Cornerstone Stud has acquired Group 2 winning Fastnet Rock colt Valentia to stand in South Australia.
He joins recent signing Free Eagle (Ire), a Group 1 Royal Ascot winner by High Chaparral.
Managing director Sam Hayes will oversee a new-look roster at his Angaston property this year following the death of Hussonet (USA). It’s also likely Dalakhani (Ire) will not shuttle this year after he was taken out of service in France earlier this month.
Valentia (Fastnet Rock – Smart Company by Mister C) is from a sister to Group 1 winning sprinter Super Elegant and topped the 2013 Gold Coast Magic Millions at $1.35 million. He was purchased by Coolmore Stud and raced in partnership with Lomar Park breeder Fred Peisah.
Trained by Gai Waterhouse, Valentia won the G2 Skyline Stakes (1200m) joining a roll-call that includes Snitzel, Choisir and Fastnet Rock’s young gun Hinchinbrook. “Valentia is arguably the best looking colt ever seen at Tulloch Lodge,” Waterhouse said. “He won the Skyline comfortably and is a lovely-natured horse.”
Resuming as a spring three year-old, Valentia was placed in the G3 Up & Coming Stakes and G2 Stan Fox Stakes before sustaining a career-ending tendon injury.
Valentia will stand for an $11,000 (inc gst) service fee.