Kitten's Joy on the move as Hill 'n' Dale buys 50 per cent share

Kitten's Joy will move to Hill 'n' Dale Farms next year after the operation bought a 50 per cent interest in the perennial champion turf sire in North America.

The 16-year-old son of El Prado was propelled to sire stardom by his owner-breeders Kenneth and Sarah Ramsey, who stood him at home at their Ramsey Farm and bred from him numerous top-class runners such as Big Blue Kitten, Bobby's Kitten and Stephanie's Kitten.

But Kenneth Ramsey had expressed his disappointment at prices paid for Kitten's Joy yearlings at the recent Keeneland September Sale, and said he would send the leading source of turf runners to Europe where he was held in higher regard, only to then perform a u-turn when he said his family would not permit the stallion to leave America.

Hill 'n' Dale president John Sikura told the Paulick Report: "Multiple Eclipse Award-winning owners and breeders Sarah and Kenneth Ramsey have built an international racing and breeding dynasty on the shoulders of their champion sire.

"As they had entertained offers from around the world, we're humbled that the Ramseys have chosen Hill 'n' Dale as the new home for Kitten's Joy. We are honoured that they are entrusting us with his legacy. This horse has been a family member to them, so I understand how difficult a decision it was to make.

“We're committed to building upon this incredible sire's resume and writing the next chapter in his exceptional stud career. He's poised to become the next important North American-based international sire."

Kitten's Joy will stand at a fee of $60,000 next year, and fill the box at Hill 'n' Dale formerly occupied by another fine turf sire in Theatrical. After his retirement from covering duty, he will retire to Ramsey Farm.

Progeny of Kitten's Joy have been in good form in Europe of late, with Roaring Lion having struck in the Royal Lodge Stakes, Taareef taking the Prix Daniel Wildenstein and Hawkbill winning the Princess of Wales's Stakes and running second in the Grosser Preis von Berlin.

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