In horse racing, stallions are usually retired from competition once they reach a certain age or after they have sustained a significant injury or displayed a decline in performance. They are then sent to stud farms or breeding facilities, where they are kept and cared for to ensure their well-being and reproductive health.
When a stallion is "gone to the stud," it means that he is no longer primarily focused on racing and has transitioned to a breeding career. This transition is often made to take advantage of the stallion's desirable genetic traits, such as speed, endurance, or conformation, and to use those traits to produce promising offspring for the racing industry.
Stallions that go to stud are typically chosen for their superior qualities and potential to pass on desirable characteristics to their foals. They are carefully selected based on factors such as bloodline, performance history, conformation, and temperament. The stud fee for breeding with a sought-after stallion can be significant, reflecting the value placed on their genetics.
Once at stud, stallions receive specialized care and management to ensure their overall health and reproductive success. This may include a controlled diet, regular exercise, and veterinary monitoring. The stallion's reproductive capabilities are carefully managed, and they may be bred with multiple mares during the breeding season.
The offspring produced by stallions gone to the stud are often highly anticipated and valued in the racing industry due to their potential to inherit the desired traits of their parents. These offspring may be trained and prepared for racing, continuing the legacy of their lineage on the racetrack.