All efforts to ensure the return of Deep Impact’s Group One-winning son Satono Aladdin to Rich Hill Stud this year have been foiled by the impact of COVID-19.
It had been hoped to secure passage for the stallion with the Chatswood Stud-bound Al Ain from Japan, but it ended up an impossible task for both stallions.
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“It’s down to the reduction in flights all around the world and air freight is at an absolute premium and they (Shadai) contacted all the major airlines that fly into Japan, but there are no freight spaces for two stallions and grooms,” John Thompson said.
“It’s worldwide and that’s just the way things are at the moment. All parties have been trying for some time to hopefully make it happen, but cost effectively it just can’t be done.”
Thompson was still looking on the bright side and the pulling power of its quartet of residents.
“From our perspective it’s quite disappointing, but we have got four nice stallions here – two proven in Shocking and Proisir and two exciting young ones in Vadamos and Ace High,” Thompson said.
“It’s not the end of the world and we will have some lovely yearlings by Satono Aladdin to sell next year at Karaka.”
