Champion colt Sea The Stars will stand at the Aga Khan’s Gilltown Stud in County Kildare next year.  The brilliant son of Cape Cross will stand his first season at a fee of 85,000 euros (AUD 138,210) and is likely to cover a first book of 120 mares.

Ling Tsui, mother of Christopher Tsui in whose colours the colt raced, said the decision was made after the Aga Khan allowed them to keep ownership of the colt.

“Mrs Tsui and Christopher’s decision to entrust the stud career of Sea The Stars to Gilltown brings the greatest happiness to me personally,” His Highness said yesterday.  “It’s certainly one of the most important developments for my operation since I inherited it in 1960.  This horse could also help develop relations to bring Chinese investment into the European bloodstock market.”

Gilltown Stud is already home to successful stallions Dalakhani and Azamour.  The Aga Khan also announced 2008 Arc de Triomphe winner Zarkava would be covered by Sea The Stars.  “I believe the last two Arc winners were made for each other both in terms of ability, temperament and conformation,” he said.  “The best needs to be bred to the best.”