Logician to stand at Shade Oak Stud
Shade Oak Stud has announced the acquisition from Juddmonte Farms of the St Leger (G1) and Great Voltigeur S (G2) winner Logician to stand at the Shropshire-based stud next year.
Commented stud owner Peter Hockenhull: “The purchase of Logician is the culmination of a four-year search to bring another top-class stallion prospect to Shade Oak, one with all the qualities needed in a champion NH sire; Logician ticks every box.
“He is by Frankel, the best racehorse I have ever seen and now succeeding his own sire, Galileo, as the world’s best stallion, from a Black-type mare that has bred six winners from six runners, including four Black-type horses, and is herself half-sister to Cityscape and Bated Breath. He stands 16.2 h.h. with great bone, plenty of strength and substance, a lovely walk and a fantastic temperament.
“He won the Great Voltigeur S on only his fourth start and the St Leger on his fifth, in a record time and earning a Timeform rating of 126p whilst easily beating top-class rivals such as Sir Ron Priestley, Nayef Road, Sir Dragonet and Il Paradiso.
“Sadly, John Gosden’s ambitious plans for Logician’s 4YO campaign, starting with the Eclipse S over 10 furlongs, had to be abandoned after a life-threatening attack of peritonitis and pleurisy at the end of his 3yo year, so he was unable to show just what he was innately capable of as a mature horse.
“However, I am encouraged that Juddmonte were keen to retain breeding rights in the horse for use on their own mares, so I look forward to some high-class runners by him not only over Jumps but also on the Flat. I am extremely grateful to the Abdullah family for supporting British breeding by selling Logician to a stud in this country, and to Grant Pritchard-Gordon of Badgers Bloodstock, whose long-term association with Juddmonte, Prince Khalid’s family and this pedigree helped us greatly in this transaction.”
Logician was unbeaten in his five races as a 3YO, from 10 to 14.5 furlongs, earning a Timeform Rating of 126p and a Racing Post Rating of 121. Though unable to show the same sparkle after his illness, his overall record comprised 6 wins and 2 placings from 9 starts for earnings of £547,751. He was Frankel’s first Classic-winning son, having subsequently been joined by the current 3YOs Adayar and Hurricane Lane.
Logician’s previous connections confirmed the high regard in which they held him. After his St Leger win trainer John Gosden commented: “He's a gorgeous horse, he's done nothing but improve through the year. He's amazing to be around, he's got this wonderful stride and this laid-back attitude.”
Looking back now, Gosden, who formerly trained the outstanding Jump sires Flemensfirth, Presenting and Shantou, reflects that: “Logician was still improving when he won the St Leger, quickening in the style of his sire. We planned a major Group 1 campaign over 10 and 12 furlongs as a 4YO - he was that good - but unfortunately illness got in the way. But as well as a fantastic physique and tremendous stride, Logician has a great mind – nothing fazes him and he puts everything into his racing. He has all the ingredients to be an outstanding dual-purpose sire.”
Added Juddmonte’s Racing Manager Barry Mahon: “From the start Logician was a special horse, a standout yearling among the Juddmonte crop that year. His size, strength and beautiful action, combined with good conformation, had everyone excited from an early stage and he didn’t disappoint. His unbeaten 3 y old season ended with a dominant victory in the St Leger. Unfortunately, an illness later that year left him fighting for his life but the same guts and determination he showed on the track thankfully helped him pull through.
“We have no doubt he was one of the very best middle-distance horses around. Being by Frankel, and given his exceptional physique and performance, Logician is a huge asset to British breeding. Shade Oak have guided many top-class stallions through their careers and I’m sure they have another top-class prospect on their hands.”
Concluded Peter Hockenhull:
“At Shade Oak we only stand stallions that we really believe in; we stand them for the long-term and we support them with our own mares. Our shareholders in Logician share this vision and will also be sending him top-class mares. I am immensely excited by his prospects; he has all the qualities I have long sought in a NH stallion – pedigree, performance, size, conformation, walk and temperament. He is virtually impossible to fault.
“The Great British Bonus and NH Elite Mares Schemes, championed by the Thoroughbred Breeders Association and supported by the Levy Board, are transforming the prospects for British breeders, making it possible for studs here to purchase stallions of the quality of Logician. For British breeders there is simply no need to send mares abroad in search of top-class stallions. Instead, support the ones standing right here and be eligible for 100% GBB bonuses!”
Terms for Logician will be announced at a later date.