Arabian Lion, G1 winner by Justify, sires first foal
January 10, 2025
Spendthrift Farm’s Arabian Lion, Justify’s only Grade 1-winning son on dirt, sired his first reported foal this week when a filly was born on Thursday, January 9th at Jim & Pam Robinson’s Brandywine Farm in Paris, KY.
Bred by Brandywine from one of their top families, the chestnut filly is out of the Street Boss mare Champagne Sparkle, a full sister to Grade 1 winner Danza and half to Grade 1-winning millionaire Majestic Harbor.
“We are thrilled. This is a strong foal with great bone, leg and substance,” said Pam Robinson. “A deep chestnut with a beautiful blaze. Correct and solid as a rock. We had to double check to be sure it was a filly and not a colt! She comes from a great family. Pretty special.”
Campaigned by Zedan Racing Stable, Arabian Lion broke his maiden on debut as a 2-year-old at Santa Anita, running six furlongs in 1:09.78 before being named a “Rising Star” by the Thoroughbred Daily News. As a 3-year-old, the chestnut colt stretched out around two turns to capture the Sir Barton Stakes on the Preakness undercard at Pimlico, earning a 103 Beyer. In his next start, he turned back to seven furlongs to score a breakout performance in the storied Woody Stephens (G1) on Belmont Stakes Day, winning in 1:21.70 while earning a 109 Beyer – the fastest Beyer by a Grade 1-winning 3-year-old in 2023.
Arabian Lion retired to Spendthrift as Triple Crown winner Justify’s only Grade 1 winner at stud, with earnings of $498,100. Out of the stakes-placed Distorted Humor mare Unbound, Arabian Lion hails from one of the Phipps’ top families, as his third dam is the great race mare and producer, Personal Ensign.
Arabian Lion proved to be one of the most popular first-season stallions in 2024, covering a full book of 178 mares. He is set to stand his second season for a fee of $20,000 S&N. For more information about Arabian Lion, please contact Des, Mark, Brian or Daniel at 859-294-0030.