Diego Velazquez, winner of this season's Prix Jacques le Marois (G1), has been retired and will take up stud duties at the National Stud in 2026.
Bred by Epona Bloodstock, the son of Frankel was bought by M.V. Magnier and White Birch Farm for 2.5 million guineas ($3,497,628.75;1 guinea = US$1.40) at Book 1 of the Tattersalls Yearling Sale.
The 4-year-old is the 11th and final foal out of the stakes-winning Acclamation mare Sweepstake, making him a half brother to Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (G1) scorer Broome and multiple group winner and group 2 winner Point Lonsdale, both by Australia.
Trained by Aidan O'Brien, the colt raced for the duration of his career for Coolmore and their partners. He carried the iconic Sangster colors in his career-defining victory in the time-honored Deauville group 1 in August after he was purchased by Sam Sangster Bloodstock, and it was revealed he would join the National Stud roster at the conclusion of his racing career a few days after the race.
"A group 2 winner at 2 and 3, with a very emotional group 1 to his name at 4, we're incredibly proud to offer Diego Velazquez to breeders in 2026," said Sangster, co-owner and syndicate manager.
"Diego Velazquez has it all—he's a superb-looking son of Frankel from a great family, with an attitude to die for; he has all the attributes you need to be a success at stud."
Anna Kerr, CEO of the National Stud, added: "Diego Velazquez ticks every box for British breeders—physical, pedigree, and performance. The market response has been hugely positive, with a lot of inquiries already.
"This horse will be given every chance to succeed—he'll be fully supported by the partners and we'll be buying mares for him over the coming months."
Diego Velazquez was a near-five-length winner on his debut at 2 at the Curragh and followed up with a first group 2 strike in the Champions Juvenile Stakes (G2) at Leopardstown.
He began his 3-year-old campaign last year with a close-up fourth in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains (G1) and bounced back later that term to capture the Meld Stakes (G3) and Solonaway Stakes (G2), both at Leopardstown.
After finishing ninth in the Queen Anne Stakes (G1) at Royal Ascot, Diego Velazquez returned to a winning groove with victory in the Minstrel Stakes (G2) at the Curragh, which he backed up with his victory over Two Thousand Guineas (G1) winner Notable Speech in the Prix Jacques le Marois.
"We always thought the world of Diego Velazquez," said O'Brien. "He's always been a very good horse and I'm so delighted for Sam. He's a very legitimate and desirable horse; he deserved to win his group 1. He's a great model and is determined and very brave."
A fee for Diego Velazquez will be announced at a later date.
