Coolmore Australia has announced that Shinzo, the Golden Slipper-winning colt by Snitzel and last season's Champion two-year-old, will commence his stud career at their esteemed facility in 2024. His service fee is set at $55,000 (inc GST).
Shinzo, a prodigious talent both on the track, clinched the G1 Golden Slipper in a stunning display of acceleration, beating Group 1 winners Cylinder, Militarize (Dundeel {NZ}), and Little Brose (Per Incanto {USA}). Colts dominated the finish in the $5 million juvenile feature that year, with the Peter and Paul Snowden-trained King's Gambit (I Am Invincible) running on for third ahead of his stablemates Don Corleone (Extreme Choice) and Empire Of Japan (Snitzel).
This victory secured him a Timeform rating of 120, making him the highest-rated two-year-old of the season.
Shinzo
Shinzo’s victory handed Chris Waller the richly desired Golden Slipper win that had, until then, eluded the Champion Trainer, while it was also a first success in the race for visiting British jockey Ryan Moore.
"He’s a very special horse, and we knew early on when he came into our system," Waller said. "He has a great temperament and is the most naturally gifted two-year-old I have ever trained. Combined with his impressive physique and pedigree, he stands out as an exceptionally desirable stallion prospect."
A blueblood, his dam Samaready (More Than Ready {USA}), who took out the G1 Blue Diamond S. in 2012, then the G1 Moir S. at three and also placed in the Golden Slipper., has also produced Shinzo’s full sister Exhilarates. Raced by Godolphin, Exhilarates was a multiple stakes winner and proved too good in the R. Listed Magic Millions 2YO Classic in 2019.
Furthermore, Shinzo’s damsire, More Than Ready, has been an outstanding source of juvenile speed, siring two Slipper winners - Phelan Ready and Sebring.
Shinzo's dam Samaready
Tom Magnier, principal of Coolmore Australia, also expressed his enthusiasm about Shinzo's addition to their roster.
"Snitzel is a four-time Champion sire of two-year-olds and one of the greatest stallions we have seen in Australia in the modern era," Magnier stated.
"We are delighted to stand his best two-year-old and best-bred son at stud. The Golden Slipper has an unmatched record as a sire-making race, and Shinzo possesses all the credentials we look for in a sire prospect, with an impeccable pedigree and incredible good looks."
Reflecting on Shinzo's journey, Magnier shared, "We have a great group of partners involved in his ownership and his Golden Slipper win was one of my fondest ever memories on a racetrack. Being foaled, raised, and broken in here at Coolmore, he was a special horse since the day he was born and we look forward to welcoming him back."
