Abel Tasman Settles in at Coolmore for Galileo Cover
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Photo: Courtesy of Coolmore
Abel Tasman with yard foreman Eva Haller at Coolmore Stud
Champion Abel Tasman has arrived in Ireland for a visit with leading sire Galileo, Coolmore announced Feb. 21.
The global powerhouse broke news of the mating on Twitter and shared an image of America's outstanding 3-year-old filly of 2017 in the picturesque setting where she will be bred for the first time. Coolmore acquired the six-time grade 1 winner in January, when M.V. Magnier went to a record-equaling $5 million to M.V. Magnier at the Keeneland January Horses of All Ages Sale.
Abel Tasman, a 5-year-old daughter of Quality Road , began her career for breeder Clearsky Farms and trainer Simon Callaghan, winning the Starlet Stakes (G1) at 2. Transitioned to Hall of Famer Bob Baffert, she went on to take the Longines Kentucky Oaks (G1), Acorn Stakes (G1), and Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) at 3, and the Ogden Phipps Stakes (G1) and Personal Ensign Stakes (G1) at 4. China Horse Club bought a percentage of the filly after her Starlet win.
Abel Tasman retired with eight wins and four seconds from 16 starts, and earnings of $2,793,385. She was consigned to the Keeneland January sale by Taylor Made Sales Agency.
"(It's a lot of money), but she's a queen, isn't she?" Coolmore's Dermot Ryan said after signing the ticket at Keeneland. "She had everything. She'd be anybody's dream filly to own."