The cost of Hunter Valley-bound stallion Animal Kingdom’s failure on day one of the Royal Ascot racing carnival in England, could be felt further than the punter’s pockets.
Sent out an overwhelming favorite for the Group 1 Queen Anne Stakes, Animal Kingdom only beat one runner home in the feature event over 1600m.
Owner of Scone’s Arrowfield Stud, John Messara bought a half share in Animal Kingdom, who won the famous Kentucky Derby, before the World Cup in Dubai.
The horse was given a chance at Royal Ascot to prove its worth in the breeding barn, with fears he was not a worldwide stallion proposition given his best form was on dirt and not grass.
The failure could hurt Arrowfield Stud, which is attempting to secure its fair share of the breeding market given so many star three year olds, including Black Caviar’s half brother All Too Hard, will start stud duties in the Hunter this season.
It’s likely Animal Kingdom will now be retired for stud.
