Windsor Park Stud has confirmed Rip Van Winkle will stand his first southern hemisphere season in New Zealand for a fee of $25,000 (+ gst).

Rip Van Winkle (Galileo – Looking Back by Stravinsky) was rated the highest 3YO Turf Miler in the world in 2009 following Group 1 victories in the Sussex Stakes and Queen Elizabeth ll Stakes.

Further Group 1 success came last year when he was rated the best 4YO Turf Miler on the World Thoroughbred rankings.  He was also ranked equal-best Turf Intermediate racehorse with champion NZ-bred galloper So You Think.

The Coolmore colt was accorded a very high annual Timeform rating of 134 in a vintage crop that also included champion Sea The Stars.

Confirmation of service fees for Windsor Park‘s stallion roster which includes European Champion 2YO Mastercraftsman, Champion NZ Sire Volksraad and New Zealand’s Champion Sire elect Thorn Park will be announced shortly.