BLUSHING Groom, Irish River, Holy Roman Emperor, Siyouni, Dabirsim. The Group 1 Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère has long been a stallion making race. The Irish National Stud are delighted to retire National Defense, the latest champion two-year-old to take that crown. Trained by Mme Criquette Head-Maarek, National Defense showed a devastating turn of foot to win by six lengths on debut and this exceptional acceleration was again apparent in the Lagardère where he dominated the field winning by four and a half lengths.

With a Timeform rating of 118p National Defense retires from the immediate family of group performers Anna Palariva, Anna Salai, Advice, Iguazu Falls, Anshaam and Ancestor, Dubai Gina and Ave.

Impeccably mated by his illustrious breeders Haras de Monceaux and Meridian International, National Defense is the result of one of the most potent crosses in modern thoroughbred breeding. By the champion and sire of sires Invincible Spirit, National Defense is bred on the same Mr Prospector cross as Group 1 winners Hooray, Charm Spirit, Signs Of Blessing, Lawman and Horse of the Year Kingman. His breed defining broodmare sire Kingmambo has already produced Midday, Camelot, Duke of Marmalade, Maids Causeway, Cloth of Stars and Ulysses as the maternal sire.

Cathal Beale, CEO of the Irish National Stud commented, “National Defense is a beautifully made individual and moulded with the same physical strength of his sire. He is a very exciting addition to our roster. A number of lifetime breeding rights will be available and we look forward to welcoming breeders to join us on this journey”.