Fees reduced for Coolmore stalwarts as Wootton Bassett decision on hold

Coolmore has reduced service fees for nine of the 13 stallions on its Hunter Valley roster for the 2024 Australian breeding season.

In response to a softening bloodstock market, Coolmore has adjusted most of its 2024 fees, following the lead set by Australia’s pre-eminent thoroughbred farms.

While the breeding conglomerate is still deciding on a 2024 fee for Wootton Bassett, proven Coolmore sires So You Think ($82,500), Pierro ($55,000), and Pride Of Dubai ($22,00o) have had their fees dropped despite continuing to make headlines in 2023/24.

Wootton Bassett, tipped to become a shuttle sire of considerable influence, stood in Australia for $93,500 last year.

His first Australian crop offered at auction in 2024 averaged almost $375,000 and included a filly out of the outstanding New Zealand mare Avantage who made $2.1 million at Magic Millions.

During the current northern hemisphere breeding season, Wootton Bassett is standing at €200,000 ($A327,500).

Fellow shuttler Starspangledbanner will be the only Coolmore Australia sire to stand at an increased fee this year, rising from $33,000 to $44,000

Home Affairs, one of the younger members of the Coolmore roster, will stand his third season at $82,500 this year.

The two-time Group 1-winning son of I Am Invincible, who stood at an introductory fee of $110,000 in 2022 before dropping to $99,000 last year, will have his first weanlings offered at public auction in the coming weeks.

St Mark’s Basilica ($38,500), King’s Legacy ($22,000), Best Of Bordeaux ($19,250), Yes Yes Yes ($19,250) and Churchill ($19,800) have also had their fees cut.

Acrobat’s fee will be unchanged at $13,750.

The Golden Slipper-winning first-season sire Shinzo will be introduced to Australian breeders at $55,000.