By Adamm Ingals

(7-21-23) What is the key to producing a future thoroughbred stakes winner. Can you do it with an affordable priced sire or do you need a high priced super star.

The options are numerous, so much that some future sires are having a tough time even finding a spot to stand.

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Not everyone can afford an ‘Into Mischief‘ or a ‘Tapit‘, or a graded stakes mare. Not every stallion prospect can go out an purchase mares to get his career off to a good start. But then again not every foal produced from a ‘super-star‘ stallion wins a million dollars.

The suggestions below are for those who might actually need an affordable plan in a breeding program.

  • Consider younger, unproven sires that have good bloodlines but lower stud fees. Their fees are often much less than established star sires.
  • Look for regional stallions standing at small farms. Their fees tend to be lower than those at big commercial breedings farms.
  • Inquire about farms offering reduced fees for multiple bookings or breeding to lesser desired mares. Some will negotiate on price.
  • Check sale catalogs and online stallion directories for stud fees to get an idea of price ranges for different caliber sires. Fees typically range from a few thousand to over $100,000.
  • Be flexible on pedigree and conformation if your main goal is an affordable breeding. There are decent bloodstock options for $3-5k if you broaden your search.
  • Consider breeding to an unraced or lightly raced stallion prospects. Their stud fees are usually very low initially.
  • Research any state or breeder incentives that may offset breeding costs to certain sires.

The specific best priced sire will depend on your mare, budget, and breeding goals. But hopefully those tips give you some ideas on finding an affordable Thoroughbred stallion.

  • FLORIDA – $3,000 fee – Noble Bird (Birdstone – Anyhow, by Tiznow)
  • NEW MEXICO – $1,500 fee – American Pepper (American Pharoah – Peppers Pride, by Desert God)
  • ARKANSAS – $3,500 fee – American Freedom (Pulpit–Gottcha Last, by Pleasant Tap)
  • TEXAS – $2,000 fee – Keep Up (Unbridled’s Song – Keeper Hill, by Deputy Minister)
  • OHIO – $2,000 fee – Mr. Freeze (To Honor and Serve – Heavenly Cat by Tabasco Cat)
  • LOUISIANA – $2,000 fee – Catalina Red (Munnings- Lovely Dream by Frued)
  • INDIANA – $2,500 fee – Charming Kitten (Kitten’s Joy – Iteration, by Wild Again)
  • KENTUCKY – $5,000 fee – Cupid (Tapit – Pretty ‘n Smart, by Beau Genius)

Check out – Nole Ksum Racing Stable