As the end of the flat season approaches, there comes exciting announcements from stud farms of new stallion acquisitions, most recently of THE GURKHA (IRE) to stand at Coolmore Stud and COULSTY (IRE) to stand at Rathasker Stud.

THE GURKHA (IRE) most recently hit the headlines for undergoing colic surgery in August, just weeks after defeating Galileo Gold and Awtaad (IRE) in the Sussex Stakes at Goodwood. It was a second Group 1 win for the Aidan O'Brien-trained son of Galileo (IRE), having taken the French 2,000 Guineas by an impressive five and a half lengths in May. He lost nothing in defeat between the two victories when finishing second in both the St James' Palace Stakes and Coral Eclipse. A full-brother to Group 3 third Queen Nefertiti (IRE), he is out of the Danehill Dancer (IRE) mare Chintz (IRE), herself a Group 3 winning daughter of Listed winner Gold Dodger. The family also includes champion older mare Solemia (IRE), champion two-year-old filly Silasol (IRE) and Group 2 winner Prospect Park.

Meanwhile, over at Rathasker Stud, Group 3 winning sprinter COULSTY (IRE) will join Clodovil (IRE), Bungle Inthejungle, Es Que Love (IRE) and Anjaal at the County Kildare base. Trained by Richard Hannon, the son of Kodiac gained his greatest career victory when winning the Group 3 Prix de Meautry Lucien Barriere at Deauville, while he also finished second in the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes over seven furlongs last year. With two Listed wins also to his name, he accumulated earnings of over €220,000 for owner Lord Vestey. Ballyphilip Stud purchased him from Ringfort Stud for €37,000 at the Goffs November Foal Sale, where he was consigned on behalf of breeders Peter and Sarah Fortune. COULSTY (IRE) comes from the family of three-time Nunthorpe Stakes winner The Taling (IRE), who also won the Prix de l'Abbaye.

Fees for both stallions will be announced at a later date.