The Irish National Stud failed to sign Sea The Stars for 2010 but the County Kildare nursery will have Group 1 sprinter Art Connoisseur on its books next year.

Sea The Stars was foaled at the Irish National Stud, however, he will stand at the Aga Khan’s Gilltown Stud for an 85,000 euros fee.  Art Connoisseur has been priced at 7,000 euros.

Art Connoisseur (3c Lucky Story – Withorwithoutyou by Danehill) started his career with a winning hat-trick that included a G2 victory in the Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot.  He was beaten for the first time when runner-up to Mastercraftsman in the G1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh.
He returned to Royal Ascot this year to score a G1 victory in the Golden Jubilee Stakes when the beaten brigade included Sacred Kingdom and King’s Apostle.  

The Irish National Stud is home to champion first-sires Invincible Spirit and Elusive City.  The both shuttled to the southern hemisphere with varying degrees of success at Chatswood Stud and Haunui Farm.
Celtic Swing, who has stood the past eight seasons at the Irish National, has been transferred to Italy.  He shuttled here for three seasons and among his Australian progeny was champion sprinter Takeover Target.