Just as the breeding season is getting into full swing, two of Wexford’s best-known stallions passed away last week; Sandmason and Arcadio.

23 year old, Sandmason (GB), was based at Lacken Stud, Bunclody, with Paul Rothwell, the chestnut stallion by Grand Lodge, out of the Mill Reef mare, Sandy Island, won at Kempton on his debut, and later went on to win the Group 2, Hardwicke Stakes, in Ascot.

As a stallion his best progeny included, the five times winner, Sommerville Boy, trained by Tom George, he won the Supreme Novices at the Cheltenham Festival 2 years ago. Black Op took the runner-up spot behind Samcro that same year in the Ballymore, the four-times winner is also trained by Tom George.

Sandmason has done remarkably well as a stallion from limited books of mares, and it is only in the last few seasons breeders have become to appreciate his potential. His biggest crop are only two-year-olds, so don’t be surprised if we see more of his progeny coming up that Cheltenham hill in a few seasons. Incidentally, he had covered 25 mares this year up to the time of his passing.

18 year old, Arcadio (GER), resided at Arctic Tack Stud, Newbawn, with Eoin Banville, until his passing last weekend, by Monsun, out of the Royal Academy mare, Assia, he raced in Germany, successful on 5 occasions, he was a dual Group 2 winner.

A sire of racehorses, Arcadio is certainly a loss for breeders in the southeast, his progeny include the likes of, Hardline, Simply The Betts, Flying Angel, Go Conquer, Crievehill, The Game Changer, and many more.

Like all stallions that move to greener pastures, we expect to see their offspring collect major races in the coming seasons.