CASTLE Star will stand under the Capital Stud banner in Bennettsbridge, Co Kilkenny, next year. Formerly known as Castlefield Stud, Capital Stud is owned by Ger O'Neill.

Trained by Fozzy Stack, Castle Star is a son of champion sprinter and successful sire Starspangledbanner and he boasted strong Group 1 form as a juvenile. After winning the Listed First Flier Stakes and Group 3 Marble Hill Stakes at the Curragh, Castle Star went on to finish half a length second to Perfect Power in the Group 1 Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket and was considered by many unlucky not to win. The winner had previously landed the Group 1 Prix Morny and won the Group 1 Commonwealth Cup at three.

Described by Stack as "straightforward with a great constitution”, Castle Star is out of a half-sister to Group 3 Pinnacle Stakes winner and Grade 1 E. P. Taylor Stakes-placed Moment In Time. His grandam Horatia won the Group 3 Matchmaker Stakes and is by Machiavellian, damsire of Mehmas, Dark Angel and Shamardal.

Castle Star is also from the family of 2000 Guineas Group 1 Dewhurst Stakes winner Chaldean, Group 2 Lowther Stakes winner Living In The Past and Group 2 Mill Reef Stakes winner Alkumait.

O'Neill said: “We’re delighted to stand a horse of Castle Star’s calibre. Throughout his two-year-old career he displayed speed, soundness and courage while also having the good looks and pedigree to boot. One of the most appealing aspects of standing him for us is access to the Danehill sire line which is becoming more and more difficult. He is also from the family of our very own Alkumait.

"We look forward to supporting Castle Star with some of our best mares and welcoming breeders to Capital Stud to see him."

Castle Star joins Alkumait, Hunting Horn and Mirage Dancer at Capital Stud.