Ace Stud is pleased to announce that Lucky Vega (Lope de Vega) will join its stallion roster for the 2027 breeding season, standing alongside Shaquille (Charm Spirit).
Shaquille will stand at an unchanged fee of £10,000 January 1st, SLF, while Lucky Vega will be introduced to the British stallions ranks at a fee of £5,000 January 1st, SLF, following his return to Europe after the Southern Hemisphere breeding season in Australia.
Lucky Vega’s first Northern Hemisphere-bred two-year-olds made their debut in 2025, which saw the sire finish second only to Starman by number of two-year-old winners, as well as leading the standings with an impressive 49% strike rate. His first crop delivered the Listed-winning and Gr.3-placed Lam Yai, as well as another Listed winner in Only Luck. His daughter Senorita Vega also placed in the Gr.3 Oh So Sharp Stakes.
He has had another consistent year on the track in 2026, with a winners-to-runners ratio of over 45%, along the way adding further black type performers to his record, including the Gr.2 Richmond Stakes runner-up, Night in Vegas. As a result of his six victories and Group-placed performances, Night in Vegas has amassed over £725,000 in prize money, making him Europe’s highest-earning two-year-old colt of 2026. Other notable progeny include the Gr.3-placed Imperial Strike and Harmonics, as well as the Stakes performers Coral Cove, Poatan, Saga Gaga and Golden Vega.
On the back of these achievements, Lucky Vega’s average yearling price increased by 40% at the major European sales, with top prices reaching 115,000gns, €105,000 and €100,000. Meanwhile, in the Southern Hemisphere, Lucky Vega has enjoyed success with his Group 2 winners Cherry Bomshell, That’s Gold and Within The Law. The latter has also placed in two Group 1s to dateand secured over £900,000 in prize money.
Trained by Jessica Harrington, Lucky Vega was an impressive winner of the Gr.1 Phoenix Stakes at the Curragh at two, beating his rivals by three lengths. He went on to finish third in the Gr.1 2000 Guineas Stakes at Newmarket as a three-year-old, establishing himself as a Classic performer over a mile. During his racing career, he also placed in the Gr.1 Middle Park Stakes at Newmarket and the Gr.1 St James’s Palace Stakes at Royal Ascot.
Bred by Kilcarn Stud, he stems from the family of the Gr.1 Prix de l’Opéra winner Satwa Queen (Muhtathir), as well as the four-time Gr.1 winner Nations Pride (Teofilo) and triple Gr.1 winner Militarize (Dundeel). Having spent the past five seasons at the Irish National Stud, he will embark on his first covering season on British soil in 2027.
He joins Ace Stud’s dual Gr.1 winner Shaquille, whose first yearlings entered the sales ring this year, achieving prices of up to 170,000gns. Shaquille covered his largest book to date, with 162 mares in his third season at stud, including the dams of Gr.1 winners Gold Trip (Outstrip), Pyledriver (Harbour Watch), Starlust (Zoustar) and Without A Fight (Teofilo). His first yearlings have been acquired by renowned judges and will join the yards of several leading trainers ahead of the 2027 season.
Paul Curran, Ace Stud’s Bloodstock & Racing Manager, said: “We are very excited to welcome Lucky Vega to Ace Stud for the upcoming breeding season and believe he will appeal to British breeders, particularly given his remarkably consistent results throughout the season. His strike rate compares very favourably with his fellow second-season sires, the likes of Starman, Space Blues, St Mark’s Basilica and Palace Pier.
“His year was highlighted by his son Night in Vegas, who has been expertly campaigned by his connections and has become the highest-earning two-year-old colt in Europe in 2026. He has achieved more on the track than many Stakes-performing juveniles this season.
“The year ahead promises to be an exciting one, with Shaquille’s first runners set to hit the track. We acquired a number of his first yearlings and are eager to see them race in Ace Stud’s white and green silks in 2027. His first crop has been well received at the sales, and we wish all their new connections the very best of luck.”
Shaquille will be available to view at Ace Stud in Dullingham during the Tattersalls December Sales. Please note that Lucky Vega will return from Australia later in December. To arrange a viewing, please contact the stud office to book an appointment after his return. Alternatively, he will parade at Ace Stud during the Tattersalls February Sale.
Please send any nomination enquiries to: Ben Shoare – bshoare@acestud.co.uk
