THE Irish National Stud has set the covering fee for its new stallion Decorated Knight at €15,000.

By Galileo and from the family of Giant’s Causeway, Decorated Knight won three Group 1 races this year – the Irish Champion Stakes, the Tattersalls Gold Cup and Jebel Hatta.

He is the first foal out of a full-sister to three-time US champion sire Giant’s Causeway, as well as You’resothrilling – the dam of Gleneagles, Marvellous and Happily – and Freud, the sire of 46 stakes winners.

In addition, their dam Mariah’s Storm descends directly from Itsabet, also the ancestress of Dansili.

Cathal Beale, CEO of the Irish National Stud, commented: “The Irish National Stud are thrilled to add a high-class son of Galileo to our burgeoning roster. With performance, physical and pedigree to die for, Decorated Knight ticks all the boxes.”

Tony Nerses, advisor to owners Saleh Al Homaizi and Imad Al Sagar, said: “Decorated Knight has the distinction of being the best horse bred by Blue Diamond Stud and we’re delighted that he is to stand at the Irish National Stud. He possesses an excellent turn of foot as well as durability that saw him win three Group 1 races this season.

“He is also a member of one of the most influential families of the modern era, being out of a sister to champion sire Giant’s Causeway and multiple Group 1 producer You’resothrilling. We look forward to supporting him strongly at stud.”

A limited number of breeding rights will be available.

The Irish National Stud’s flagship stallion Invincible Spirit, who turns 21 next year, remains at €120,000. His Group 1-winning son National Defense, another new acquisition, has been put in at €12,000 for his first season.

Dragon Pulse (€8,000), Gale Force Ten (€5,000), Worthadd (€5,000) and Elusive Pimpernel (€1,000) see no change in their fees, while Free Eagle comes down from €20,000 to €15,000.

Cathal Beale said: “We are delighted to announce a very competitive set of fees for 2018, continuing our commitment to offering high quality stallions at reasonable values. With two exciting new additions in Decorated Knight and National Defense, we look forward to welcoming breeders to the Irish National Stud to view this exciting line-up in the coming weeks.”

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