'One of the standout horses of his generation' - Champion Stakes winner King Of Steel retired to stud

Last year's Champion Stakes winner King Of Steel has been retired from racing and will stand at Tally-Ho Stud in 2025. 

Amo Racing's son of Wootton Bassett retires as the highest-rated colt by his sire of the past six years thanks to a stellar career which included victory in last year's Champion Stakes. He was also second to Auguste Rodin in the Derby and landed the King Edward VII Stakes at Royal Ascot by nearly four lengths from subsequent St Leger hero Continuous. 

He finished third to Hukum and Westover in the King George and a length fourth to Auguste Rodin in the Irish Champion Stakes. The strapping colt was successful on his two-year-old debut at Nottingham, winning by nearly five lengths. 

Kia Joorabchian had hoped to race King Of Steel again this season, but the colt was found to be lame following work ahead of an intended reappearance in the Brigadier Gerard Stakes in May. He subsequently left trainer Roger Varian’s yard.

Joorabchian said: "King Of Steel has been an outstanding flagbearer for Amo Racing, perfectly exemplifying the ambitions of our operation. Last year's Champions Day was one of the greatest moments in racing history, as we witnessed King Of Steel deliver a stunning performance for Frankie Dettori on his final ride at Ascot. 

"Over the past season, he truly established himself as one of the standout horses of his generation. We are incredibly proud to have such a top-class son of Wootton Bassett standing at a prestigious farm, and we are committed to supporting him fully in the years ahead.

King Of Steel: top-class performer for Amo RacingCredit: Edward Whitaker

"I've never been more excited about a stallion, and I can't wait to see his offspring excel."

Tally-Ho Stud’s Roger O’Callaghan added: "When we were given the chance to stand King Of Steel, we had absolutely no hesitation. His size, speed, agility, and mentality make him the perfect stallion to complement our existing roster. 

"Being the flagbearer of an operation like Amo Racing, which has been growing from strength to strength in the last few years, his offspring will have every opportunity to succeed and excel. We are excited to be standing him and look forward to helping him and Amo achieve their goals.”

Frankie Dettori, who partnered King Of Steel to his Champion Stakes win, said: "King Of Steel wrote an Ascot Champion Stakes finale that not even Steven Spielberg could have imagined. He’s a horse blessed with everything you want from a champion - physicality, cruising speed, a change of gear, and above all, the will to win. I will never forget that emotional day. I wish him all the best at stud and thank him for the unforgettable memories.

"It was one of the most memorable moments of my racing career. King Of Steel excelled and gave me the perfect Ascot finale. I have no doubt he’ll become a stallion to be reckoned with, and I’m deeply grateful to him for helping me close my Ascot career in such an incredible way."

The four-year-old is by Wootton Bassett, the sire of ten individual two-year-old stakes winners this year so far. He was bred by Bonne Chance Farm out of the winning Verglas mare Eldacar, a close relation to champion miler Contributer.

A fee for King Of Steel will be established in due course.

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