Market demand for fast, precocious talent at stud

A look at juveniles who are being retired to stud

Mehmas: will stand at Tally-Ho Stud next yearCredit: Edward Whitaker

The Irish stallion ranks will next year welcome at least two three-year-olds, with July Stakes and Richmond Stakes winner Mehmas having been confirmed for Tally-Ho Stud and Middle Park Stakes hero The Last Lion retired this week to Kildangan Stud.

Racing fans have howled with outrage at being deprived of horses they have grown attached to, and understandably so. Both horses displayed the speed and tenacity that should have made them forces to be reckoned with in the big sprint races next year.

More than a mild dose of disappointment was detectable as Mark Johnston, who expertly handled The Last Lion to win four of his ten starts from the Brocklesby in April to the Middle Park late last month, paid tribute to his charge.

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Published on 22 October 2016inComment

Last updated 12:57, 22 October 2016

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