Coolmore Australia’s shuttle sire St Mark’s Basilica (FR) is generating international momentum as his reputation continues to strengthen on both sides of the world.
A European Champion 2YO, World Champion 3YO and 2021 European Horse of the Year, the son of Siyouni retired to stud after winning five consecutive G1 races, including the French 2000 Guineas, French Derby, Eclipse Stakes and Irish Champion Stakes.
His early stud career has quickly vindicated that race record. St Mark’s Basilica was crowned Timeform’s Champion First Season Sire in 2025 and Europe’s Leading Second Season Sire in 2026. His first northern hemisphere crop has already produced dual Classic winner Briard, and he achieved recent Royal Ascot success when 3YO colt Thesecretadversary won the G3 Jersey Stakes, and 2YO colt King Of Cloughane captured the Listed Windsor Castle Stakes.
Further black-type success arrived in June when the Andrew Balding-trained Venetian Prince landed the G2 Derby Italiano at San Siro, while his first G1 winner and undefeated 3YO filly Diamond Necklace added another G1 to her name, taking out the French Oaks.
The stallion’s influence is also beginning to emerge in Australia. From his first local crop, the unbeaten Aristopolos has announced himself by compiling multiple Stakes victories and providing an exciting glimpse of what may lie ahead as the crop turns three.
At the recent Inglis Great Southern Weanling Sale, both St Mark’s Basilica weanlings offered were sold, including a colt that realised $150,000.
St Mark’s Basilica returns to Coolmore Australia this spring for $38,500.
