One certainly cannot blame the National Stud for lacking diversity in its stallion population. Stayer champion Stradivarius (Ire) has been the star of the stallion stable for the last two seasons, but now he must make way for another popular star: Bradsell (GB), the European sprint champion in 2024.
When he stumbled in the G1 Keeneland Phenix Stakes before finishing fourth of the five runners, it might have been easiest to assume that this was another two-year-old whose star burned brilliant but short-lived. and was finally wiped out before the end of the season. However, such an assumption would be without the tenacity of the powerful Bradsell, who was deftly brought back from injury by Watson not once but twice to compile a record that testified not only to his courage but also to his good sense.
“I think everyone can remember that debut,” says Joe Bradley, head of breeding at the National Stud, who is now responsible for ensuring Bradsell has a similarly explosive start to his second career.
“We all know that two-year-old form, but especially two- to four-year-old form at a high level, is incredibly critical for a stallion and he has that in abundance.”
Indeed, a modest exit after a desperate draw in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint cannot detract from the three Group 1 triumphs that have added three and four to Bradsell's record, along with a Listed win at Deauville last summer as an opener afterward due to a fracture take a break for almost a year.
“He was the first three-year-old stallion to win the King's Stand Stakes in 15 years,” says Bradley. “And the King’s Stand at Royal Ascot is one that is often targeted by sprinters from around the world. His performance that day was exceptional and to see him perform at his best as a three-year-old and then in his four-year-old season was simply incredible.”
Immediately after flying home from California, Bradsell was at the National Stud stallion yard and introduced himself to the breeders who were in town for the December sales. Now that he's had some time to settle in, he's already starting to tardy down and is clearly becoming a clear favorite of the team entrusted with his care.
Bradley continued: “It is extremely exhilarating for the National Stud and for everyone involved with Victorious Racing to have him here for the 2025 season. The response was extremely positive. I think we were a little surprised.”
He points out that it is hoped that Bradsell, who is one of just three novel Flat stallions in Britain in 2025, will cover a book of around 130 mares in his first season, including a group owned by Victorious Racing and Fawzi Nass .
“He looks exactly how he should look,” adds Bradley about the son of Tasleet (GB) and Listed winner Archipenko mare Russian Punch (GB). “We are dealing with a sprint champion, so physically he has all the qualities. Very forceful: low coupled, forceful hips, forceful shoulders. And he really looks like the brisk, precocious horse he is. And he is truly a joy to have around, especially for the people here who interact with him on a daily basis. It is very critical that they have a horse that is straightforward to handle.”
While there were some notable highs in yearling and foal sales last year, the overall picture can be somewhat discouraging for smaller breeders who have circumscribed budgets and sometimes struggle to bring teenage animals to sale, not to mention to sell them at a profit. Their numbers have declined in recent years, as evidenced by the decline in the foal crop, which fell by six per cent in Great Britain and Ireland last year.
The departure of a number of stallions abroad – including Bradsell's relatively teenage sire Tasleet and Mutsasaabeq (GB), who was sold to India by the National Stud after standing at Newmarket for just one season – increases uncertainty for breeders currently managing their stallions Complete breeding plans Mating plans.
The National Stud is trying to address potential cash flow issues for breeders around the sale time later this year by offering both Stradivarius and Bradsell on live foal terms, meaning payment will be delayed until a foal next spring is on the floor. (The farm's other two stallions, Lope Y Fernandez and Rajasinghe, remain under the October 1 SLF conditions.)
“It’s just our little extra facilitate that we can easily provide,” Bradley said. “And I think that, again, is reflected in the support we have received so far. It really makes a difference for the breeders and we really enjoy doing it.”
He continues: “It's something that's been talked about quite a bit recently, this low-to-low-end market, and that's definitely an area that's struggling.” But that doesn't mean people aren't still getting involved , and I think that the desire to breed horses is still there.
“We are seeing breeders who are still very keen to get involved at this level and we are still seeing forceful demand in taking in mares not only coming here to see National Stud stallions but also to visit other stallions in Newmarket. We are therefore very positive for the coming season. We understand the challenges and are doing what we can to facilitate.”
