National Defense joins his sire on Irish National Stud roster

The Irish National Stud hopes that it has found a potential heir to its flagship sire Invincible Spirit after announcing on Thursday that his Group 1-winning son National Defense is to join him there in retirement.

A €280,000 yearling purchase from the Arqana August Yearling Sale by Sun Bloodstock, National Defense got his career off to the perfect start when a six-length winner of the Prix Beachcomber le Victoria as a juvenile.

He went on to finished third in the Group 3 Prix des Chenes before his final start at two saw him run out an impressive winner of the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardere, demonstrating fine acceleration.

He only managed two starts at three this year, however, second to Al Wukair in the Prix Djebel before failing to sparkle as favourite for the Poule d'Essai des Poulains.

From the famed French nursery of Ecurie des Monceaux, who bred the Group 1 winner with Meridian International, National Defense is out of the unraced Kingmambo mare Angel Falls. She in turn is out of the Group 3-winning Caerleon mare Anna Palariva and a half-sister to Irish 1,000 Guineas second Anna Salai.

He is also bred on the same Mr Prospector cross as Group 1 winners Hooray, Charm Spirit, Signs Of Blessing, Lawman and Kingman.

Though ultimately confined to a light career overall, the flair National Defense showed at two seems bound to appeal to breeders. Cathal Beale, chief executive of the Irish National Stud, also drew attention to the horse's build.

"National Defense is a beautifully made individual and moulded with the same physical strength of his sire," he said. "He is a very exciting addition to our roster. A number of lifetime breeding rights will be available and we look forward to welcoming breeders to join us on this journey."

A fee for National Defense has yet to be announced.