Japanese Champion Jungle Pocket to New Zealand

Japanese champion Jungle Pocket will be headed to New Zealand to stand under an agreement with Japan's Shadai Stallion Station, where the 5-year-old is currently serving his first book of mares, according to the New Zealand Thoroughbred News.

Jungle Pocket, a son of Toby Bin out of the Nureyev mare Dancer Charmer, was voted 2001 Horse of the Year and champion 3-year-old male after winning the Japan Cup and Japanese Derby, both group I. Jungle Pocket will serve a book limited to 85 mares at a fee of $NZ15,000, plus GST.

Shadai intends to send a number of mares by Sunday Silence, Seeking the Gold, Kris S., and Cox's Ridge to New Zealand to be served by Jungle Pocket. In a joint venture with Rich Hill, the mares will stay at that New Zealand farm for at least three years, with their progeny to be offered at New Zealand yearling sales.