Hard Spun set for return to Darley in America

Darley has announced that Hard Spun, one of an elite group of stallions to sire at least two 2014 G1 winners in North America, will return to Darley’s Jonabell Farm in Kentucky for the 2015 breeding season after a successful season at Sheikh Mohammed’s stallion operation in Japan this year.

Hard Spun is the sire of over 30 Stakes winners to date, including G1 Wood Memorial and G2 Jim Dandy winner Wicked Strong, plus Hard Not To Like, who captured the G1 Jenny Wiley at Keeneland earlier this year.

In 2013, Hard Spun was second only to fellow Darley stallion Street Sense among third-crop sires ranked by progeny earnings, while in 2012, he sired multiple G1 winner and Eclipse Champion Questing and G1 winner Zo Impressive. Hard Spun’s number of first-crop Stakes winners places him atop the all-time list in that category following two full seasons of rankings.

Winner of the G1 King’s Bishop, Hard Spun also had the versatility to finish on the board in all three of America’s Triple Crown races including a memorable second to Street Sense in the Kentucky Derby. He also finished second to 2007 Horse of the Year Curlin in that year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Dan Pride, Darley’s Chief Operating Officer in America, commented, "Street Sense and Hard Spun have each stood a season in Japan. Sharing the best of our stallions with breeders in other countries is an important part of our global philosophy. It’s wonderful they can be so popular both abroad and at home."

Charlie Boden, Darley’s Head of Sales in America, commented, "Hard Spun was a favorite among breeders during his first five years at Jonabell and covered a full book of mares in Japan this year. His progeny continue to do very well and I know breeders here in the US are excited to see him return."

Hard Spun’s 2015 fee will be set at a later date.

For further information, please contact Charlie Boden on (859) 255-8537.