Tacitus left Kentucky to continue his stallion career in South Korea

The son of Tapit and Close Hatches was acquired by a private farm featuring an important broodmare band. At 10 years old, he lands in Asia while ranking among the top 10 second-crop sires in the United States, having already sired stakes winners in both the United States and Chile

LEXINGTON, Kentucky (Special for Turf Diario).— The geographical trajectory of Tacitus’s career has shifted once again. After competing at the highest level on the United States circuit, beginning his stud duties in Kentucky, and serving two shuttling seasons in Chile, the son of Tapit has opened a new chapter with his arrival in South Korea.

Now 10 years old, Tacitus was acquired by a private South Korean operation boasting a substantial broodmare band, arriving at his new home near midnight on September 12.

The transaction was brokered by International Bloodstock Associates, the American partner of Korean importer K.O.I.D., an agency that manages the annual export of 200 to 250 horses to the country.

According to bloodstock agent Yoonie Choi, the stallion's new owners had been closely monitoring his career at stud before finalizing the purchase.

The timing of the move is far from coincidental. Tacitus is enjoying a breakout season with his early crops, currently ranking among the top 10 second-crop sires in the United States after initially launching his stallion career at Taylor Made Stallions.

To date, he has sired 40 Northern Hemisphere winners from his first two crops, headlined by stakes winner and millionaire Silent Tactic.

Carrying the colors of John Oxley, Silent Tactic captured the Southwest Stakes (G3) this season before confirming his elite class with runner-up efforts in both the Arkansas Derby (G1) and the Rebel Stakes (G2).

Tacitus’s record also boasts a strong South American connection. The son of Tapit shuttled to Chile for the 2022 and 2023 breeding seasons to stand at Haras Don Alberto, a venture that is paying rich dividends. His offspring there have accumulated 24 wins in 2026 alone, led by Sulis, winner of the Arturo Lyon Peña (G1), and stakes winner Mr Sabelon.

Collectively, his progeny have earned $3,360,147 to date, averaging $23,334 per starter.

His arrival in Korea brings a pedigree combination that is virtually unrivaled. Tacitus is by Tapit, a multi-time champion sire in the United States and one of the most influential stallions of recent decades, out of the brilliant champion mare Close Hatches (First Defence).

Bred by Juddmonte Farms and racing in their iconic silks throughout his career, Tacitus was the first foal out of Close Hatches and quickly lived up to his blue-blood heritage.

A winner at 2, he established himself among the elite 3-year-olds of 2019 by capturing the Tampa Bay Derby (G2) and the Wood Memorial Stakes (G2). He went on to finish third in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and second in the Belmont Stakes (G1), while also placing in both the Travers Stakes (G1) and the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1).

At age 4, he added a victory in the Suburban Stakes (G2) while finishing second in the Woodward Handicap (G1) and third in another renewal of the Jockey Club Gold Cup.

He retired with a record of 4 wins, 4 seconds, and 3 thirds from 17 starts, with earnings of $4,267,350.

Over time, his female line has only grown stronger. Close Hatches, a multiple Group 1 winner herself during her racing career, subsequently produced Scylla, a full sister to Tacitus who captured the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1), as well as full brother Batten Down, winner of the 2024 Ohio Derby (G3) and third-place finisher in the Jim Dandy Stakes (G2).

Tacitus lands in South Korea backed by far more than just a famous name. He competed in the top tier of Americanracing, belongs to one of Juddmonte’s most potent families, and his initial crops are already delivering at the highest level in both North America and South America.

Now, South Korea will look to capitalize on a bloodline whose global footprint continues to expand.