The 2003 sires’ list for the UK looks very similar to the last 12 years. Sadler’s Wells picked up his 13 sires title-tying him with Highflyer-who dominated the lists in the 18^th century. And yet again, Sadler’s Wells’ late stud mate, Danehill is second.

Sadler’s Wells, who was represented by 31 stakes winners last year, was not helped by one champion as the likes of Key of Luck (Alamshar) in third place were but by the likes of Group/ Grade One winners Black Sam Bellamy, Yesterday, Brian Boru and the recently retired pair of High Chaparral and Islington. His son The Great Gatsby became the seventh son to have finished second in the Epsom Derby. His son, Yeats, is currently well fancied to give him a third Derby success. Sadler’s Wells’ dominance is reflected by his earnings of over $6 million-nearly $4 million ahead of Danehill in second place. 

Danehill was represented by Group One winners  Clodovil and Westerner. The high point in his season came when sons Clodovil and Catcher in the Rye fought out the French 2000 Guineas to give the son of Danzig back to back wins in the Longchamp classic. He was followed by Alamshar’s sire Key of Luck in third with the late Kris S in fourth. Indian Ridge was in fifth place after enjoying another successful season represented by the likes of Irish 2000 Guineas hero Indian Haven. 

The two year old sires’ list featured 3 freshman sires in the top five. Cape Cross leads the table with his first crop. The Darley owned stallion had a banner year with the likes of group winner Mokabra, the group placed Gwahir and the high class Cape Fear. The son of Green Desert narrowly heads Royal Applause, with a difference of $17000. The latter had a breakthrough year with two year old group winners Peak To Creek, Majestic Missile and Nevisian Lad representing him as well as the smart Audotorium. Fasliyev’s success is not reflected in his third place. He enjoyed a Group One winner in his first crop with the brilliant Carry on Katie in the Chevely Park Stakes while group winners Kings Point, Russian Valour and Much Faster also showed their young sire in a favourable light. His fee has been trebled for next year. Storm Cat is in fourth. The son of Storm Bird had yet another cracking season and was represented by the brilliant One Cool Cat, favourite for this year English 2000 Guineas, and Prix Marcel Boussac winner Denebola. He leads Stravinsky, another freshman sire. Stravinsky was given a last minute boost when Balmont was awarded the Group One Middle Park Stakes. Stravinsky currently leads the North American first season sire list. 

The following statistics are courtesy of The Bloodhorse. 

2003 Leading Sires in England/Ireland
Sire Runners Winners Earnings
1. Sadler's Wells 173 76 $6,152,929
2. Danehill 136 58 $2,626,030
3. Key of Luck 47 12 $2,510,612
4. Kris S. 14 9 $2,318,897
5. Indian Ridge 106 49 $2,309,953
6. Cadeaux Genereux 121 41 $2,217,854
7. Green Desert 83 35 $2,052,894
8. Grand Lodge 140 43 $1,913,705
9. Selkirk 88 33 $1,845,112
10. Darshaan 76 36 $1,831,898

2003 Leading Sires of 2-Year-Olds in England/Ireland
Sire Runners Winners Earnings
1. *Cape Cross 44 20 $930,472
2. Royal Applause 40 16 $913,302
3. *Fasliyev 48 19 $872,952
4. Storm Cat 13 9 $841,072
5. *Stravinsky 30 16 $703,057
6. Danehill 39 18 $662,084
7. Night Shift 33 12 $612,065
8. Cadeaux Genereux 31 13 $521,246
9. Green Desert 32 16 $510,776
10. Sadler's Wells 55 15 $409,485
* indicates first-year sire