Kia Ora Stallions are thrilled to announce the addition of an exciting new stallion to their 2022 roster, with Group 1 Champagne Stakes winner Captivant set to stand alongside Champion 2YO Golden Slipper winner Farnan and multiple 2YO Group winning son of Redoute’s Choice, Prague.

A brilliant debut winner as a spring two year old, the Snowden Racing trained Capitalist colt showed genuine Group 1 class in the autumn, contesting all three legs of the prestigious 2YO Triple Crown.

“Captivant was sharp enough to win a Victory Vein over 1000m pre-Christmas, superior enough to be a Group 1 winning two year old, and classy enough to fight out a Caulfield Guineas with Anamoe,” said co-trainer Paul Snowden.

Captivant was third in the Group I ATC Sires’ Produce (1400m) before his career-defining victory in the Group I ATC Champagne Stakes (1600m). He trained on at three, running a gallant second to Anamoe in the Group I MRC Caulfield Guineas (1600m), a performance so impressive that he was awarded the Timeform rating of 121.

The epic race drew comparisons to the memorable 1999 edition, which featured Redoute’s Choice defeating Testa Rossa and Commands, with all three colts going on to be outstanding sires.

“Captivant ran a new peak beyond his Champagne Stakes when he was second to Anamoe in the Caulfield Guineas, in a high rating edition of the race. In running second with that rating, he actually rated higher than five of six prior winners back to 2015,” revealed Daniel O’Sullivan, The Ratings Bureau.

“A stunning individual, Captivant was a $550,000 Magic Millions purchase for the Newgate – China Horse Club partnership and Newgate are retaining a stake in his new ownership group which is a testament to their faith in him,” said Kia Ora Stud’s Shane Wright.

Newgate Farm’s Managing Director, Henry Field believes Captivant will be a great asset for Kia Ora Stallions.

“After taking us on a great ride throughout his racing career, we are very excited about what the future holds for Captivant at stud. By pooling our resources in a partnership with our good friends and neighbours at Kia Ora we feel he will get an optimal chance to make an important mark at stud,” said Henry Field.

Captivant will stand at a fee of $27,500 inc GST.