The Korea Racing Authority announced Oct. 24 that its freshman sire Knicks Go will be relocated to Korea at the end of 2025 and will begin his stud duties in the 2026 breeding season.
Knicks Go, a gray and/or roan 9-year-old son of Paynter, won three grade 1 stakes in 2021 for trainer Brad Cox and the KRA, including the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1), on his way to being named 2021 Horse of the Year and champion older dirt male. He was also a top-level stakes winner as a juvenile when he captured the Breeders' Futurity (G1) at Keeneland before a runner-up finish in the 2018 Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) at Churchill Downs for then-trainer Ben Colebrook. Knicks Go won 10 of 25 career starts and earned $9,258,135.
In a statement, the KRA said Knicks Go has been a symbol of the shared excellence between American breeders and the KRA, achieving remarkable success both on the racetrack and as a sire in the United States.
"Over the past few seasons, many U.S. breeders have placed great trust in Knicks Go, sending high-quality mares and contributing to his success. Their passion and support have made him what he is today," said the KRA statement.
"This relocation does not mark an end but rather a new beginning. The KRA's 'Overseas Bloodstock Development Program' was designed to identify outstanding stallion prospects early and introduce them to Korea to improve the quality and competitiveness of domestic racehorse breeding. Knicks Go will become one of the first and most prominent examples of this vision coming to fruition.
"We extend our deepest gratitude to all the breeders, farm staff, and industry professionals who have supported Knicks Go throughout his journey. We fully understand that this decision may bring a sense of disappointment to some breeders who had hoped to continue breeding to him in the United States. However, this relocation is a step toward the long-term development of Korea's racing and breeding industry, and Knicks Go's legacy will continue to hold international recognition and genetic value. We look forward to seeing Knicks Go begin a new chapter of success in Korea."
Knicks Go will remain listed on the BloodHorse Stallion Register Online for 2026, ensuring his continued visibility and accessibility in the global breeding market.
Fourth on this year's leading freshman sires list as of Oct. 24 with $931,069 in progeny earnings, Knicks Go has sired 16 winners to date, including Saratoga Special Stakes (G2) winner Ewing. His daughter La Culasse also ran third in the Natalma Stakes (G1T) at Woodbine. Knicks Go started his stud career at Taylor Made Stallions, where he stood for an advertised fee of $12,500 this year.
