GER O'Neill says "the phone hasn't stopped ringing" since news broke this week that Authorized will stand at O'Neill's Capital Stud (formerly Castlefield Stud) in Bennettsbridge, Co Kilkenny.
Authorized, winner of the Derby in 2007, has been in Turkey for the past four seasons, having previously stood in England, Ireland and France since he began covering in 2008.
The son of Montjeu did not enjoy immediate success on the flat with his progeny but he has sired numerous top class jumpers, including Tiger Roll, Nichols Canyon, Echoes In Rain, I Am Maximus and Goshen.
His stock have also proved very popular at the sales. His six representatives at the Derby Sale this year averaged €103,000 and he had a dozen of his progeny sell at the Arkle Sale for an average price of €85,000.
Now rising 21, Authorized is set to return to Ireland and join Alkumait, Castle Star, Hunting Horn, Mirage Dancer and Triple Threat at Capital Stud.
O'Neill said: "It's very exciting. Authorized is in quarantine at the moment but already some of the best breeders in Ireland have booked mares in for him. The phone hasn't stopped ringing."
Authorized's fee will be private and his book limited, O'Neill says. "The horse's fertility is good. We've seen his statistics. He will be a boutique stallion and we'll let him cover whatever number of mares he's happy to cover."
O'Neill's investors in Capital Stud include Darren McCarthy, Jerry Horan, point-to-point handler Donnchadh Doyle and show jumper Greg Broderick.
SHARING OPTIONS: