Bhutta Stud builds future around Coach House in Pakistan

Bhutta Stud Farm in Kamalia, Pakistan, is the vision of Aftab Hussain Bhutta and the acquisition of the classy sprinter Coach House is set to fuel an exciting chapter for his family and Pakistani racing in general.

It has been nine years since the son of Oasis Dream finished a close second to No Nay Never in the Norfolk Stakes at Royal Ascot, since when the paths of the two horses could hardly have been more different.

While No Nay Never has blitzed his way into the higher echelons of the stallion ranks in Europe, arguably the finest source of juvenile talent around and being likened to a modern-day Danzig by MV Magnier, Coach House is settling into life as the hot thing in Pakistan's burgeoning bloodstock industry.

Coach House was a dual winner for Aidan O'Brien and Coolmore, including in the Listed Marble Hill Stakes, and had two Group 2 placings to his name, although he graced the track only once more after finishing a length behind the Wesley Ward-trained No Nay Never in the 2013 Norfolk.

He was initially retired to Roisin Close's Bucklands Farm and Stud in Gloucestershire, before the operation then relocated to Chapel Stud in Worcestershire.

From six seasons in Britain he produced more than his fair share of winners, including Listed scorer and Middle Park Stakes third Summer Sands.

The 11-year-old has started afresh in a somewhat less mainstream bloodstock and racing jurisdiction, with Bhutta setting up his stud with the help of family members.

He told the Racing Post: "I set it up in 2020 and imported a couple of mares from Tattersalls. I live in Canada but I wanted to import some good blood from Europe to south Asia. I manage it and my son is also involved."

Coach House: was initially with Roisin Close in Gloucestershire and then WorcestershireCredit: Bhutta Stud

On how he came to secure Coach House, the president of Bhutta Stud said: "I was looking for a Group performer, emailing different studs, and luckily Chapel Stud could help me, so we made the deal.

"He covered ten mares last season and this year he will have a full book. It's going really well and he's very happy there."

Bhutta is committed to maintaining the quality of Coach House's book, citing that his stud star - listed for 2023 at 450,000 Pakistani rupees (£1,865/€2,130) - will have the opportunity to cover the best he can offer.

He said: "He won't cover every mare, but if there's a quality mare then I'll book her to him. We're expecting 20-25 mares this season."

Summer Sands: stakes-winning and Group 1-placed son of Coach HouseCredit: Tattersalls Ascot

Pakistani racing is said by Bhutta to be on the up, with other European imports to stand at stud in recent years including Delphian - an unraced Frankel half-brother to Kingman who was purchased by Abdul Qadir Khan Mamdot's Qadirabad Stud - set to play their part in the nation's bloodlines of the future.

"Prize-money is higher now and people are investing more to get into those quality bloodlines," said Bhutta. "We have about 39 mares imported from Europe and the competition is tough, so from a racing perspective it can only improve."

Bhutta, who confirmed he was on the lookout for a second stallion to stand beside Coach House, is planning on making his regular visit to the Tattersalls December Mares Sale next month, when he will be on the hunt for suitable lots to join his broodmare band.

He said: "I'm looking to import some more mares from Tattersalls. Right now we have plenty of the Dubawi, Galileo and Sea The Stars bloodlines, so I'm looking for a bit more variety."

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