Frankel, the retired racehorse, has risen to prominence as one of the most sought-after stallions in thoroughbred breeding since beginning his stud career in 2013. Trained by the legendary Sir Henry Cecil, Frankel is widely regarded as one of the greatest racehorses of all time. His impeccable record of 14 wins from 14 starts, including 10 Group 1 victories, and his all-time high Timeform rating of 140 cement his status in racing history.
Since retiring from the track, Frankel's stud fee has steadily climbed, making him one of the most expensive stallions in the world. When he debuted as a sire in 2013, his stud fee was set at £125,000—a remarkable figure for a first-season stallion. Over the years, his fee has increased significantly, reaching an impressive £350,000, reflecting his exceptional reputation and success as a sire.
There are several reasons for this increase in Frankel's stud fee. Firstly, Frankel has been incredibly successful as a stallion, with his progeny achieving great success on the racecourse. This success has not only increased the demand for his services, but it has also proven the quality of his genetics, which has in turn further increased his value as a stallion.
Another factor contributing to Frankel's increasing fee is his popularity among breeders and the general public. Frankel has a large fan base who follow his progeny and are eager to breed their own Frankel foals. This popularity, combined with his success on the track, has helped to create a demand for Frankel that has driven up his fee.
The quality of Frankel's progeny is also a major factor in his rising fee. Many of his offspring have gone on to be successful racehorses themselves, winning Group races and adding to Frankel's reputation as a top-class stallion. This success has been a key factor in increasing his value and attracting breeders from all over the world.
Additionally, the competition among breeders for Frankel's services has also driven up his fee. With a limited number of mares able to be covered by Frankel each year, breeders are willing to pay high fees to secure a place for their mares. This has resulted in a bidding war for Frankel's services, which has further increased his fee.
Despite the high cost, many breeders are willing to pay the high fee for Frankel due to the potential rewards that come with breeding a Frankel foal. These foals can fetch high prices at sales, and a successful Frankel offspring can bring great returns to their owners and breeders.
In conclusion, Frankel's increasing stud fee since he began his stallion career in 2013 is due to a combination of factors, including his success as a racehorse, his popularity among breeders and the general public, the success of his progeny, and the competition for his services. Despite the high cost, Frankel remains in high demand, and many breeders are willing to pay the fee in the hope of breeding a successful Frankel foal. With his reputation as one of the greatest racehorses of all time and his ongoing success as a stallion, Frankel is likely to continue to be a sought after stallion in the years to come.
