In a change of plans, Paul Holmes a Court will stand Ouqba (GB) for a second season at Heytesbury Stud this year.

Holmes a Court announced the imminent closure of the stud’s breeding operations in January, however, Ouqba will now remain in service at the Keysbrook property.

The stakes winning son of Red Ransom will be the only stallion available to breeders at Heytesbury in 2014.  Former residents Saxon (Danehill) and Husson Lightning (Hussonet) will move on before the start of the next breeding season.

Studmaster Dennis Tilbrook will stay on board and is already promoting Ouqba to broodmare owners.  “He’s an exciting stallion and we’re really looking forward to his first foals in August,” Tilbrook said.  “The Red Ransom sireline has been very successful in Australia and Ouqba can be an influence for years to come in WA.”

Ouqba was raced by Sheikh Hamdan and was a two year-old winner at Newmarket and Salisbury.  He returned the following year to claim the LR European Free Hcp (1400m) at Newmarket and the G3 Jersey Stakes (1400m) at Royal Ascot.

Timeform offered the following assessment of Ouqba;  “He’s a strong, good-topped, sturdy colt.  A very smart performer, good walker, stays a mile, acts on good, firm and soft ground.”

Ouqba will stand for a $4,400 (inc gst) service fee and Tillbrook can be contacted on 0419 967 879.