Dalakhani returns to Cornerstone Stud

Dalakhani will shuttle for a second southern hemisphere season to Cornerstone Stud in South Australia this year.

The son of Darshaan was one of two Aga Khan stallions to take up shuttle duties in 2013, the first time the operation had sent any of its sires to stand in the southern hemisphere.  His former stud mate Azamour made the trip to New Zealand last year, but he was put down earlier this month.

Dalakhani, a four-time Group 1 winner, is the sire of six top-flight scorers including Prix du Jockey Club hero Reliable Man, who beat Triple Crown winner It’s A Dundeel to victory in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick 12 months ago. F rom nine runners in Australia, Dalakhani has sired seven winners.

“We would like to thank those that supported Dalakhani last season,” said Cornerstone managing director Sam Hayes.  “The response from across the country proved that we have a sophisticated market in Australia that appreciates stallions with such breed-shaping potential.

“Last year we saw the demand for buying readymade stayers being encroached upon by those willing to breed their own, many of whom appreciated having a proven producer of Group 1 winners right here on their doorstep.”

The 14-year-old covered 97 mares in Australia last season.

“We remain convinced that Dalakhani is the perfect outcross for Australian mares,” Gilltown Stud manager Pat Downes said.  “He thrived in the conditions down there last season.”

Dalakhani will stand at Cornerstone Stud for an unchanged fee of $22,000 (inc gst).