North America’s all-time leading earner Curlin has his first foal on the ground in Kentucky.  The Curlin – Zophie filly is a half-sister to G1 Spinaway Stakes (G1) winner Appealing Zophie (Successful Appeal).

Curlin (Smart Strike) banked over US$10.50 million in a career that earned two Horse of the Year titles.  In 2007 he garnered G1 victories in the Breeders’ Cup Classic, Preakness Stakes and Jockey Club Gold Cup.  He reprised that award in 2008 after adding G1 wins in the Dubai World Cup, Stephen Foster Hcp, Woodward Stakes and a second straight Jockey Club Gold Cup.

Curlin stands at Lane’s End in Kentucky for a $60,000 service fee.

The Green Monkey is another high-profile sire with his first foals on the ground in North America.  The Florida based stallion welcomed a filly from I’m Angela (Kayrawan) on January 13.

The Green Monkey created nearly as many headlines as Curlin but his race-record is altogether more modest.  He retired a maiden after facing the starter just three times.

The Green Monkey earned his 15 minutes of fame when selling for a world-record US$16 million at the 2006 Fasig-Tipton 2yo Sale at Florida.  Coolmore agent Demi O’Byrne was the successful bidder after an intense duel with Sheikh Mohammed’s bloodstock manager John Ferguson.

The Green Monkey retired to Hartley-De Renzo Thoroughbreds after studmaster Dean De Renzo bought back a half-share in the horse from Coolmore.  A contingency in the contract calls for a transfer to Coolmore’s Ashford base in Kentucky if he does well at stud.

The Green Monkey (Forestry – Magical Masquerade by Unbridled) stands for a $5,000 fee.  Randy Hartley Hartley and De Renzo originally purchased him for $425,000 at the 2005 Fasig-Tipton Kentucky July yearling sale.

His value went through the roof after scorching over 200m in 9.80s prior to the 2yo Sale.  “He thinks he’s a champion,” De Renzo said.  “He’s probably the fastest ever horse to breeze-up in Florida.  Being a stallion is his second chance and he looks phenomenal.”