The Mehmas Colt, who earned his biggest day when he secured the National Stakes (G1) for Joseph O’Brien last year, will begin his stallion career for an initial fee of £8,500.
Standing Scorthy Champ marks a new direction for the company, which is primarily known as a breeder and consignor.
Barton director Blain says: “It has always been my dream to stable stallions. We have built up the business over the past ten years and this feels like a natural and incredibly exciting step for us.
“Despite the well-publicized headwinds we face as an industry, especially here in the UK, I remain enthusiastic and optimistic about what can be achieved with the right horses.
“We are extremely pleased to have signed Scorthy Champ for the 2026 breeding season. We have searched hard all year for a stallion and he was always at the top of our wish list. The truth is that we thought he would be unattainable, so it is fantastic that we have been able to acquire a horse that ticks as many boxes as he does.”
Scorthy Champ, brother of 2022 Horris Hill Stakes (G3) winner Knight and 2021 Criterium de Maisons-Laffitte (G2) scorer and top-level runner-up Malavath, was beaten as a yearling by O’Brien for 155,000 guineas at Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1 in 2023.
“Scorthy Champ comes from a great family,” Blain added. “His dam Fidaaha has produced several stakes performers and second dam Ceist Eile’s offspring includes two group winners as well as an unraced daughter Ceistiu, dam of 2025 Glorious Goodwood Group 3 Gordon Stakes winner Merchant.
“Physically, Scorthy Champ is an incredibly handsome horse from a famous, attractive family. He has ample size, scope and an impressive walk. I think he offers real value to breeders across Europe.
“We are selling limited breeding rights for the horse. The deal is very attractive to investors, who I hope will stay with us on this journey for the long term.”
Scorthy Champ will arrive in the coming days and will be available from mid-December.
#winner #Scorthy #Champ #Barton #Stud