The English National Stud has signed Dick Turpin to stand at its Newmarket base in 2012.

Dick Turpin (4c Arakan – Merrily by Sharrood) was a G1 winner of the Premio Vittorio Di Capua in September and was last seen finishing fifth to Frankel in the G1 Queen Elizabeth 11 Stakes at Ascot.

The Richard Hannon trained colt was runner-up in the English and French 2000 Guineas behind Makfi and Lope de Vega last year and he also played second fiddle in the St James Palace Stakes to Canford Cliffs at Royal Ascot.

Dick Turpin was a 26,000 euros buy as a yearling.  He is far and away the best galloper by Nureyev sire Arakan and his dam Merrily is a half-sister to Longchamp stakes winner Deep Finesse.

The English National Stud is now under the control of The Jockey Club and managing director Brian O’Rourke pushed the purchase through.

“Dick Turpin showed fantastic form from two to four and he defeated Canford Cliffs in the Greenham Stakes,” O’Rourke said.  “He was tough and versatile and will offer a great opportunity to commercial breeders.”