The boys are back in town

All seven of Darley’s European shuttle stallions have arrived back safely from covering duties in the southern hemisphere ahead of the new breeding season, due to commence next month.

Dawn Approach, whose first northern hemisphere foals are due to arrive over the coming months, is now settling in at Darley’s Kildangan Stud in County Kildare alongside new stallion and star sprinter Slade Power, who has also returned from Australia.

Alongside them are established sire Exceed And Excel (who has already notched his first Stakes winner of the new year) and his multiple G1-winning son Helmet, whose first European crop are now yearlings.

Iffraaj is standing at Dalham Hall Stud in Newmarket for the first time this year. He enjoyed a tremendous 2014 in Europe that saw Rizeena add a further G1 win to her already impressive record with victory in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot, with Benvenue becoming a new winner at the highest level for his sire.

Poet's Voice (pictured) has also returned to Dalham Hall where he eagerly awaits his first runners (due to hit the racecourse later this year), together with Helmet's three-parts brother Epaulette, plus World Champion sprinter Sepoy – whose first Australian yearlings (already the subject of much excitement) are due to go under the hammer at the Magic Millions Sale this week.

Both Dalham Hall and Kildangan Stud will be hosting open days in the coming weeks. All eight Dalham stallions will be on show from 11.30am to 2.30pm on 14th and 15th January, while Kildangan Stud will open its doors from 22nd-24th January (10am-3pm). No appointments are necessary to attend these open days.

If you would like to view the stallions on an alternative date, or discuss matings plans for your mare, please contact our nominations team on +44 1638 730070 or +353 45 527600.