Ranked an impressive 127 by Timeform, Imperial Stride was an exceptional racehorse, who won from 6 furlongs as a 2 year old to 12 furlongs as an older horse, winning 5 STAKES RACES in succession in England in the hands of trainer Sir Michael Stoute. He was the top ranked older horse in Europe and favourite for the Arc and Breeders Cup when purchased by Godolphin and moved to Dubai and lost his way, which allowed Robin Bruss and syndicate to buy him.

He was was well syndicated in the Western Cape, his shareholders including Highlands Farms where is to now stand, Maine Chance, Ascot, Avontuur, Beaumont, Burwell, Danika, Digteby, Eagle, Favour Stud, Gary Player Stud, Golden Acres, Mike Jolly, Altus Joubert, Litchfield, Peter Mills, Chris Moller, Milkwood, Northfields, Frank Sharp, Pierre du Toit, Sandown, Spring Valley, and Varsfontein. Outside breeders who have sent mares to him include Mrs Oppenheimer, Klawervlei and Cheveley Stud. He has a beautiful first crop born in 2009  and appears to breed correct progeny with size.

As he is a tall, refined horse, he can get them on the leg, so tends to prefer good bodied mares with substance and bone. He is by a speed sire in Indian Ridge and out of a stout Sadlers Wells mare who is a half sister to Count Dubois.

"I expect he will sire progeny over the whole range of distances depending on what you mate him. To my mind, he is one of the few horses combining speed and stamina, that suits a breeder set out to breed a July or Met winner at the international distance of 2000m, favoured by the world's richest races," saod Robin Bruss.

"In 2010, his 3rd season, he will stand for a reduced fee in line with the economic downturn. His advertised fee is R20,000, but as a special owing to his re-location to one of the great stud farms of the world, we are to provide an "early bird" discounted fee of R15,000 Live foal (no nom) for a limited period.

"This represents exceptional value for a horse of such great racing ability and class," concluded Bruss.

Bookings can be made with Gareth Pepper ( gareth@northfields.co.za  or Cell 079 776 6930 ), or alternatively directly with Highlands Farms.