Bloodstock: The rise and domination of Wootton Bassett The Irish Derby has been a stallion-making race since its infancy, showcasing the finest of pedigrees. We’ve witnessed the greats like Montjeu, Galileo, Camelot and Harzand win and then go on to shape generations of middle distance horses. In 2026 we see the influence of Wootton Bassett throughout the entries. Wootton Bassett was bred by Colin and Melba Bryce of Laundry Cottage Stud in the UK. Out of the ultra consistent Listed placed mare Balladonia and by three time Group 2 winner Iffraaj. Then was sold as a yearling to the astute Bobby O’Ryan for £46,000 and sent into training with Richard Fahey for owners Frank Brady and The Cosmic Cases. He became a Group 1-winning juvenile and began his stallion career at a mere €6,000 in 2012 at Haras D’Etreham Stud. His start at stud wasn’t quite as glittering as his track performances so in 2013 and 2014 his fee was reduced. Greener pastures In 2016 Almanzor won the Prix du Jockey Club and Irish Champion Stakes and was crowned Europe’s champion three-year-old which put Wootton Bassett’s name up in lights. For 2017 his fee rocketed to €20,000 and by 2019 his fee doubled to €40,000. Come 2020 Wootton Bassett was on the move to Tipperary where his fee was increased to €100,000. Coolmore transformed his prospects entirely, giving his access to the very best mares in the world. His first Irish bred crop hit the track in 2024 and beat the world record for the number of juvenile Group winners. This record was previously held by Galileo and Danehill. With results like these, his fee was soon increased to €300,000 in 2025. The Irish Derby provides a fitting backdrop for Wootton Bassett’s legacy. A victory for one of his sons on Sunday would be more than just another classic success, it would cement the fact that his contribution to the Thoroughbred could be in the middle distance and staying division. Every Wootton Bassett sired runner sent into battle in the Derby is a potential torchbearer for the line and a potential stallion for the future. Group 1 entries this weekend At the initial entry stage there were thirteen Wootton Bassett sired colts entered in the Dubai Duty Free Irish Derby. Today only one remains, Causeway, and whilst he is unlikely to run after his Royal Ascot success, he is also represented in the Group 1 Pretty Polly Stakes on Saturday. Causeway (IRE) - Winner of the King Edward VII Stakes (Group 2) at Ascot and Heider Family Stables Gallinule Stakes (Group 3) at The Curragh Sire: Wootton Bassett (GB) Dam: Heaven Of Heavens (IRE) Dam's Sire: Galileo (IRE) Owner: Mr M Tabor, D Smith & Mrs John Magnier Trainer: A P O'Brien Breeder: Coolmore Beautify (IRE) - Winner of the Airlie Stud Stakes (Group 2) at the Curragh Sire: Wootton Bassett (GB) Dam: Words (IRE) Dam's Sire: Dansili (GB) Owner: Mr M Tabor, D Smith & Mrs John Magnier Trainer: A P O'Brien Breeder: Coolmore
