Batsford Stud beckons as Cockney Rebel returns to Britain

Phil Cunningham has regained full ownership of the horse that started his journey in racing and has transferred him to stand in Britain for next year's breeding season.

Cockney Rebel, who notched the Anglo-Irish 2,000 Guineas double in 2007, retired to stud a year later, initially at the National Stud in Newmarket before moving to France in 2013.

The son of Val Royal will now stand at a fee of £2,500 at Batsford Stud in Gloucestershire next year, alongside fellow Newmarket Classic hero Haafhd.

Cockney Rebel has supplied stakes winners Redstart and Monette, and also the two-year-old Junius Brutus, who was sold for £300,000 at the Goffs London Sale after winning his first two starts and has finished second in the Group 3 Sirenia Stakes for new owners King Power Racing on his last run.

Cockney Rebel has also enjoyed some fine results with his jumps progeny, having sired Grade 2 Scottish Champion Hurdle winner Cockney Sparrow, who also finished second in the Grade 1 Fighting Fifth Hurdle behind My Tent Or Yours.

Cunningham said: “When I bought Cockney Rebel for £30,000 in 2005, I had no idea of the journey he would take me on.

"To win two Guineas with him was amazing and it feels only right to have him back home. As possibly the fastest winning stallion of the 2,000 Guineas still at stud, he represents outstanding value for both Flat and jump mares.”

In 2016, Cunningham formed Rebel Racing with trainer Richard Spencer. The partnership has enjoyed plenty of success over the first two seasons including in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot with Rajasinghe and the Molecomb Stakes at Glorious Goodwood with Rumble Inthejungle.

Initially based at the historic Albert House Stables, the team expanded into Sefton Lodge this year, with facilities to train around 70 horses and is now open to all owners and partnerships.

Batsford Stud's Alan Varey said: “We're delighted to be standing Cockney Rebel here at Batsford Stud. He will compliment our stallion roster, which also includes Passing Glance and Native Ruler."

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