Sir Patrick Hogan has confirmed Stravinsky will return to Cambridge Stud for the 2011 breeding season.
 
“I’m chuffed to get him back,” said Sir Patrick.  “When he returned to Japan after the 2009 season I thought he might never be seen in the southern hemisphere again.  He’s a sire with a great record and his progeny are popular in the sale ring.”
 
The Cambridge Stud boss said the fact Stravinsky would no longer be shuttling to Japan provided surety to breeders.
 
Stravinsky (Nureyev) initially shuttled from Coolmore’s Ashford Stud in Kentucky to New Zealand in 2000.  He sired the G1 winners Mr Baritone (Stradbroke Handicap), Serenade Rose (VRC Oaks, Arrowfield Stud Stakes, AJC Oaks), Keeninsky (Telegraph Handicap, Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes), Captivate (NZ Breeders’ Stakes) and Time Keeper (Easter Handicap).
 
In addition, Stravinsky has sired G1 winning sprinters Benbaun, Balmont and Soldier’s Tale in the northern hemisphere.  Balmont stands at Lynward Park in WA and Soldier’s Tale is based at Swettenham Stud in Victoria.
 
Australia’s Equine Influenza outbreak stopped Stravinsky shuttling in 2007 while quarantine protocols made his return from Japan unrealistic in 2008.
 
In 2009, Stravinsky accrued substantial frequent flyer points, shuttling from his Japanese base to New Zealand via quarantine pit stops in the United States and Australia.  
 
He was absent again in 2010 so a permanent return this year will be music to the ears of New Zealand breeders.

Stravinsky has four Kiwi bred sire sons in New Zealand in Keeninsky, Patapan, Saperavi and Chinese Dragon, while another son Oratorio (Aus) has made a solid start to his stallion career in Western Australia.
 
Stravinsky will stand for $25,000 alongside Zabeel ($100,000), Keeper ($17,500), Tavistock ($12,500) and Lucky Unicorn ($5,000) on the Cambridge Stud stallion roster.  All fees are (+ gst).