Gr.1 Sprinter Castle Star to stand at Capital Stud

Capital Stud announced today that they have acquired Gr.1 sprinter Castle Star to stand as part of their roster for 2024.

By European Champion Sprinter and multiple Gr.1 sire Starspangledbanner, Castle Star broke his maiden in the Listed First Flier Stakes at the Curragh before going on to win the Gr.3 Marble Hill Stakes by 2 lengths. 

Described by his trainer Fozzy Stack “as straightforward with a great constitution” the son of Starspangledbanner ran three more times in his 2YO season ending with a thrilling second in the Gr.1 Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket. Defeated only 1⁄2-length by Gr.1 Commonwealth Cup, Gr.1 Prix Morny & Gr.2 Norfolk Stakes winner Perfect Power with Group winners Armor, Go Bears Go, Caturra, Twilight Jet, Asymmetric and Dr Zempf behind, he broke slowly from the stalls and was described by many as unlucky on the day.

Steeped in black type his pedigree boasts both speed and class. By Starspangledbanner out of a half-sister to Gr.3 Pinnacle Stakes winner and Gr.1 E. P. Taylor Stakes-placed Moment In Time, Castle Star’s grandam Horatia won the Gr.3 Matchmaker Stakes and is by Machiavellian - damsire of Mehmas, Dark Angel and Shamardal to name but a few. He is also from the family of Gr.1 2000 Guineas & Gr.1 Dewhurst winner Chaldean, Gr.2 Lowther Stakes winner Living In The Past and Gr.2 Mill Reef winner Alkumait.

“We’re delighted to stand a horse of Castle Star’s calibre. Throughout his 2YO career he displayed speed, soundness and courage while also having the good looks and pedigree to boot. One of the most appealing aspects of standing him for us is access to the Danehill sire line which is becoming more and more difficult. He is also from the family of our very own Alkumait. We look forward to supporting Castle Star with some of our best mares and welcoming breeders to Capital Stud to see him.” Ger O’Neill