Justify once again headlines the Ashford Stud roster, which will also welcome several new stars

The Triple Crown winner will lead Ashford Stud’s powerful 2026 roster, standing for US$200,000, while Sierra Leone, Fierceness, Citizen Bull, and Journalism are expected to join the lineup following the Breeders’ Cup

Justify at Ashford Stud, where he stands as the leading stallion / COOLMORE

VERSAILLES, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario).- Coolmore America announced on Friday the 2026 stud fees for its powerful roster at Ashford Stud in Versailles, Kentucky, with undefeated Triple Crown winner Justify once again leading the lineup at US$200,000. Now 10 years old, the Scat Daddy stallion continues to solidify his position among the elite sires of the Northern Hemisphere, ranking within the top 10 on the 2025 General Sires List by earnings.

Justify’s international influence has become undeniable. In the United States, his 2025 standouts include graded winners Stellify and Pilot Commander, along with the rising American Promise, hero of the Virginia Derby (G3)before contesting both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness Stakes (G1). North of the border, Tom’s Magicbrought further distinction to his sire line by capturing the Breeders’ Stakes, the third leg of the Canadian Triple Crown. Across the Atlantic, Scandinavia and Ruling Court flew the flag for Justify in Europe, each capturing Group 1 events in England. And from Australia came yet more success, with group winners Just Feelin’ Lucky, Spicy Martini, Just Too Fly, and Lilac highlighting the stallion’s global versatility and reach.

While Ashford’s present shines brightly under Justify’s dominance, its future looks equally promising. Coolmore’s U.S. division could welcome up to four new stallions in 2026, all active runners and potential Breeders’ Cup participants: Sierra Leone (Gun Runner), Fierceness (City of Light), and Journalism (Curlin) are set to contest the Classic (G1), while Citizen Bull (Into Mischief) will line up for the Dirt Mile (G1).

Sierra Leone, the 2024 Champion 3-Year-Old Male, will look to defend his Classic title, having amassed five winsand more than US$7 million in earnings. His main rival, Fierceness, the 2023 Champion 2-Year-Old Male, has added G1 wins in the Florida Derby, Travers Stakes, and Pacific Classic, cementing his place among the best of his generation. Citizen Bull, meanwhile, followed in Fierceness’s footsteps by being named 2024 Champion 2-Year-Old Male after taking both the American Pharoah Stakes (G1) and Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1).

Journalism’s (Curlin) campaign has been one of the most closely watched of the year: winner of the Preakness Stakes (G1) and runner-up in the Kentucky Derby, the Michael McCarthy trainee could also join the Ashford roster depending on his Classic performance and discussions with his ownership group.

“With three new prospects likely to retire after the Breeders’ Cup, anticipation is running high,” said Charlie O’Connor, Coolmore America’s Director of Sales. “This year’s Classic will once again bring together Sierra Leoneand Fierceness, while we’ll be keeping a close eye on the iron horse Journalism and Citizen Bull in the Dirt Mile. All four are Eclipse Award winners, continuing the lineage of our great sires—from Thunder Gulch (Gulch) and Uncle Mo (Indian Charlie) to American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile) and Justify.”

O’Connor also emphasized the impact of Ashford’s younger sires, whose first yearlings have begun making waves in the sales ring. “Corniche, Epicenter, Jack Christopher, and Golden Pal made a fantastic impression with their first crops. With a roster that perfectly balances proven stallions and exciting newcomers, we believe Ashford offers the best value in today’s marketplace.”

With Justify setting the standard and a new generation of champions waiting in the wings, Ashford Stud is poised to write another golden chapter in Coolmore’s history, where excellence remains both the legacy and the promise of the future.