Cambridge Stud has closed the 2019 book for their freshman sire Roaring Lion.

“From the moment the horse was released to the market, the response from breeders in both New Zealand and Australia was immediate and we are now closing his book,” Cambridge Stud chief executive Henry Plumptre said.

“Bringing champion racehorses of the calibre of Roaring Lion and Almanzor into New Zealand, to stand alongside our champion international sire Tavistock, at very competitive service fees is a key component of our business model.

“We are delighted with the response to all the stallions and appreciate the endorsement from breeders across New Zealand and Australia.”

Roaring Lion, like Almanzor, was named Cartier Champion three-year-old and Horse of the Year after a stellar 2018 season resulted in four consecutive weight-for-age Group One races in the UK.

In the same year, his sire Kitten's Joy became the US Champion with his best son, Roaring Lion, earning a Timeform rating of 130. It earned him many accolades, particularly from the man who selected him as a yearling for Sheikh Fahad, David Redvers from Tweenhills Stud.

“He is just the most exceptional racehorse I have had anything to do with,” Redvers said.

“Every time he ran, he got stronger, he got faster and he got more streetwise. He is the best moving horse I have ever clapped my eyes on and I really can’t think of what type of mare wouldn’t suit him. I think he’s about to create a legacy for New Zealand and I’m pleased to be involved with this.”