Flag of Honour Joins National Stud Roster in 2020

The National Stud has added another new recruit to its stallion roster, with Galileo's Comer Group International Irish St. Leger (G1)-winning son Flag of Honour to take up residency at the Newmarket operation as a dual-purpose sire for the 2020 breeding season.

"We are delighted to offer Flag of Honour as a dual-purpose prospect on behalf of Mr. Trevor Hemmings' Gleadhill House Stud," said Tim Lane, director of the National Stud. "He ticks a lot of the right boxes for breeders; he is a group 1 classic-winning son of the great Galileo and had the speed to win at group level as a 2-year-old before developing into a high-class 3- and 4-year-old.

"He showed tremendous class, toughness, and consistency throughout his career. We feel there is definitely a gap in the market in Britain for a horse of his caliber."

Flag of Honour won five of his 16 outings for Aidan O'Brien and the Coolmore partners, with his most notable victory coming at 3 in the 2018 Irish St. Leger, in which he made all before seeing off Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby (G1) hero Latrobe and other classy types such as Weekender and Idaho by a comfortable 2 3/4 lengths.

After that victory, his trainer said: "Ryan (Moore) said he's a very uncomplicated horse and a very genuine one and that he really quickened when he wanted him to."

He also won the Curragh Cup (G2) and the Comer Group International Ballycullen Irish St. Leger Trial Stakes (G3) during a productive 3-year-old campaign. At 2, he broke his maiden by 4 1/2 lengths and, less than a month later, landed the Thetote.com Eyrefield Stakes (G3).

Flag of Honour finished second to Magical on three occasions during his 4-year-old campaign, most recently in the Tattersalls Gold Cup (G1).

"Flag of Honour was a very tough and genuine horse that handled all types of ground," O'Brien said of his former charge.

Bred by David and Diane Nagle's Barronstown Stud, Flag of Honour is out of the winning Warning mare Hawala, making him a half or full brother to no fewer than 11 winners, including four black-type performers.

His most notable siblings are Thetote.com Minstrel Stakes (G3) winner Air Chief Marshal, listed Banshahousestables.com European Free Handicap scorer Misu Bond, Chevely Park Stud Empress Stakes winner Slip Dance, and Foxtrot Romeo, who finished second to Power in the Abu Dhabi Irish Two Thousand Guineas (G1).

A fee will be announced at a later date.