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| Staff Writer |
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In a significant move for the Indian breeding industry, Group One winner and proven sire Territories is being relocated to Poonawalla Stud Farms in Pune, following successful negotiations through bloodstock agent Ajay Anne.
The Andre Fabre-trained son of Invincible Spirit carved out a distinguished racing career, ascending from juvenile promise to Classic challenger. His crowning achievement came in the Gr.1 Prix Jean Prat, complemented by sterling performances in the 2,000 Guineas behind Gleneagles and the Prix Jacques le Marois.
Previous winners of the Prix Jean Prat include luminaries such as Kingman, who went on to sire multiple Group One winners, and Palace Pier, who dominated the European mile division.
Stellar Progeny Making Waves
Standing at Dalham Hall Stud since 2017 for an initial fee of US$15,000, Territories has established himself as a reliable source of top-class performers. His flagship offspring Lazzat remains unbeaten this term, claiming the Gr.1 Prix Maurice de Gheest, while Regional secured the Gr.1 Haydock Sprint Cup. Rougir added international flair with victories in the Gr.1 Prix de l'Opera and E.P. Taylor Stakes, later commanding US$3.2 million at Arqana's December Sale.
His tally includes 38 black-type performers, with nine achieving Group success, among them Hoo Ya Mal, who commanded US$1.5 million when sold to Australian interests.
Poonawalla's Global Vision
"Mr Zavaray Poonawalla is looking to acquire world-class stallions and broodmares for his esteemed stud farm in Pune," Anne explained. "The process started last year when we started to buy some top-class mares at Tattersalls like Nemoralia, Riposte and Rostova and then we started to search for the best stallion prospect or a proven world-class sire itself."
Covering 104 mares in his final European season at a fee of US$12,500, Territories joins a roster including Excellent Art, Leitir Mor and Roderic O'Connor at the prestigious Indian operation.
"So here we are. Nemoralia is the dam of unbeaten Grade Two winner May Day Ready, Pavlosk, a full sister to Rostova, is responsible for Phoenix Stakes winner Babouche and, of course, Territories is a proven top-class sire with Lazzat this year," Anne added.