Storm Cat's Fee To Stay At $500,000 In 2003

Storm Cat, the world's most expensive Thoroughbred stallion, will stand for the same price in 2003 as he did in 2002: $500,000.

"His book was his biggest ever at that fee last year, and the demand is just as strong for 2003 at the same fee that he had for the 2002 season," said Ric Waldman, a consultant to W. T. Young's Overbrook Farm near Lexington, where Storm Cat stands.

This is the first time that Storm Cat's fee has not been raised since it stayed at $150,000 in 1997 and 1998. It was increased to $200,000 in 1999. For the 2000 season, Waldman announced the fee would be raised to $250,000, then upped it later to $300,000. The cost to breed to Storm Cat soared to $400,000 in 2001.

A 19-year-old son of Storm Bird, Storm Cat was North America's leading sire by progeny earnings in 1999 and 2000.