First Northern Hemisphere Foal for St Mark’s Basilica

2021 European Horse of the Year St Mark’s Basilica has just completed his first season in Australia for Coolmore, but in the Northern Hemisphere his first foals are arriving.

His first European foal was born at Kiltinan Stud on January 9th when Vital Force owned by the John Ferguson-headed Natalma Bloodstock produced a smart-looking bay colt.

“He’s a good first foal with a good frame to fill into and a confident temperament,” enthused Kiltinan manager Donna Vowles.

Vital Force is a half-sister by Invincible Spirit to Group II Royal Ascot Coventry Stakes winner Buratino from the immediate family of Danehill Dancer.

St Mark’s Basilica covered over 150 mares in Australia last spring at a fee of $44,000 and his dual Group I winning half-brother Magna Grecia has just had his first yearlings sell at Magic Millions.

Best results for Magna Grecia were the colt from Maewyn that made $160,000 for Coolmore when bought by Ryan & Alexiou Racing Pty Ltd and the half-sister to smart three year-old Hell I Am from Forest Circle that was bought by Champion Thoroughbreds for $150,000 from Edinglassie Thoroughbreds.