FASTNET ROCK, one of the most celebrated stallions of modern times, has been retired from stallion duties at Coolmore Australia. The decision marks the end of an era for the iconic son of Danehill whose dominance on the track and prolific success at stud have left an indelible mark on the sport.
FASTNET ROCK
Commenced stud duties in Australia in 2005, Ireland in 2010
Champion Sire in Australia in 2011-12, 2014-15, second in 2012-13, third in 2016-17 & 2017-18.
Leading Aust. Sire (worldwide earnings) in 2011-12, 2014-15, 2016-17.
Leading Aust. Sire of 3YOs in 2011-12, 2014-15.
Leading NZ Sire of 2YOs in 2017-18.
Champion Sire in Hong Kong in 2016-17.
Champion Broodmare Sire in Hong Kong in 2022-23.
Champion Sire in Macau in 2018-19.
Champion Sire in Bahrain in 2018.
Third on Australian Broodmare Sires List in 2019-20.
Second on NZ Sires List in 2020-21, third in 2019-20.
Current Leading Australian Broodmare Sire List in 2023-24
"FASTNET ROCK has been a once-in-a-lifetime horse, and we are immensely grateful for the incredible journey he has taken us on. I hope he will enjoy a long and happy retirement here at Jerrys Plains. His legacy will endure for generations to come, and we look forward to seeing his influence continue to shape the future of the sport,” said Coolmore’s Tom Magnier.
Foaled in 2001, FASTNET ROCK quickly established himself as a formidable force on the racetrack.
Following back-to-back Group 1 successes in the Lightning Stakes and Oakleigh Plate for trainer Paul Perry he was crowned Champion 3YO Sprinter of 2004/05.
However, it was FASTNET ROCK’S transition to stud duty that truly solidified his legacy.
Twice Champion Sire in Australia, 43 of his sons and daughters have achieved success at Group 1 level with the likes of Avantage, Atlantic Jewel, and Mosheen cementing his reputation as one of the pre-eminent sires of his generation.
Currently he is the sire of 193 Stakes winners and 152 Stakes placegetters in total among 1539 Individual Winners with earnings over $262 million.
His sire sons include: Foxwedge (26), Smart Missile (24), Hinchinbrook (22), El Roca (10), Rothesay (7), Your Song (7), Atlante (6), Wanted (5), Awesome Rock (5), Highly Recommended, The Bold One, Fascinating Rock, Merchant Navy, Stryker, Rock 'n' Pop, etc.
Fastnet Rock has had a long list of sire sons to achieve Group 1 success in their own right and his daughters are proving a powerhouse of talent putting him at the top of the Australian Broodmare Sires List this season.
Fastnet Rock mares have produced 18 SW’s and their progeny have won over $30 million in prizemoney this season.
Introduced to the market at a service fee of $55,000, Fastnet Rock’s fee rose to $275,000 in 2013, his highest advertised fee, having been crowned champion sire in the 2011/12. He then stood for a private fee between 2014 - 2018.
His global reach was secured when he began shuttling to Coolmore’s Irish base in 2010, a journey he would undertake for the next 11 seasons, standing his final year in Europe in 2021.
While his feats on the racetrack were impressive, they were quickly eclipsed by his ability in the breeding shed and his numbers make for impressive reading.
To date in the southern hemisphere, Fastnet Rock’s 1107 winners are headed by 138 stakes winners, led by 34 Group 1 winners.
Globally, he is responsible for 193 stakes winners (107 Male / 86 Female), headlined by 43 Group 1 winners, including dual hemisphere top-flight winner Via Sistina and Merchant Navy, who followed up his Coolmore Stud Stakes success with a triumph in the prestigious Diamond Jubilee Stakes (Gr 1, 6f) at Royal Ascot.
While able to sire top-class horses of either sex, perhaps he will be remembered for his ability to produce top-class fillies with 86 of his total number of stakes winners being female. Featured among them are household names such as Atlantic Jewel, Sea Siren, Catchy, winner of the Blue Diamond Stakes (Gr 1, 1200m), Irish Lights, Avantage and Unforgotten to name a small few.
Such is the terrific season he is having so far in Australia, Fastnet Rock is currently in pole position to land his first Australian Champion Broodmare Sire title, sitting over $5 million ahead of his closest rival, former barn-mate Encosta De Lago (Fairy King).
Time and age are a heavy burden. Sadly, the past few seasons have resulted in a significant decline in his fertility.
From a height of 87.6% in 2012, his current yearling crop was just 24 Live Foals produced off a fertility of only 38.9%.
His next foal crop on the ground born in the Spring of 2023 (current weanlings) number just 16.
Whilst last season, of his first 16 mares covered, none were in foal. Therefore, he was immediately withdrawn from service in 2023.
Opportunity to own and race one of the few remaining progeny of this legendary sire are quickly diminishing.
FASTNET ROCK - Champion Sire
As defined above, only a handful of progeny by FASTNET ROCK are available.
The Team at Dynamic Syndications being aware of his fertility issues and the brilliance of his progeny over his years at stud, we were keen to purchase one of his few colts available for sale this year.
We struck at the MAGIC MILLIONS when we purchased his son from the mare TANTALUS (by Savabeel).
Our Yearling Colt by FASTNET ROCK ex TANTALUS 29-1-24
Our COLT is now a Rare Gem!
He is a true “Wow Factor - Stallion Prospect” being trained by Ciaron Maher.
A Colossal COLT by Champion FASTNET ROCK (193 SW and 152 SP inc 43 Gr1 Wnrs) from TANTALUS (NZ) a Winning daughter of Champion Sire SAVABEEL.
Bred on an Unbelievably Successful Cross:
13 Runners: 11 Winners: 6 Stakes Horses.
Even Better for COLTS on the cross:
8 Runners: 7 Winners (87.5%): 4 Stakes Horses (50%)
Lot 275 - Fastnet Rock x Tantalus from Dynamic Syndications on Vimeo.
BELOW: Being Sold through the auction ring
Magic Millions Lot 275 - Fastnet Rock x Tantalus colt - Auction Video from Dynamic Syndications on Vimeo.
BELOW: At COOLMORE STUD prior to the sales
Magic Millions Lot 275 - Fastnet Rock x Tantalus (NZ) colt from Dynamic Syndications on Vimeo.
One of only 24 yearlings (13 COLTS) by FASTNET ROCK due to the sire’s infertility issues
Current Crop 24 Yearlings were Conceived on a $165,000 Service Fee
PICTORIAL of his Progress
In the Paddock - 27 March
In Work / Under saddle - 9 April
In Work 9 April (left) with his stablemate Almanzor / Anchovy
In Work 9 April (inside / right) with his stablemate Almanzor / Anchovy
In Work 9 April (closest) with his stablemate Almanzor / Anchovy
Keep an eye out for this colt
Rarity + Highest Quality.
When Class & Quality Matter.
5% Shares $16,930 & ALL COSTS to 1/7/24.