Darley's Hard Spun to Return From Japan

Hard Spun  , one of an elite group of stallions to sire at least two grade I winners in North America in 2014, will return to Darley’s Jonabell Farm in Kentucky for the upcoming breeding season after a successful season in Japan.

He was part of Sheikh Mohammed’s stallion operation in Japan for one year.

Hard Spun is the sire of over 30 stakes winners to date, including TwinSpires.com Wood Memorial (gr. I) and Jim Dandy (gr. II) winner Wicked Strong  , plus Hard Not To Like, who captured the Jenny Wiley (gr. IT) at Keeneland earlier this year.

In 2013, Hard Spun was second only to fellow Darley stallion Street Sense   among third-crop sires ranked by progeny earnings. He sired multiple grade I winner and 2012 Eclipse champion Questing and Zo Impressive, a grade I winner that year as well.

Winner of the King’s Bishop (gr. I) in 2007, Hard Spun also had the versatility to finish on the board in all three of America’s Triple Crown races including a memorable second to Street Sense in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I). He also finished second to 2007 Horse of the Year Curlin   in that year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic (gr. I).

Dan Pride, Darley’s chief operating officer in the United States, said, "Street Sense and Hard Spun have each stood a season in Japan. Sharing the best of our stallions with breeders in other countries is an important part of our global philosophy. It’s wonderful they can be so popular both abroad and at home."

Charlie Boden, Darley’s U.S. head of sales, added, "Hard Spun was a favorite among breeders during his first five years at Jonabell and covered a full book of mares in Japan this year. His progeny continue to do very well and I know breeders here in the U.S. are excited to see him return."

Hard Spun’s 2015 fee will be set at a later date.