsequently a multiple group 1 winner in Australia.
That win marked the culmination of an outstanding and progressive 3-year-old season in which he also ran a close second in the Epsom Derby (G1) on his seasonal debut. Overall, King of Steel earned a 3-1-1 record in eight starts, and won or placed in four graded stakes. He will be strongly supported at stud by Joorabchian's Amo Racing.
"King of Steel has been an outstanding flagbearer for Amo Racing, perfectly exemplifying the ambitions of our operation," said Joorabchian. "Last year's Champions Day was one of the greatest moments in racing history, as we witnessed King of Steel deliver a stunning performance for Frankie Dettori on his final ride at Ascot. Over the past season, he truly established himself as one of the standout horses of his generation. We are incredibly proud to have such a top-class son of Wootton Bassett standing at a prestigious farm, and we are committed to supporting him fully in the years ahead.
"I've never been more excited about a stallion, and I can't wait to see his offspring excel."
Dettori added, "King of Steel wrote an Ascot Champion Stakes finale that not even Steven Spielberg could have imagined. He's a horse blessed with everything you want from a champion—physicality, cruising speed, a change of gear, and above all, the will to win.
"I will never forget that emotional day. I wish him all the best at stud and thank him for the unforgettable memories. It was one of the most memorable moments of my racing career.
"King of Steel excelled and gave me the perfect Ascot finale. I have no doubt he'll become a stallion to be reckoned with, and I'm deeply grateful to him for helping me close my Ascot career in such an incredible way."
Tally-Ho Stud's Roger O'Callaghan said, "When we were given the chance to stand King of Steel, we had absolutely no hesitation. His size, speed, agility, and mentality make him the perfect stallion to complement our existing roster. Being the flagbearer of an operation like Amo Racing, which has been growing from strength to strength in the last few years, his offspring will have every opportunity to succeed and excel. We are excited to be standing him and look forward to helping him and Amo achieve their goals."
King of Steel is by one of Europe's most exciting stallions in Wootton Bassett, the sire of 10 juvenile stakes winners so far this year. He was bred by Bonne Chance Farm out of the winning Verglas mare Eldacar, whose close relation Contributer was 2015 champion miler in Australia and is now a leading, group 1-producing sire in Australasia.
A fee for King of Steel will be announced in due course.
This press release has been edited for content and style by BloodHorse Staff.
