Shamardal’s Group I winning son Lope de Vega started his stud career shuttling to Patinack Farm in Hunter Valley from 2011 to 2014 at fees of $27,500 and then $22,000, but has shot to fame in the years since then with Ballylinch Stud in Ireland announcing his 2025 fee at €175,000.

The quality on offer in the 404-lot strong catalogue of NZB’s 2024 Ready to Run Sale due to kick off next week, is further boosted by the eligibility of 28 Karaka Millions nominated lots on offer.