Aldebaran Headed to Japan

Darby Dan Farm has announced that a purchase agreement has been reached between the Aldebaran Syndicate and the Japan Racing Association (JRA). Aldebaran stood all five years at Darby Dan near Lexington.

“In light of his incredible potential we hate to see him go, but wish Aldebaran and the JRA the utmost success,” said Darby Dan owner John W. Phillips. “We would like to thank the Aldebaran shareholders, and specifically Maria Niarchos, for the opportunity to work with them and for their support.”

Ten-year-old Aldebaran (Mr. Prospector--Chimes of Freedom, by Private Account) was voted champion sprinter of 2003 after winning five graded stakes. Aldebaran, whose first foals are 3-year-olds, is the sire of 2008 stakes winners Arcadia’s Angle (group III in France) and Danon Go Go (in Japan) and 2008 graded stakes-placed Grace Anatomy.

In the agreement brokered by Rollin Baugh, the JRA has purchased 100% of Aldebaran, who will stand at the Japan Bloodstock Breeders’ Association Stallion Station. Currently, the stallion remains in quarantine while undergoing the necessary tests required for import to Japan.

Aldebaran's 2008 fee was $30,000.