Grade 1 winner HILLSTAR will join the Irish stallion ranks this year, standing alongside recent Irish recruit Sageburg (IRE) at Garryrichard Stud in County Wexford. The Sir Michael Stoute charge's greatest victory came in the Grade 1 International Stakes at Woodbine in 2014, having landed the King Edward VII Stakes at Ascot the previous season, a race in which he defeated Battle Of Marengo (IRE) and Contributer (IRE). The son of Danehill Dancer (IRE) also ran well in defeat, beaten just a quarter length by Cavalryman in the Prince Of Wales's Stakes and running second to Brown Panther in the Ormonde Stakes.

Owned and bred by Sir Evelyn De Rothschild, HILLSTAR is a half-brother to four-time Group winner Crystal Capella out of the Listed-winning Mark Of Esteem (IRE) mare Crystal Star. She is out of a Be My Guest half-sister to French 1,000 Guineas winner Rose Gypsy, from the family Group 1 winners Sasuru and Tuscan Evening (IRE).

Garryrichard Stud is taking part in the ITM Irish Stallion Trail later this month, on January 22nd-23rd, with both Sageburg (IRE) and HILLSTAR available to view.