Frankel's Son Mozu Ascot Retired to Stud in Japan
Image:
Description:
Photo: Courtesy of Yuki Shimono
Mozu Ascot wins the February Stakes at Tokyo Racecourse
Frankel has his first stallion son in Japan after Mozu Ascot arrived at Arrow Stud over the weekend.
The 6-year-old was formally retired in recent days with a record of seven wins from 25 starts and a pioneering achievement for his superstar father.
Mozu Ascot became Frankel's third top-level winner when taking the Yasuda Kinen (G1) in 2018. This year, at the same track, was his first top-level win on the dirt in the February Stakes (G1).
His final start for Yoshito Yahagi was the Dec. 6 Champions Cup (G1) at Chukyo Racecourse, where he ran a fine race to finish fifth behind winner Chuwa Wizard.
Unsold for $275,000 in 2015 at the Keeneland September Yearling Sale, Mozu Ascot was bred in the U.S. by Jane Lyon's Summer Wind Farm and is a half brother to Godolphin's listed-winning sprinter Kareena.
His fee at Arrow Stud will be announced at a later date, but he joins a roster on the Hokkaido farm including a variety of names such as seven-time grade 1 star California Chrome, Grey Goose Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) winner Shanghai Bobby, and last year's Tokyo Yushun (Japanese Derby, G1) hero Roger Barows.
Frankel's name is held in high esteem in Japan, where Soul Stirring became his first worldwide classic winner when clinching the 2017 Yushun Himba (Japanese Oaks, G1).
He has produced 23 winners in the country so far, with Online Dream, a 2-year-old daughter of Qatar Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (G1) and Betfair King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1) heroine Danedream, making a successful debut late last month. Frankel has received visits from the likes of Japanese Hall of Fame mare Vodka, producing four-time winner Tanino Frankel.
Two months ago, it was announced that Frankel's full brother Noble Mission would be on the Japan Bloodstock Breeders' Association books for 2021.