Citing the economic situation facing the breeding and sales industries in North America and Europe, Sheikh Mohammed’s Darley operation announced Oct. 28 that fees for 37 of its 40 stallions on those two continents would remain unchanged or decrease for 2010.

"There is no doubt that the yearling market throughout the Northern Hemisphere in 2009 has been extremely selective,” said John Ferguson, Sheikh Mohammed’s bloodstock advisor, in a statement. “Breeders therefore have to be very conscious of the cost of production at every level of the yearling market. Due to reasons both within and outside of the racing industry there is a shortage of people wishing to invest in race horses at the present time and although we should be cautiously optimistic for the future, Sheikh Mohammed believes that Darley’s stud fees must remain exceptional value in order that breeders may continue to operate successfully in these difficult times.”