Sadler's Wells (USA)
April 11, 1981 – April 26, 2011
Northern Dancer (CAN) x Fairy Bridge (USA), by Bold Reason (USA)
Family 5-h
April 11, 1981 – April 26, 2011
Northern Dancer (CAN) x Fairy Bridge (USA), by Bold Reason (USA)
Family 5-h
Slightly less brilliant but far more durable than his close relative Nureyev, Sadler's Wells proved a top-class racehorse. Nonetheless, it was as a sire rather than as a racer that Sadler's Wells achieved international fame. While he did not have the percentage of stakes winners to foals achieved by great earlier sires such as St. Simon and Hyperion, this was probably due at least in part to the huge books he routinely served. What he accomplished in the context of the breeding industry of his time was nothing short of incredible, and he continues to make his mark on the Thoroughbred through his sons and grandsons and through his excellent broodmare daughters.
Race record
11 starts, 6 wins, 3 seconds, 0 thirds, £576,500
1983:
1984:
Honors
French champion miler (1984)
Assessments
Earned a Timeform rating of 132 pounds as a 3-year-old.
Sadler's Wells was rated as the sixth-best European horse of 1984 on the International Classification.
As an individual
A beautifully balanced, lengthy bay horse with a good shoulder and a straight, strong hind leg, Safler's Wells stood 16 hands. He was a fluent mover despite habitually racing with his head carried high (a tendency that he passed on). He possessed tactical speed, a fine turn of foot, and great tenacity. He was slightly light on bone and could be faulted for long pasterns, traits which he has often passed to his stock.
As a stallion
The Jockey Club credits Sadler's Wells with 1224 winners (54.2%) and 294 stakes winners (13.0%) from 2259 named foals. His progeny have been well suited to European middle distances and as a group have preferred soft turf. They have generally had relaxed temperaments. Sadler's Wells is a Classic/Solid chef-de-race in the Roman dosage system.
Sire rankings
Per Arion Pedigrees (www.arion.co.nz):
Per The Blood-Horse:
Per Great Thoroughbred Sires of the World (2006, Churchill, Reichard, and Rogers):
Per Japan Bloodstock Information Systems (https://www.jbis.jp/ranking/):
Per Thoroughbred Heritage (www.tbheritage.com):
Per Thoroughbred Times (previously Thoroughbred Record):
Notable progeny
Alberto Giacometti (IRE), Alexandrova (IRE), Aristotle (IRE), Ballingarry (IRE), Barathea (IRE), Beat Hollow (GB), Black Sam Bellamy (IRE), Braashee (GB), Brian Boru (GB), Carnegie (IRE), Chief Contender (IRE), Cloudings (IRE), Commander Collins (IRE), Correggio (IRE), Daliapour (IRE), Dance Design (IRE), Darazari (IRE), Diaghilev (IRE), Doyen (IRE), Dream Well (FR), Dushyantor (USA), Ebadiyla (IRE), El Prado (IRE), Entrepreneur (GB), Fatherland (IRE), Fort Wood (USA), French Ballerina (IRE), French Glory (IRE), Galileo (IRE), Gossamer (GB), Greek Dance (IRE), High Chaparral (IRE), Imagine (IRE), In Command (IRE), In the Wings (GB), Intrepidity (GB), Islington (IRE), Istabraq (IRE), Johann Quatz (FR), Kayf Tara (GB), King of Kings (IRE), King's Theatre (IRE), Leggera (IRE), Linda's Lad (GB), Listen (IRE), Luna Wells (IRE), Masad (IRE), Milan (GB), Montjeu (IRE), Moonshell (IRE), Muncie (IRE), Northern Spur (IRE), Old Vic (GB), Opera House (GB), Percussionist (IRE), Perfect Soul (IRE), Playful Act (IRE), Poliglote (GB), Powerscourt (GB), Prince of Dance (IRE), Quarter Moon (IRE), Quiff (GB), Refuse to Bend (IRE), Runyon (IRE), Saddex (GB), Saddlers' Hall (IRE), Saffron Walden (FR), Salsabil (IRE), Scenic (IRE), Septimus (IRE), Sequoyah (IRE), Sholokhov (IRE), Sligo Bay (IRE), Sonus (IRE), Subtle Power (IRE), Synchronised (IRE), Trebizond (IRE), Yeats (IRE), Yesterday (IRE), Zaiyad (IRE)
Notable progeny of daughters
American Post (GB), Bad Girl Runs (SAF), Cesario (JPN), Dark Moondancer (GB), Diktat (GB), Divine Proportions (USA), El Condor Pasa (USA), Flintshire (GB), Hello (IRE), Henrythenavigator (USA), Horatio Nelson (IRE), Immortal Verse (IRE), Mawingo (GER), May Ball (GB), Medaaly (GB), Morshdi (GB), Music Note (USA), Musical Chimes (USA), Opera Singer (USA), Opinion (IRE), Passage of Time (GB), Pear Tart (AUS), Peeping Fawn (USA), Reefscape (GB), Sakhee (USA), Serenade Rose (AUS), She's Happy (ARG), Silic (FR), Sumati (GB), The Fugue (GB), Thunder Moon (IRE), Unaccompanied (IRE), Van Gogh (USA), Verbena Rak (ARG), Virginia Waters (USA), Whipper (USA)
Connections
Foaled in Kentucky, Sadler's Wells was bred by Swettenham Stud and Partners, the American breeding operation of Coolmore partner Robert Sangster. He was trained by Vincent O'Brien. He entered stud at Coolmore's facility in County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1985. He remained at Coolmore as a pensioner after being retired from stud duty in May 2008 and died of natural causes in April 2011.
Pedigree notes
Sadler's Wells is inbred 4x5 to six-time English leading sire Hyperion, a dual Classic winner. He is a full brother to 1996 French champion sire Fairy King, 1986 BBA Ireland-Goffs National Stakes (IRE-G1) winner Tate Gallery, Irish Group 3 winner Fairy Gold, and French stakes winner Puppet Dance.
Sadler's Wells is out of 1977 Irish champion juvenile filly Fairy Bridge (by Bold Reason), a half sister to 1980 French champion miler and excellent sire Nureyev and to multiple Grade 2 winner Number (by Nijinsky II), dam of 1989 CIGA Grand Criterium (FR-G1) winner Jade Robbery and Grade 3 winners Numerous and Chequer (all by Mr. Prospector) and second dam of three stakes winners including Irish Group 2 winner Lizard Island. Fairy Bridge is also a half sister to Bound (by Nijinsky II), dam of 2008 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (HK-G1) winner Archipenko (by Kingmambo) and listed stakes winner Limit (by Cox's Ridge) and second dam of four stakes winners including 2010 American champion older male Blame, and to Kilavea (by Hawaii), dam of English Group 3 winner Kiliniski (by Niniski) and second dam of three stakes winners including multiple Grade 1 winner Bienamado.
Fairy Bridge's dam Special (by Forli) is a full sister to 1972 Irish champion 2-year-old male and 1973 English champion miler Thatch and to 1974 Coronation Stakes (ENG-G2) winner Lisadell, dam of three stakes winners including 1992 Smurfit National Stakes (IRE-G1) winner Fatherland (by Sadler's Wells). Special is also a half sister to multiple Grade 1 winner King Pellinore (by Round Table); to stakes winner Espadrille (by Damascus), dam of multiple stakes producer Pump (by Forli); to Handsewn (by Sir Ivor), dam of Irish Group 3 winner Festival Hall (by Sadler's Wells) and Grade 3 winner Hymn (by Fairy King); and to Geiger Counter (by Mr. Prospector), a useful sire. The family traces back to the great Claiborne Farm matriarch Rough Shod II.
Books and media
Fun facts
Last updated: October 1, 2023
Race record
11 starts, 6 wins, 3 seconds, 0 thirds, £576,500
1983:
- Won Panasonic Beresford Stakes (IRE-G2, 8FT, The Curragh)
1984:
- Won Irish Two Thousand Guineas (IRE-G1, 8FT, The Curragh)
- Won Derrinstown Stud Stakes (IRE-G2, 10FT, Leopardstown)
- Won Coral-Eclipse Stakes (ENG-G1, 10FT, Sandown)
- Won Golden Fleece Phoenix Champion Stakes (IRE-G1, 10FT, Phoenix)
- 2nd Gladness Stakes (IRE-G3, 7FT, The Curragh)
- 2nd Prix du Jockey Club (FR-G1, 2400mT, Chantilly)
- 2nd King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Diamond Stakes (ENG-G1, 12FT, Ascot)
Honors
French champion miler (1984)
Assessments
Earned a Timeform rating of 132 pounds as a 3-year-old.
Sadler's Wells was rated as the sixth-best European horse of 1984 on the International Classification.
As an individual
A beautifully balanced, lengthy bay horse with a good shoulder and a straight, strong hind leg, Safler's Wells stood 16 hands. He was a fluent mover despite habitually racing with his head carried high (a tendency that he passed on). He possessed tactical speed, a fine turn of foot, and great tenacity. He was slightly light on bone and could be faulted for long pasterns, traits which he has often passed to his stock.
As a stallion
The Jockey Club credits Sadler's Wells with 1224 winners (54.2%) and 294 stakes winners (13.0%) from 2259 named foals. His progeny have been well suited to European middle distances and as a group have preferred soft turf. They have generally had relaxed temperaments. Sadler's Wells is a Classic/Solid chef-de-race in the Roman dosage system.
Sire rankings
Per Arion Pedigrees (www.arion.co.nz):
- 7th on the English general sire list in 2009.
- Led the English broodmare sire list in 2008-2011; 2nd in 2012-2015; 3rd in 2017; 4th in 2019; 5th in 2016; 6th in 2018; 9th in 2020.
- Led the French broodmare sire list in 2010, 2017, and 2018; 2nd in 2009, 2011, and 2014; 3rd in 2008, 2012, 2015, and 2019; 4th in 2013.
- 6th on the German broodmare sire list in 2013; 7th in 2015; 8th in 2011; 10th in 2010.
- 4th on the Irish general sire list in 2008; 5th in 2010; 8th in 2009.
- Led the Irish broodmare sire list in 2012 and 2013; 2nd in 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, and 2017; 3rd in 2008, 2009, and 2016; 8th in 2019 and 2020; 9th in 2018.
- 4th on the Italian broodmare sire list in 2012; 5th in 2013; 6th in 2011; 7th in 2014
- 8th on the Japanese broodmare sire list in 2010.
Per The Blood-Horse:
- Led the American broodmare sire list in 2008-2010; 2nd n 2006, 2007, and 2011; 3rd in 2005, 2013, and 2014; 4th in 2011 and 2015; 7th in 2004 and 2017; 8th in 2018; 10th in 2016.
Per Great Thoroughbred Sires of the World (2006, Churchill, Reichard, and Rogers):
- 3rd on the American broodmare sire list in 2005; 7th in 2004.
- Led the combined English/Irish general sire list in 1990 and 1992-2004; 2nd in 1989 and 1991; 3rd in 2005.
- Led the combined English/Irish broodmare sire list in 2005; 2nd in 2001; 3rd in 1998, 2002, and 2003; 5th in 2000; 6th in 1996.
- Led the French general sire list in 1993, 1994, and 1999; 2nd in 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2003; 3rd in 1989, 2002, and 2004; 4th in 1996; 5th in 1990; 7th in 2001; 10th in 2005.
- Led the French broodmare sire list in 2001, 2004, and 2005; 2nd in 1999 and 2003; 6th in 2002.
- 7th on the Japanese broodmare sire list in 2005; 10th in 2004.
Per Japan Bloodstock Information Systems (https://www.jbis.jp/ranking/):
- 7th on the Japanese broodmare sire list in 2005 and 2009; 8th in 2010.
Per Thoroughbred Heritage (www.tbheritage.com):
- Led the American broodmare sire list in 2008 and 2009.
- Led the combined English/Irish general sire list in 1990, 1992-2002, and 2004.
- Led the combined English/Irish broodmare sire list in 2005-2008.
- Led the French general sire list in 1993, 1994, and 1999.
- Led the Irish general sire list in 1994 and 1998-2004.
Per Thoroughbred Times (previously Thoroughbred Record):
- Led the American general sire list in 1995.
Notable progeny
Alberto Giacometti (IRE), Alexandrova (IRE), Aristotle (IRE), Ballingarry (IRE), Barathea (IRE), Beat Hollow (GB), Black Sam Bellamy (IRE), Braashee (GB), Brian Boru (GB), Carnegie (IRE), Chief Contender (IRE), Cloudings (IRE), Commander Collins (IRE), Correggio (IRE), Daliapour (IRE), Dance Design (IRE), Darazari (IRE), Diaghilev (IRE), Doyen (IRE), Dream Well (FR), Dushyantor (USA), Ebadiyla (IRE), El Prado (IRE), Entrepreneur (GB), Fatherland (IRE), Fort Wood (USA), French Ballerina (IRE), French Glory (IRE), Galileo (IRE), Gossamer (GB), Greek Dance (IRE), High Chaparral (IRE), Imagine (IRE), In Command (IRE), In the Wings (GB), Intrepidity (GB), Islington (IRE), Istabraq (IRE), Johann Quatz (FR), Kayf Tara (GB), King of Kings (IRE), King's Theatre (IRE), Leggera (IRE), Linda's Lad (GB), Listen (IRE), Luna Wells (IRE), Masad (IRE), Milan (GB), Montjeu (IRE), Moonshell (IRE), Muncie (IRE), Northern Spur (IRE), Old Vic (GB), Opera House (GB), Percussionist (IRE), Perfect Soul (IRE), Playful Act (IRE), Poliglote (GB), Powerscourt (GB), Prince of Dance (IRE), Quarter Moon (IRE), Quiff (GB), Refuse to Bend (IRE), Runyon (IRE), Saddex (GB), Saddlers' Hall (IRE), Saffron Walden (FR), Salsabil (IRE), Scenic (IRE), Septimus (IRE), Sequoyah (IRE), Sholokhov (IRE), Sligo Bay (IRE), Sonus (IRE), Subtle Power (IRE), Synchronised (IRE), Trebizond (IRE), Yeats (IRE), Yesterday (IRE), Zaiyad (IRE)
Notable progeny of daughters
American Post (GB), Bad Girl Runs (SAF), Cesario (JPN), Dark Moondancer (GB), Diktat (GB), Divine Proportions (USA), El Condor Pasa (USA), Flintshire (GB), Hello (IRE), Henrythenavigator (USA), Horatio Nelson (IRE), Immortal Verse (IRE), Mawingo (GER), May Ball (GB), Medaaly (GB), Morshdi (GB), Music Note (USA), Musical Chimes (USA), Opera Singer (USA), Opinion (IRE), Passage of Time (GB), Pear Tart (AUS), Peeping Fawn (USA), Reefscape (GB), Sakhee (USA), Serenade Rose (AUS), She's Happy (ARG), Silic (FR), Sumati (GB), The Fugue (GB), Thunder Moon (IRE), Unaccompanied (IRE), Van Gogh (USA), Verbena Rak (ARG), Virginia Waters (USA), Whipper (USA)
Connections
Foaled in Kentucky, Sadler's Wells was bred by Swettenham Stud and Partners, the American breeding operation of Coolmore partner Robert Sangster. He was trained by Vincent O'Brien. He entered stud at Coolmore's facility in County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1985. He remained at Coolmore as a pensioner after being retired from stud duty in May 2008 and died of natural causes in April 2011.
Pedigree notes
Sadler's Wells is inbred 4x5 to six-time English leading sire Hyperion, a dual Classic winner. He is a full brother to 1996 French champion sire Fairy King, 1986 BBA Ireland-Goffs National Stakes (IRE-G1) winner Tate Gallery, Irish Group 3 winner Fairy Gold, and French stakes winner Puppet Dance.
Sadler's Wells is out of 1977 Irish champion juvenile filly Fairy Bridge (by Bold Reason), a half sister to 1980 French champion miler and excellent sire Nureyev and to multiple Grade 2 winner Number (by Nijinsky II), dam of 1989 CIGA Grand Criterium (FR-G1) winner Jade Robbery and Grade 3 winners Numerous and Chequer (all by Mr. Prospector) and second dam of three stakes winners including Irish Group 2 winner Lizard Island. Fairy Bridge is also a half sister to Bound (by Nijinsky II), dam of 2008 Queen Elizabeth II Cup (HK-G1) winner Archipenko (by Kingmambo) and listed stakes winner Limit (by Cox's Ridge) and second dam of four stakes winners including 2010 American champion older male Blame, and to Kilavea (by Hawaii), dam of English Group 3 winner Kiliniski (by Niniski) and second dam of three stakes winners including multiple Grade 1 winner Bienamado.
Fairy Bridge's dam Special (by Forli) is a full sister to 1972 Irish champion 2-year-old male and 1973 English champion miler Thatch and to 1974 Coronation Stakes (ENG-G2) winner Lisadell, dam of three stakes winners including 1992 Smurfit National Stakes (IRE-G1) winner Fatherland (by Sadler's Wells). Special is also a half sister to multiple Grade 1 winner King Pellinore (by Round Table); to stakes winner Espadrille (by Damascus), dam of multiple stakes producer Pump (by Forli); to Handsewn (by Sir Ivor), dam of Irish Group 3 winner Festival Hall (by Sadler's Wells) and Grade 3 winner Hymn (by Fairy King); and to Geiger Counter (by Mr. Prospector), a useful sire. The family traces back to the great Claiborne Farm matriarch Rough Shod II.
Books and media
- Sadler's Wells is profiled in Part Five of Edward Bowen's Dynasties: Great Thoroughbred Stallions (2000, Eclipse Press).
- Sadler's Wells is one of 75 stallions profiled in Tony Morris' Thoroughbred Stallions (1990, The Crowood Press).
- Sadler's Wells is one of 205 stallions whose accomplishments at stud are profiled in Great Thoroughbred Sires of the World (2006, The Australian Bloodhorse Review), a massive reference work written by Jennifer Churchill, Andrew Reichard and Byron Rogers.
Fun facts
- Sadler's Wells is named after a famous theater in London.
- In 1988, Sadler's Wells was the sire of both the dead-heat winners of the Dewhurst Stakes (ENG-G1), Prince of Dance and Scenic.
- Progeny of Sadler's Wells swept the first three places in the 1999 Budweiser Irish Derby (IRE-G1) and the 2001 Vodafone Oaks (ENG-G1).
- Sadler's Wells became the first stallion in Thoroughbred history to have sired 200 stakes winners when his son Morozov won the Prix du Lys (FR-G3) on June 23, 2002.
Last updated: October 1, 2023