Mizzen Mast, farewell to a generous stallion whose legacy lives on in Argentina

The son of Cozzene was 27 and sired 11 G1 winners, among them Full Mast—now a leading stallion—as well as Gran Muñeca, and he also produced Full Serrano, Giustino and the champion Tan Gritona

Mizzen Mast, a standard-bearer of the Caro line / JUDDMONTE FARMS

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario) – The international breeding world said goodbye a few weeks ago to Mizzen Mast (Cozzene), one of those stallions whose impact was quiet yet profound, both on the racetrack and in the breeding shed. At 27, and suffering from the inevitable ailments that come with age, the Juddmonte grey was humanely euthanized during the Northern Hemisphere summer, as confirmed by Farm Manager Garrett O’Rourke. A difficult but inevitable decision, as the horse himself eventually “said enough,” according to the executive.

Bred by Juddmonte and always racing in its iconic colors, Mizzen Mast built an international career that saw him compete at the highest level. He began in France under Criquette Head, winning the Prix de Guiche (G3) and finishing second in the Grand Prix de Paris (G1). Transferred to the care of Bobby Frankel, he later captured the Malibu S. (G1) at Santa Anita, closing out a brief but impactful career with five wins from 11 starts.

His greatest influence, however, would come at stud. Reliable, durable and long underrated, Mizzen Mast ultimately sired 11 Grade/Group 1 winners, among them unforgettable names such as Mizdirection (two-time winner of the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint), Caravel, the outstanding speedster who banked close to $2 million, and Flotilla, heroine of the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1).

His passing also invites a look south, where his line remains alive and well—and growing stronger. One of his finest sons, Full Mast, continues carrying the torch from Haras Gran Muñeca, where he has established himself as a stallion of remarkable consistency and growing influence.

Winner of the Prix Jean-Luc Lagardère (G1) in France, Full Mast found fertile ground in Argentina, transmitting speed, toughness and a recognizable stamp that is becoming increasingly common among local 2- and 3-year-olds. Runners such as Full Serrano, winner of the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (G1) and one of his most notable flagbearers, confirm that the bay inherited his sire’s best genetic qualities—and is passing them on in turn.

In a country where paternal lines often face uncertain futures, Full Mast has become a solid link in the chain, capable of preserving the influence of Cozzene and now the memory of Mizzen Mast himself. His consistent and upward-moving progeny place him among the most interesting sires of his generation.

The loss of Mizzen Mast marks the end of an era, but his story—especially his Argentine legacy—is still being written. If the old grey taught anything, it is that a stallion’s true value is not always found under the spotlight, but in the enduring footprints he leaves behind. And in that sense, his descendants seem determined to honor him for many years to come.