'He's a good foal' - St Mark's Basilica the latest sire to welcome first progeny

The first foal by European champion two-year-old and world champion three-year-old St Mark's Basilica is on the ground, a colt bred by John Ferguson's Natalma Bloodstock out of Vital Force.

Born at Kiltinan Stud last Monday, the colt is out of the Godolphin-bred Invincible Spirit mare, a half-sister to Coventry Stakes winner Buratino and from the immediate family of Danehill Dancer.

Kiltinan manager Donna Vowles said of the arrival: "He’s a good first foal with a good frame to fill into and a confident temperament."

St Mark's Basilica commanded attention from the off himself, with the Robert Scarborough-bred individual selling to MV Magnier for 1,300,000gns at Book 1 of the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale in 2019.

The son of Siyouni shelved his maiden tag on his third start for Aidan O'Brien and the Coolmore partners at two, before supplementing his third in the National Stakes to Thunder Moon with a determined win in the Dewhurst Stakes.

St Mark's Basilica in his racecourse pompCredit: Mark Cranham

A half-brother to fellow Coolmore resident and 2,000 Guineas hero Magna Grecia, St Mark's Basilica won all four starts at three in a brilliant campaign.

First up came a near two-length success in the Poule d'Essai des Poulains, before an equally comfortable win over subsequent Champion Stakes winner Sealiway in the Prix du Jockey Club.

The colt made light work of top-class older performers Mishriff and Addeybb when showing an explosive turn of foot in the Eclipse and then concluded a perfect campaign in the Irish Champion Stakes, beating a field that included the top-class mare Tarnawa and the 2,000 Guineas and St James's Palace Stakes hero Poetic Flare.

St Mark's Basilica retired to Coolmore last year for an opening fee of €65,000, one that remains unchanged for this season.

He covered a stellar first book of mares in 2022, including Group 1 winners and/or producers Arabian Queen, Talent, Chintz, Deirdre, Come April, Midday, Devoted To You, Timepiece, Reckoning and Again.

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