'He should have a very exciting future' - Mill Reef winner Sakheer heading to Ballyhane Stud

Mill Reef Stakes winner Sakheer has been acquired by Ballyhane Stud and will stand at the County Carlow farm for the 2025 season. 

The Zoffany half-brother to Group 2 winner Lemista topped the 2022 Arqana Breeze-Up Sale when bought by Oliver St Lawrence for €550,000 for KHK Racing, and won very easily at Haydock for Roger Varian before his emphatic Group 2 success at Newbury.

He missed the Dewhurst with a dirty scope and finished seventh in the 2,000 Guineas before suffering a significant foreleg injury in the Commonwealth Cup. Sakheer ran twice again this year but was unable to recapture his old form. 

Varian said: "Sakheer was an exceptional two-year-old and we were all devastated when injury prevented him from fulfilling his potential as a three-year-old. He really had the wow factor and we were privileged to have him in our yard."

Joe Foley of Ballyhane, who confirmed KHK Racing will retain some equity in the colt, said: "I saw Sakheer on the gallops one morning with Roger and it was obvious that he was held in the highest regard.

"He’s a very impressive-looking horse with a big pedigree, and I’m just thrilled that he’s retiring to Ballyhane."

KHK Racing adviser St Lawrence added: "Sakheer had a huge talent and we’re really excited by what he can do at stud. We’ll be very interested to see what he can produce, and if he transfers his ability, looks and temperament to his progeny, he should have a very exciting future. 

"We are delighted to partner with Ballyhane, who have a terrific record in producing good stallions."

A stud fee for Sakheer will be announced at a later date.

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