Gainesway has released stud fees for its 2018 roster, and Tapit, the leading North American sire in 2014, 2015, and 2016, will again command a $300,000 fee and his book will be limited to 125 mares.
Tapit increased his lifetime tally of Grade 1 winners to 23 in 2017. Tapwrit became his sire’s third Belmont Stakes (G1) winner in four years, Dream Dancing captured the Del Mar Oaks (G1) to become Tapit’s fourth Grade 1 winner on the grass, and millionaire Cupid stretched his speed to 10 furlongs in the Gold Cup at Santa Anita (G1).
Tapit also had a sensational season in the sale ring. Tapit’s Keeneland September yearlings averaged $950,000—the sale’s highest sire average since 2006. Tapit sired the year’s top three highest-priced yearlings sold in North America: a $2.7 million full-sister to Cupid, a $2.6 million colt out of Miss Besilu, and a $2.5 million colt out of Tiz Miz Sue.
Mares in foal to Tapit have sold for up to $1.9 million in 2017.
Empire Maker, the sire of 11 Grade 1 winners and proven sire of sires, will again stand for a fee of $85,000. His first Gainesway-sired crop are weanlings of 2017 and include a $425,000 filly sold in Book 1 of Keeneland November. Empire Maker’s book is limited to 130 mares.
Tapizar, a Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) winner by Tapit, ranks among the leading second-crop sires and sired three ‘TDN Rising Stars’ in 2017, 3-year-old colts American Pastime, Lasting Legacy, and Mr. Crow. Tapizar’s undefeated 2-year-old daughter Monomoy Girl recently captured Churchill Downs’ Rags to Riches Stakes by 6½ lengths and is targeting the Grade 2 Golden Rod Stakes. Tapizar will stand for $12,500 in 2018.
Three-time Grade/Group 1 winner Karakontie will stand his third season for a fee of $10,000. Karakontie’s first-crop weanlings of 2017 include $250,000 and $130,000 colts at Keeneland November and a $110,000 filly at Fasig-Tipton November.
Dual graded stakes winner Bird Song is a new addition to the Gainesway roster for 2018. The son of Unbridled’s Song and Eclipse champion 3-year-old filly and Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner Bird Town will stand for a $5,000 fee.
2018 Gainesway Stud Fees