Bangkok to Stand at Chapel Stud as Dual-Purpose Sire

Dual group winner Bangkok  will be the first son of Australia  to stand at stud in Britain after Chapel Stud announced the capture of the Sky Bet York Stakes (G2) winner as a dual-purpose recruit.

Bangkok, who won or placed in eight stakes races, was placed at 2 before defeating Al Basti Equiworld Dubai Dante Stakes (G2) winner Telecaster  on his first start at 3. He went on to win Sandown's bet365 Classic Trial (G3) before running in the Investec Derby (G1) and placing in the King Edward VII Stakes (G2) and Sky Bet & Symphony Group Strensall Stakes (G3) later that season. 

Trained by Andrew Balding for King Power Racing, the 5-year-old was also a dual listed winner on the all-weather before his group 2 success this year, beating Juan Elcano , Mohaafeth , and Armory  at York. He retires with six wins from 24 starts and £628,696 in prize money. 

A 500,000 guineas (US$695,048) yearling when selling to SackvilleDonald from Barronstown Stud at Tattersalls Book 1, he is out of the stakes-placed Darshaan  mare Tanaghum  and is a half brother to Al Maktoum Challenge Round 3 Sponsored by Emirates Airline (G1) winner Matterhorn , At the Races Curragh Cup (G3) victor Tactic , and Mujarah, the dam of European champion miler and promising first-season sire Ribchester .

Standing alongside Planteur , the sire of this season's Qatar Prix du Cadran (G1) and Al Shaqab Goodwood Cup (G1) hero Trueshan , on behalf of owner-breeder Simon Davies, the deal was brokered by Billy Jackson-Stops of JS Bloodstock Consultancy. 

Chapel Stud director Roisin Close said: "I am delighted to be standing Bangkok on behalf of Simon Davies. He's an exciting addition to both Chapel Stud and the British stallion ranks. Bangkok was a high-class, tough, and consistent multiple stakes winner, and had an excellent career over four seasons.

"He is undeniably attractive with great presence and conformation, all backed up by an outstanding pedigree. He really is the complete package."

Davies said: "We're extremely excited to add Bangkok to stand alongside Planteur at Chapel Stud. He was an immensely tough and sound racehorse and, as the only son of Australia to stand in Britain, will complement Planteur perfectly and give breeders another quality option next year."

Balding, who might have taken Bangkok back to Bahrain for their big international race next month but for the setback, said: "Bangkok has been a pleasure to train for the last four seasons. His class has enabled him to achieve results at a variety of distances and his courage and constitution are second to none.

"He has the ability, looks, and temperament to be a top-class performer at stud, and we will certainly be supporting him with mares."

Alastair Donald, King Power Racing's manager, said: "He had a heart like a lion, and was a beautiful athlete with a wonderful pedigree, all great qualities for him to be a successful stallion."

Jackson-Stops added: "Bangkok's a superb individual and it's clear to see why he made 500,000 guineas as a yearling. He's been the epitome of soundness, with 24 starts to his name, and his will to win was never more obvious than when getting the head bob to win the York Stakes.

"With his athleticism, competitiveness, and outstanding pedigree, he's sure to be a huge success at stud."

Bangkok's stud fee and terms will be set at a later date.