Breeders' Cup Turf winner Talismanic off to stud in Japan

Talismanic, a top-class son of leading sire Medaglia d’Oro and winner of last year’s Breeders’ Cup Turf, will join the Darley roster in Japan for 2019, it was announced this week.

“We are really excited to have Medaglia d’Oro’s best turf son, Talismanic, in Japan," said Harry Sweeney, president of Darley Japan. "He has a wonderful pedigree, his exceptional sire has sent out numerous winners in a variety of races, and his family has produced many big-name horses. He is extremely attractive with a gorgeous body, and we are looking forward to introducing him to our clients in Japan."

Talismanic's stud fee will be announced at a later date.

Under the care of trainer Andre Fabre throughout his career, Talismanic broke his maiden by no fewer than seven lengths at 2, then raced almost exclusively in stakes company, winning twice at listed level at 3, the same season he finished a creditable fourth in the Prix du Jockey Club (G1).

Two further Black Type wins followed during the summer of his 4-year-old campaign, including in the Prix Maurice de Nieuil (G2) when he beat this year’s Melbourne Cup runner-up Marmelo.

Talismanic’s finest hour came in November of 2017 with his win in the Breeders' Cup Turf at Del Mar. Under Mickael Barzalona, Talismanic came with a superb run down the home straight to win by half a length, setting a new course record and beating nine Grade or Group 1 winners in the process.

He rounded off his 2017 campaign with a creditable second in the Hong Kong Vase (G1) and made his final start in this year's Breeders' Cup Turf.

Talismanic’s sire, Medaglia d’Oro, has recorded 21 Grade or Group 1 winners to date. They have won on both turf and dirt and from distances ranging from 1,200-2,400 meters. He is also one of the world’s leading sires at the sales, with a world-beating eight yearlings to have made a million US dollars or more this year alone.