Legendary sire Sadler’s Wells retires from stud

The legendary stallion Sadler’s Wells has been retired from stud duties at the age of 27 due to declining fertility.

Sadler’s Wells was champion sire in Britain and Ireland a record 14 times — in 1990, and from 1992-2004.

The son of Northern Dancer out of the Bold Reason mare Fairy Bridge was born in America in 1981 but was trained in Ireland by Vincent O’Brien, winning six of his eleven starts including the Irish 2000 Guineas, Eclipse Stakes and Irish Champion Stakes.

He has stood at Coolmore Stud since the end of the 1985 flat season and famously produced 69 individual Group One winners including Epsom Derby winners Galileo and High Chaparral, Salsabil — who won the 1000 Guineas, Oaks and Irish Derby — and Montjeu, who counts both the Irish and French Derbies and the Arc among his wins.

He also sired the three-time Champion Hurdle winner Istabraq.

Coolmore manager Christy Grassick said: “I think Sadler’s Wells is generally acknowledged as the best sire Europe has ever seen and we feel very privileged to have been associated with him.

“Despite his advancing years, he is still in remarkably good condition and I hope he enjoys a long and happy retirement.

“His influence will be felt for many years to come and in Galileo, Montjeu and High Chaparral, we are delighted to have his three best sons at Coolmore.”

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now