Sakheer has been acquired by Ballyhane Stud and will stand at their Co Carlow farm for the 2025 season.

The son of Zoffany topped the Arqana Breeze Up sales when bought by Oliver St Lawrence for €550,000 and he was an immediate success for Roger Varian when winning his maiden at Haydock by six lengths.

Sent off as odds-on favourite for the Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes at Newbury 16 days later, Sakheer put up an exceptional performance under a hands and heels ride from David Egan.

Following an encouraging three-year-old debut in the 2000 Guineas, Sakheer headed to Royal Ascot as the Commonwealth Stakes favourite where he suffered a significant foreleg injury.

Trainer Roger Varian commented: "Sakheer was an exceptional two-year-old and we were all devastated when injury prevented him from fulfilling his potential as a three-year-old.

"He really had the 'wow' factor and we were privileged to have him in our yard.”

Joe Foley of Ballyhane Stud added: “I saw Sakheer on the gallops one morning with Roger and it was obvious that he was held in the highest regard. He’s a very impressive looking horse with a big pedigree and I’m just thrilled that he’s retiring to Ballyhane."

KHK Racing will retain some equity in the colt and their advisor Oliver St Lawrence commented: "Sakheer had a huge talent and we’re really excited by what he can do at stud. We’ll be very interested to see what he can produce and if he transfers his ability, looks and temperament to his progeny, he should have a very exciting future. We are delighted to partner with Ballyhane who have a terrific record in producing good stallions."

Sakheer is a half brother to Group 2 winner Lemista, a multiple Group/Graded winner in Ireland and the USA. His Group 1 winning sire Zoffany died at the age of just 13 and left five Group 1 winners among his list of 36 group winners. A stud fee for Sakheer will be announced at a later date.