Artax, the 1999 Eclipse Award-winning sprinter, has been sold by John Smicklas and Randy Gammill to Brazilian interests. The 15-year-old stallion formerly stood at Gammill’s Diamond G Ranch near Edmond, Okla. Artax shuttled to Brazil starting in 2009.
Artax, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (gr. I) during his championship season, has sired six stakes winners, including grade I winner Friendly Michelle and grade II winner Diabolical. Friendly Michelle’s yearling colt by A.P. Indy fetched $600,000 at this year’s Keeneland September sale. Artax’s runners have earned $13.6 million.
By Marquetry, Artax is out of the Apalachee mare Raging Apalachee.