European Group 1 winner Novellist has been purchased to stand at the Shadai Stallion Station in Japan.

The Irish bred galloper bows out after scoring a G1 victory in the Grosser Preis von Baden (2400m) on September 1.  Trained by Andreas Wohler for owner-breeder Dr Christoph Berglar, he also won at the elite level in England (King George VI & Queen Elizabeth Stakes), France (Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud) and Italy (Gran Premio Del Jockey Club).

Novellist set an Ascot course-record in the King George clocking 2:24.60s for 2400 metres.

Berglar operates Stonereath Stud in Kentucky, however, with a winning record over longer trips on turf it was evident there would be limited opportunities to succeed in that environment.

“A few established European farms were interested,” Berglar said.  “But it became obvious that European valuations of the horse as a breeding prospect were certainly far removed from the Japanese offer we received.

“He will be an interesting addition to the Japanese gene pool and should have a fair chance of being as successful a stallion as he was a racehorse.”

Novellist (4c Monsun – Night Lagoon by Lagunas) is out of a German G3 winning mare who has produced five winners.  His sire Monsun (Konigsstuhl) was responsible for over 100 stakes winners at Gestüt Schlenderhan before his death in September 2012.

Monsun filly Estimate won this year’s G1 Ascot Gold Cup (4000m) carrying Queen Elizabeth’s colours.  It was the first victory for a reigning monarch in the Gold Cup’s 207-year history.

NOVELLIST
Dr Christoph Berglar celebrates with jockey Eduardo Pedroza at Baden-Baden